The Angela Ivory Memorial 50km trail race is named after a talented ultra marathon runner who lost…read moreher valiant battle with cancer. This race is in tribute and a memorial to her inspiration.
I needed Delaware for my 2nd round 50 states marathon/ultra quest and there was only a handful of events that I can participate in but of course, with time limits. I'm the type of person that loves the laid back vibe of ultra running, the generous time limits notwithstanding. With that said, I ventured over to runningintheusa website and scoured the entries to find a suitable candidate for my Delaware race that didn't have a hard cut off time. Ultras are a different breed and so I welcomed them with open arms. Once reading over the race event description, I signed up and felt happy to secure Delaware for my 2nd round marathon/ ultra circuit. The Angela Ivory memorial trail runs features a 24 hr race and a 50km fixed distance race event. In previous years, it was just the 50km but in 2023, there was the 24 hr event. The event is a small one, boasting the crazy of the crazy who love to run and race. I was surprised that the weather held up really well that weekend instead of snow and sleeting that comes with winter and January. Upon arrival to the race site, we were instructed to leave our stuff in the community pavillion tables, separated by the 24 hr peeps and the 50km peeps. The mission is 3.12 mile loops on mostly trails at the Killens Pond state park in Harrington, Delaware. 10 full loops for the 50km and obviously whatever you can do within 24 hours. Night running is fun and challenging at the same time.
The overall experience here at the 2023 Angela Ivory Memorial trail run ultras was eventful, exhausting, wouldn't say worth it, but I got what I needed from Delaware, which was a timed race result that I can use to mark off a marathon/ultra ran in the state of Delaware. This was a low key race event, where the race director knew everyone and manually checked in runners after each lap. The plan was simple, have fun and enjoy the trails while racing a marathon/ultra at the same time. The course was marked with orange flags, so that was cool. I got lost twice and was unfortunately attacked by a raccoon on my last lap. Apparently, I took a wrong turn and when I backtracked, I encountered the thing and I guess it was protecting its young from randoms creeping around. Thank goodness I didn't get bitten or scratched. With that said, the trails were marked clearly, but in the dark, it was different, especially on trails and you're not local to the area. Thankfully that I knew enough during the day to know how to navigate at night (with a light) and fellow runners to guide me out of the wilderness. The trails in Killens Pond state park were well groomed and suitable for running. The event was come as you go, run as you please. There's no time limit for the 50km, since there was the 24 hr event running concurrently. Best to bring your own food and drinks if you're doing the event, so you don't have to worry about options. The race director is friendly and will help you out if you need.
The Angela Ivory Memorial Ultra trail runs is held annually at the Killens Pond state park near Harrington, Delaware. Race day is generally on a Saturday in late January. Be prepared for all types of weather including snow. But then again, if it's snowing enough to warrant the closure of the park, then the race will likey be canceled. I've been told that Delaware rarely gets substantial snowfalls in late January, but it just depends on the year and gauge it individually. In 2023, the 50km event is free but the 24 hr event cost $50, which directly benefits the state of Delaware state parks, due to the useage for the event. All registration is held online, which accepts major credit cards, I believe. As far as race day parking goes, best to get in by 8am since the race starts for both events at 8:30am. It's a fun group mix of expert, those who love trail distance running, and those who just love trails. Thankful for meeting new friends at the race since my ride had to leave soon after his finish, but I asked around and found someone willing to drive me back to the hotel for the night. Runners are the best! If you need Delaware for your 50 states marathon quest or just want to run an ultra distance, consider coming to Delaware in January and run this race. Definitely a good one, but be wary of wild animals who make their home in the park.
5.0 stars for the overall experience, despite the raccoon attack.
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