The Washington, DC North Face Endurance Challenge is back and it is THIS weekend, June 1-2 at Algonkian Park in Sterling, VA. Amazingly, there are still spots open for EVERY event, which includes the GORE-TEX® 50-mile, 50K, marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K and 5K. As an alumnus of last year’s half marathon event, I want to encourage you to expand your racing experience and try this race series. If you read last year’s race review on the half marathon called Blood, Sweat, and Mud, you’ll know that this event isn’t for someone looking for a walk in the park (literally!). Though there are no obstacles on the courses, these are certainly challenging events. The magnificent scenery along the course will keep you feeling a sense of one with nature, but be sure to watch your footing for roots, water crossings, and rocks. The camaraderie of the competition is unlike most other races; you are always with other runners and there is a sense of togetherness with this type of course. If someone falls down on the course, there is always a hand right there to help pick you up. It's truly a special experience to compete in this race series.
This year, I’m going to try out the 10k course, which starts at
Algonkian Park (same as the other events), runs along the Potomac Heritage Trail and loops out along
Sugarland Run for a view of the Potomac River before returning to the Start/Finish. Each
course has turn-by-turn directions in the handy guides on the Washington, DC North Face Endurance Challenge website, so check them out and come race
with me this weekend! The course will definitely be shaded and the weather forecast is looking
to be partly cloudy and warm, but dry for this weekend.
I have a discount code to give away for either the 5k or 10k event (your choice, assuming they don't sell out), so post a comment on this blog post and tell me your favorite trail running location. I'll pick someone at random for the discount code (you don't have to be a NOVA member to be eligible for the discount code - we are happy when non-members read our blog, too. If you're local, think about joining the NOVA Running Club and expanding your running circle, too.).
Happy Running and I hope to see you this weekend at the Washington, DC North Face Endurance Challenge!
-Amanda Williams
NOVA Vice President
I like to run on the Gold Mine Loop Trail at Great Falls Park on the Maryland side. It is nicely shaded from all the trees and has way less crowds then the towpath.
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