The first official 100-mile run in North Alabama history, the Great Blue Heron Hundreds, will be held Labor Day weekend at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
It was announced by Fringe Events on Facebook on May 24 in the Run256 group. Rumblings about a 100-miler have been making the rounds for quite a while. Fringe Events recently staged a backyard ultra. It also is not the only group to have tried to put on an event at Wheeler NWR, which previously has rejected such events.
“Fringe Events is happy to announce a 100 mile, 100km, and relay that will take place on Labor Day weekend at Wheeler Federal Wildlife Refuge. More information to come soon, but it’s time to start training,” wrote Kathy Faulkner Youngren on the group post.
Responses were positive, with more than two dozen replies. North Alabama’s trail and road running communities, along with other distance runners in the Southeast, likely will give the Great Blue Heron Hundreds a hard look. Why? One, it’s a first-time event and who doesn’t love to be part of the ice breaker? Two, the route will use Wheeler NWR’s gravel roads which are solid for running and biking. Three, it’s Labor Day weekend. What else do you have planned?
What About the Weather?
Ah, yes. Alabama weather in summer.
The Great Blue Heron Hundreds will envelope runners with a sultry blanket of humidity, made more enjoyable by the refuge’s proximity to the Tennessee River. Along with cicadas and horseflies and maybe a snake or gator sighting, the heat and humidity are just part of the deal.
Monthly averages in August are 90 degrees during the day and 72 at night. That’s the average. In September, it drops to 84 during the day and 65 at night. Labor Day weekend still will be hotter than two rats gettin’ busy in a wool sock.
Suck it up, buttercup. Bring your chafin’ cream and stay hydrated.
Anything Else?
The 100-mile and 100K runs definitely will test the ultra crowd. The relay should be interesting to see. Teams will have to plan some strategy and prepare well. Here are some more details from Youngren:
The course is a 20-mile route on dirt/crushed gravel in the refuge.
— Four aid stations throughout the loop and the aid at the start/finish area should provide ample substance for you throughout the event.
— Drop bags will be allowed at the aid station at about 11 miles.
— Crews will only be allowed at the start/finish area.
— Start/finish area will be right outside of Mooresville
— We will have a preview run of the course sometime in July. Dates and times announced soon.
Cutoff for all events is 30 hours.
— 6 a.m. start for 100 mile, 100k, and relays.
— 7 a.m. start for 20 mile fun run.
100 mile: 5 laps of the route.
— Pacers can start at lap 4.
— Receive race t-shirt; finisher’s gift and custom belt buckle
— Awards: open and master’s overall male/female
100k: 2 miles, then 3 laps.
— Receive race t-shirt; finisher’s gift and medal
— Awards: open and master’s overall male/female
100 mile relay: 2-5 people, 5 laps.
— Exchange point only at start/finish.
— Each team member runs 20 mile lap.
— Each member receives race shirt; finisher gift and medal
— Awards to top team
100k relay: 2-3 people. 2 miles, plus 3 laps.
— Exchange point only at start/finish.
— First team member runs 22 miles, then other members run 20 mile laps
— Each member receives race shirt; finisher gift and medal
— Awards to top team
20 mile fun run:
— Will start 1 hour after start of other events.
— Will have limited number of entries.
— Will receive race shirt and finisher’s medal
Put it on your calendar if you want a stern test. If you live out of state, book rooms now in Madison or Huntsville. And get ready for a cool weekend.
Registration opened May 28.
