Race Review: Ornery Mule Earth Day Trail Races

On Saturday, April 16, Ornery Mule Racing held their annual Earth Day path races that includes a 50K, 15 mile, and 5 mile choice, there’s a distance for everybody. This race is held on the Veteran Acres park in Crystal Lake, Illinois and is really a suburban hidden gem.

Ornery Mule Racing is owned by Michele Hartwig, who’s a valued member of the operating group on all ranges. Her occasions are pleasant and welcoming to runners of all skills. Each element is assumed out and designed with runners in thoughts. From the hand painted medals to the hugs at the beginning line, the workers and volunteers at all times make these races unforgettable to runners.

This yr‘s Earth Day occasion was pretty chilly compared to years previous. The races started at 8 AM with the temperature simply over 30°, however the solar was shining. The 5.2 mile loop had runners starting on the pavilion situated proper close to parking. Runners then ran throughout the bridge and up a flight of stairs earlier than starting their journey by means of the path system. This path is troublesome, however not unmanageable. There are a number of hills that require strolling and roots and timber that require leaping. Runners are challenged on all ranges however have one another and volunteers to lean on. There are a number of flat parts of the course as properly for runners to get their coronary heart fee again down and achieve a little bit pace.

There was an assist station at the beginning/end line that runners crossed each loop. Runners had been additionally in a position to go away drop baggage in the event that they needed to deliver their personalised gas and hydration provides.

I started the morning with gloves, a jacket, and a hat. I ended with simply my jacket as I warmed up and my ft thawed out from the 30 diploma begin.

Up to now, runners have acquired a uniquely hand painted wooden medal. This yr, Michele determined to do it a bit totally different. She labored with an artist who created a picture that exemplified the course’s path system. This lovely picture was put onto a medal for everybody as they crossed the end line. As at all times, an enormous thanks to the workers and volunteers who work so exhausting to ensure we runners are taken care of. And congrats to everybody who went on the market and “ran their ass off” because the OMR workforce would say!

You can check out all of their events here.