Location: | Alton, IL, USA |
Description: | This race is just a short drive from St. Louis and begins and ends at Pere Marquette State Park, just off the Great River Road north of Alton, IL. It is a GRUELING 7.5 miles over the tough trails of this beautiful state park. The race theme is "NO WHIMPS, NO WHINERS" and the race directors (part of the Team Godzilla and the Southern, IL U. at Edwardsville, I think) do a great job of keeping everyone happy, in spite of the tough trail conditions. The race goes off every year in early December -- in spite of any rain, sleet, snow, earthquakes, or other acts of God. With the leaves off of the trees, the run takes you through some tough terrain but provides beautiful vistas from the bluffs down over the valleys and the river. It is grueling, and it's usually cold, but I keep going back every year! |
Suzanne Gau |