Charlotte Running Company 13 mile Trail race @ Ann Spring

 I rolled out of bed, dressed, and headed for Ann Springs for the CRC 13-mile trail race. I was looking forward to running this race, and I was hoping that it would stay dry. Last year, the course was muddy without runners on it, and it was worse with them on it. 

Picked up my hoodie and bib just as dawn started to appear, but one would hardly know it. Dreary clouds hung in the air not to mention the wind was blowing. On top of this, there was a chance of rain during the race. A good day could quickly turn into a hard one if it started raining. 

We gathered around the starting line just before the 8:30 AM start. I was warm from my two quick miles, but that warmth was rapidly disappearing. The wind was coming across the field and stripping away any warmth that was left. 

So, I was happy when we started running. The course for this race is a mixture of tight rugged single track interspersed with wide smooth paths. The swinging bridge is always rough and my least favorite part of this race. I never really run across it as any action on the bridge creates a wave in the bridge footing. More so, I just endure it and move on. There are also a few stair sections on this course. I would be remise if I didn't call out the many roots and rocks. Several times late in the race, I was dragging my shoe just over a root or twisting my ankle on a rock that was locked in place. I am not too proud to admit that I get tired these days. 13 miles is still a long way. 

Sprinkles did fall during this race. Around 4 miles, I felt some rain drops and later around 8 or 9 miles I felt a few more drops. There was definitely not enough to wet down the course. Thankfully. 

As I wrap up this post, I was nearly 50 seconds faster than last year in 1:43:07. I won my age group which scored me a ceramic mug and CRC store hat. 

First 3 weeks of '26 has been good to me. 

The Cool Down Runner