The race director for the Mad Mallard is also a member of the scal-a-wag trail run club. As a long time member of the group, I had to sign up to support him and the Henry Horton state park where the event was held. The money also goes to the Fallen Warrior Foundation in honor of Sgt. David Hierholzer raising money for the less fortunate in Marshall County Tennessee.
The race takes place at the Ronnie Bowers Wetland Trail at the Park. The trail consisted of about a mile of grass through the wetlands and two mile of trail as an out and back lollipop shape.
I signed up for the 24 hour race and 3 of my daughters signed up for the 6 hour race.
I took Friday off to help get our group ready for the start of the race that evening at 7pm. we packed two coolers of ice, all sorts of snacks and hydration as well as bug spray and suntan lotion to run through the next day. The chairs were also very important.
The race started at 7pm we had the National Anthem and then a brief word from the race director.
The girls and I all had different running strategies, so we did not stay together. However, we did see each other several times on the trail.
My original strategy was to run the wetland and walk the trail, but with my longest training time at 6 hours, I decided to walk the entire time.
Running through the night was an awesome experience on the wetlands with only the headlamps of the other runners out on the trail. Each lap that I finished I made sure I ate a watermelon on the way in, refilled my hydration and grabbed a quesadilla on my way out.
I managed to run 48 miles in 17 hours. I ended up having to stop due to some pretty nasty blisters. My daughter lanced the two on my heel, but I over compensated and ended up with a few on the balls of my feet. Great race and awesome time.
Did manage one change of clothes for the race.
Will come back next year and make it the full 24 hours. Will definitely be sure to take care of my feet before the race.
Country Road Runner 