Message from the Race Director

I hope you’ll be able to join us this May for what has become an annual event for many runners from around the country. This year, Ice Age will also be part of the prestigious Montrail Ultra Cup Series – and we’re pleased to have them as a sponsor.

 

Ultras inherently involve an element of the unpredictable – some call it “adventure” – but my goal, as your Race Director, is to see that most of the adventure will be out there on the trails, not with registration, packet pick-up or race day logistics. To make that happen, almost 150 people will be volunteering their time before, during and after Race Day to help make your experience enjoyable. Please take a moment to acknowledge their efforts.

 

This is my first year as the RD of the Ice Age 50. My association with the race began back in the early 1990s as an aid station volunteer. After three years of filling water bottles, peeling bananas and “refreshing” the bowls of M&Ms, I decided to run the race myself. So far, I’ve completed eight Ice Age 50-milers and while my goal to join the “500 Mile Club” has been postponed temporarily, I’m truly excited to carry on the tradition of the Ice Age Trail 50 and to look for new ways to make the event a better experience for all the runners.

 

My resume as a Race Director is short, but I’ve been part of the ultrarunning community for about 10 years, having completed about 50 races, including 20+ 50-milers and a handful of 100s. 

 

If you’re new to this race, I think you’ll be challenged by the terrain and the competition – surprised by the often striking and sublime beauty of this area (Ice Age was named one of America’s most scenic trail runs by Trail Runner magazine several years ago) – and delighted by the runners and volunteers you’ll meet on the trails. 

 

If you decide to join us in 2010, please take a moment to introduce yourself. I look forward to meeting each of you and welcoming you to an ultra event you’re sure to remember.

 

Jeff Mallach