Anne Farrell
EditorUVRC Newsletter Team
Kristina Siladi
Article CollectionUVRC Newsletter Team
Articles
Just Stupid Enough
Three Marathons in Fourteen Days
Name of the Race(s): Peterson Ridge Rumble – Sisters, OR; Blue Ridge Marathon – Roanoke, VA; Mo Spring Marathon – Perrysville, OH
Race/Event Distance: 26.2 (x 3)
Date(s): April 11th, 18th & 25th
Describe the Event: A trail race in Oregon that I have attended every year for the past 12 years, a hilly road marathon in Virginia, and a trail marathon in Ohio that just happened to fall on the right weekend in a close-enough location to check another marathon state off of my list before my spring break ended.
How did you prepare for the race/event? I was able to run pretty consistently over the winter and put in enough mileage in recent weeks to make me think I was fit and healthy enough to finish all three. I had no plans to run hard in any of them; I just wanted to maintain a comfortable pace and finish with two new marathon states and without injury.
What they had in common: The length, as I opted for the marathon distance at each event. They were all impeccably organized with clearly marked courses, well-stocked aid stations, and fun vibes!
What stood out about each one:
Peterson Ridge Rumble: I happen to be married to the race director of this one so I have some inherent biases, but the Rumble is truly top-notch: a fun and laid-back adventure on some dreamy, flowy Central Oregon singletrack with snow-capped mountain views. It’s dog friendly, with 50-100 four-legged participants across all race distances each year, which adds so much joy to the event. The finish line food is about as good as it gets, with a build-your-own-burrito bar and bakery treats. I ran it in a bit of a sleep-deprived, jet-lagged stupor; I enjoyed the miles at a comfortable pace and spent time with the friends and family who make Central Oregon feel like home every April. Add on plenty of pre and post-race helping with race organization and traveling home to get back to work, and I was pretty spent after this one.
Blue Ridge Marathon: This was the only road run of the trio, and it dubs itself America’s Toughest Road Race. It certainly had a respectable amount of vert, and with race-day temperatures creeping toward 90, it had an added weather challenge to keep it spicy. It was fully embraced by the community, with spectators adding makeshift aid stations to an already well-supported course. It was really fun to be able to see Sean and my brother on the out-and-back sections, and I got to high five my adorably enthusiastic niece and nephew with their homemade signs as I came into the finish. I was pleasantly surprised with how my legs felt, as I was again able to cruise at a comfortable pace, and ran a negative split. I woke up without much soreness, even after all of that pavement pounding. This race provided a great excuse to spend a weekend with family in a new-to-us location.
Mo Spring Marathon: After the Blue Ridge Marathon, we did a bunch of hiking in and around the Smokies, so my legs had absolutely zero pep going into this one. I really didn’t start to enjoy it until the second lap of the two-lap course, as by that point, I knew I was getting closer to some rest days! I definitely did not run a negative split this time! The course was on some muddy trails with lots of punchy hills; Ohio made us work for this finish. Some sections were lined with a sea of white trillium; others were covered in thick mud. Fellow trail users – racers and weekend hikers alike – were all very friendly and supportive. I crossed the finish line, walked back to the car, sat on a curb next to Sean while our dog licked sweat off of my face, and let out a big sigh. I was thankful to be done, and thankful for every step my body lets me take these days. As I age, it feels easy to cross into Too Stupid territory, so I felt good about a 14-day stretch that felt Just Stupid Enough.
White Chalk on Cinders
Early summer
Late afternoon
Dartmouth runners finishing workout
Golden ball sinking slowly to the ridge line
Shadows yawning across the infield
Then climbing up the stadium stairs one-by-one
Young boy approaching
Prodding the cinders with a barefoot
Testing tentatively
Scratch, scratch, scratch…
Then stepping over the thick concrete rail into the first lane
Lined with white chalk
Pushing off
Crunch, crunch, crunch…
Coming into the turn
Knowing what to do
Having watched the milers… Leaning in
Hugging the rail
Floating
Mind lost in emptiness
Legs springing forward
Effortlessly
Crunching cinder in sync with heartbeats
Running in rhythm
Magically
Thump, thump, thump…
Ahh…young legs…The old man thought wistfully
Then remembering…
In 1968, didn’t Tom Laris run the 10,000
At the Summer Olympics in Mexico City?…
Wasn’t that the time that Tommie Smith and John Carlos
Stood defiantly on the podium looking down at their feet
And punching black-gloved fists o the sky
As the Stars and Stripes rang out…
Yes… he muttered to himself.
The Protest…
The old man thought to himself
The words trailing off
Like white chalk blowing in the wind
Down the inside lane…
Salt Lake City Marathon
Name of the Race: Salt Lake City Marathon
Race/Event Distance: 26.2
Date: April 25th, 2026
Describe the Event: Beautiful rolling course through Salt Lake City. The whole race was between 4,000 and 5,000 feet with an elevation gain of about 900.
How did you prepare for the race/event? I decided to register only three months before the race. I ran with the local SLC Track Club for some Tuesday night speed workouts and Saturday long runs. Mostly, I did solo runs along the multiuse trail that runs through the city. My ‘long slow days’ LSD’s started around 5-6 miles then gradually built up to a max of 16. My dog tuckered out at 10. I had some concerns that 16 miles wasn’t long enough, but when the knee starts to click, I back off.
Any notable moments? Running with the friendly volunteer pacers; watching hundreds of runners snake around Bonneville Trail with the canyons and the state capitol as a backdrop; may family cheering me on at multiple sections; picture perfect weather!
What do you wish you had known about this race/event before starting? This is a hard one. I felt pretty well prepared, all things considered. Can’t say that there is something I wish I had known that I didn’t. Maybe to worry less and “trust the process” more!
May 2026 UVRS Update
The 2026 Upper Valley Running Series (UVRS), brought to you by BE Fit Physical Therapy, continued with our April race. The third race in the series was the Icebreaker 5M in Fairlee VT. Congratulations to all of the UVRC participants; race results are here:
https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/Simple/133822
You can find UVRS standings on the UVRS website:
The next race in the series is the challenging (but fun!) BarnArts Race Around the Lake 5K/10K. The race is May 17th in Barnard VT, see the website for full details:
https://runsignup.com/Race/VT/Barnard/BarnArtsRaceAroundtheLake
So, what is this UVRS that you’re hearing so much about? It’s our club’s series of local road races. Full information:
As an up-to-date UVRC member, you can participate in the series, just by signing up for each race through the normal race registration (even day-of is OK). You’ll get credit as a series participant.
For 2026, you need to run 6 (of the 11) races to get the finisher prize. I believe in you; you can do it!
If you don’t want to race, or have a family member along, who doesn’t want to run, consider volunteering. Prizes available. Volunteering into:
https://uppervalleyrunningclub.org/volunteering/
May 2026 Announcements
Volunteers Needed!
We are in need of a few fine folks to help with early morning parking for the Covered Bridges Half Marathon on June 7th. Providing volunteers means $$$ for the club! If you are interested in helping out, please email volunteering@uppervalleyrunningclub.org.
Finding Our Stride 5k
Get ready to run, walk, and get colorful for a great cause! Join us for a vibrant Color Splash and Dash benefiting Finding Our Stride, an organization dedicated to empowering Upper Valley youth through free afterschool running programs by boosting fitness, self-esteem and resilience, and connecting kids to peers, mentors and community. This fun, untimed event welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Along the course, you’ll be doused in bursts of bright color, creating a joyful and unforgettable experience from start to finish.
Whether you’re participating with friends, bringing the family, or simply looking for a unique way to give back, every step you take helps support meaningful programming that makes a difference. Come dressed in white, leave covered in color, and help us stride toward a stronger, more connected community!
Event website: https://www.findingourstride.org/splash-and-dash
Event registration: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/finding-our-stride-community-color-splash-and-dash
UVRC Calendar
Looking for a local race? Did you know UVRC’s website features a race calendar? Scroll through to find your next adventure!
Western New Hampshire Trail Series
Not a fan of pounding the pavement? Looking to try some new events this year? Check out the Western New Hampshire Trail Running Series! Races take place from May-September throughout the Upper Valley. All races are designed to be welcoming to newbies while still challenging for seasoned veterans.
| 2026 Race Calendar – WNHTRS | |||
| # 1 | Dirty 5K (Sunday) | May 10, 2026 | Hanover, NH |
| # 2 | Six in the Stix (Saturday) | June 13, 2026 | Newport, NH |
| # 3 | Frenzy In The Forest (Sunday) | June 28, 2026 | Sunapee, NH |
| # 4 | Hurricane Hill (Saturday) | July 18, 2026 | Hartford, VT |
| # 5 | STOAKED (Saturday) | August 1, 2026 | Hanover, NH |
| # 6 | All Out Trail Run (Saturday) | August 15, 2026 | Claremont, NH |
| # 7 | Triple Dam 10K (Sunday) | August 30, 2026 | Perkinsville, VT |
| # 8 | Lilyan Wright Trail Fun Run (Saturday) | September 5, 2026 | Goshen, NH |
| # 9 | Farnum Five.5 and series awards (Saturday) | September 12, 2026 | Lebanon, NH |
Updated Discount Code: Running Warehouse
As a UVRC member, you can enjoy a discount from Running Warehouse: 20% off clothing and socks and 10% off select clearance shoes, visors & hats, and nutrition. Enter code 2PK52FZT at checkout. Note: this is a new code as of January 1st.
Volunteer Challenge 2026
Have you ever avoided getting lost in a race because someone in a stylish traffic vest pointed you in the right direction? Have you ever had someone hand you a cup of electrolyte mix mid-stride and continue to smile brightly even though some of that sticky liquid spilled on their hand as you took it from them? Have you ever had a stranger put a medal around your neck and congratulate you? Have you ever reached an aid station 20 hours into a race and had a stranger hand you pickle juice and an otter pop and tell you you look great even though you know they were lying through their teeth out of kindness?
If you answered yes to any or all of the above, you have benefited from the generosity of volunteers in the running community! Knowing that running events do not happen without volunteers, UVRC is once again issuing a Volunteer Challenge in 2026 – now with a new format! Any UVRC member who volunteers at least 3 hours at a running event or trail work day will be entered to win a pair of running shoes of their choice from Omer and Bob’s or Stateline Sports at the end of the year! Each person gets one entry, though volunteering more than 3 hours is always encouraged. You can submit your hours by emailing volunteering@uppervalleyrunningclub.org. If you;ve never volunteered at a running event before, we think you’ll find it to be a fun and rewarding experience!
Save the Date 6/27 – Volunteers Needed for Mount Washington Road Race
UVRC has provided volunteers for the Mount Washington Road Race for years, and we are hoping to round up another crew of amazing humans this year. The race is on Saturday, June 27th. We are in charge of post-race parking, as drivers bring runners back down to the starting area at the base. It’s a pretty easy gig, and in exchange, volunteers get all the feel-good vibes the volunteering brings about, and UVRC gets four bypass entries into the race for anyone who wants to run but does not get in via the lottery.
Save the Date for the 2nd Annual UVRC Campout
UVRC will be hosting a campout at Barnes Field at the Dolly Copp Campground, just a few short miles from the start of the Mount Washington Road Race, June 26th-28th. It’s a great place for MWRR volunteers and racers to hang for the weekend, as well as anyone else who wants to spend a summer weekend in the Whites with some running friends! More details to come.
Covered Bridges Half Marathon lodging discount
Do you have friends or family coming into town for the Covered Bridges Half Marathon who need lodging? On the River Inn in Woodstock is offering a discount for racers and family/friends. Use the code EVENTS when booking, or reach out to Nikki at events@ontheriverwoodstock.com who can help you with your booking!
https://ontheriverwoodstock.com/
Letter from a Board Member May 2026
It’s May and it finally feels like we’re safely out of winter. When you live in a place that is dark and cold for 6 months of the year, this transition is extra noticeable and creates a sense of urgency.
Summer is fleeting, but it’s also what I dream of all year long. I live for the green and sunshine and warmth. When it’s here, I’m so happy. The charge on my battery lasts longer. It’s showtime and I don’t want to waste it.
All winter is spent thinking about optimization of June through September. How do I prepare myself now so I can maximize those few months?
I know, I know, winter is the star of many Upper Valley dreams. I don’t identify, but I’m happy for you. Perhaps this is how a skier feels in October when the first chill summons spandex and jackets from the depths of the closet. (I am usually under the covers).
While the urgency of a season with so few weekends keeps me up at night and wakes me up early, it’s the kick I need to make a plan and work towards a goal. Jesse Itzler, an entrepreneur and public speaker, introduced me to a new word: misogi. It has a few interpretations, including one big goal that defines your whole year. Perhaps one you’re not even sure you can accomplish. What goals swirl in your head when *your season* is coming? Do you get jazzed up by lists or stats? By new trails or personal bests? When you look back on 2026, what do you want to remember it by?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious summer? What will your misogi be? I can’t wait to hear about it.
– Cara Baskin
