Course Preview: Bridge 2 Bridge 5 Miler

In three short days, the Rock & Snow Bridge 2 Bridge 5 Miler put on by the Shawangunk Runners to benefit the Mohonk Preserve will kick off the 2015 racing season in the 'Gunks.  This is the same race for those that have run it in August in the recent past.  So far the forecast is looking about as good as possible for a Saturday morning in April: partly cloudy skies with temps in the high 40's/low 50's by race time most likely.  Compared to August, racers will get to enjoy the early signs of spring along the trails and a couple of rushing streams (bridges provided) from this winter's snowmelt instead of the mountain in full bloom.

For those unfamiliar with the course, it is a pretty simple course.  (Disclaimer: I do not run with a GPS so nothing will be exact but you can expect my estimations to be pretty close.)  It is an out and back with a short loop just about halfway through.  The first 2-2.25 miles are relatively flat with changes in elevation in the 1-3% range on carriage roads traversing the two bridges that give the race its name.  You'll hit the first bridge just over 1 mile in and the second bridge is close to the 2 mile mark.  Other than some leaves and small branches, conditions are very good.  There was a little bit of ice leading up to the first bridge on the way out but this will probably be gone by race day.  When you get to the loop section, there is a sharp left turn that begins a short hill (less than a quarter of a mile) on a less traveled trail.  About halfway up, there was another small patch of ice but chances are good that this will be gone over the next few days too.  After the short hill, it'll flatten out before making another left turn to make your way downhill back to the original carriage road.  The loop is close to half a mile and conditions are a little mushy in parts, especially on the downhill section so you'll want to be aware of your footing.  There were also more tree branches down and one tree to climb over so be prepared for that as well in case it is not removed before the race.  After the loop, you'll make a right turn onto the carriage road again and you'll have a little over 2 miles back over the bridges and to the finish line which is a short extension beyond the starting line.  When you pass the starting line, it is a little less than half a mile downhill to the finish...a good place to catch up to anyone in front of you!

Overall the conditions will be pretty good for the course and there is definitely no need for any special footwear.  It should be a fun, flat and fast course and is perfect for all skill levels!

For more information, you can head over to the event page and if there are still spots available, you can register as well!  I'll see you out on the course!

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