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| 15th Annual Croom Fools Runs |
15th Annual Croom Fools Runs (John Holmes 16 Mile Run)
FLASHBACK REPORT: 15th Annual Croom Fools Run (4/10/2010)
Don't Be A Fool And Miss It!
Are You Fool Enough To Run It?
The Croom Fools Run is located near Brooksville, FL and takes place in the Withlacoochee State Forest. This forest was named one of the “10 Coolest places in North America” by the World Wildlife Fund. The course is described as “a wonderful course that is mostly a great single track running trail that winds through outstanding Florida terrain and most of the trail even has tree canopy to keep off the sun. If you have never run this race, you need to experience one of the great places to run trails in Florida (http://www.fools50.com/trails.htm).
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| Pretty Greenery |
Race Review (Race Grade: A+)
The Croom Fools Run was the first REAL trail run I completed and I have to say it was awesome. Of all the races I have done this is my favorite. The race is a blast. There is nothing bad I can say about this race. It had it all and it was great fun. I have already registered for the 2011 race!!
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| !!BIG TREE!! |
There were three water/grub stations along the 16 mile loop. At these stations you found water, sports drinks, GUs, peanut butter sandwiches, Twizzlers, aspirins, cookies, M&Ms, etc. They had everything you would ever want, were well stocked and the volunteers were great. But this is a trail run so I suggest you bring a water bottle or camelback to fill up water so you have enough.
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| Endless tree forest |
The actual race was held on the mountain biking trails. This is truly a trail run and you need to give up the idea of PRing on this course. It is mostly a single trail so you do not have room to pass easily. The beginning of the loop has some sugar sand. There are many large hills, downed trees and obstacles during the race. There are places where you have to walk to climb up and down the trail. The course was difficult but not impossible for someone in good running condition.
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| Dirty Hairy Legs |
Be prepared to get dirty. You will not be doing anything crazy but there is dust, light mud, etc. When I got done with the race my shoes needed a good cleaning and my socks were shot. When I took my socks off there was a neat dirt ring that was clearly visible against my overly white legs.
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| Rough Climb |
People ran in groups so they would have company and would not get lost. The trail was well marked with plastic ribbons but you could still get off course if you were not paying attention.
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| Blogger Healthy Ashley is in the green shirt |
The end of the race party was incredible. At the end of the race volunteers were grilling burgers, hot dogs, sausage and veggie burgers. They also had homemade rice/beans, pasta salad, munchies, fruit, eclairs, cookies and cake. It was quite the feast!!
My Results
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| Hot and Sweaty Me |
BTW - he was running 30 miles on a leg that was devastated by a 50 caliber bullet in Vietnam (friendly fire). He was inspiring.
But if you are dying to know my results see below.
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| Click to Enlarge |
Other Race Reviewers:
Healthy Ashley - Great pictures of the event.
A Marathon Is A Warmup
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| Funny stuff on the shirt "Run Forest Run!" |
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