This year I was fortunate to be able to participate in the Rock the Ridge mile Endurance challenge at the Mohonk Preserve. In 2014 this was my first 50 miler. I registered in 2015 but had to defer because of Plantar Fasciitis. It was a long journey for my recovery so the word GRATITUDE can’t even describe my feelings being able to train and participate this year.

When you look back at most races, especially ultras, there are usually areas for potential improvement. As I was preparing for the Rock The Ridge 50 Mile Endurance Challenge this year, I realized that improving on my 5:58 from last year was going to be highly unlikely, however...

It was a another big weekend of racing for the team with The North Face Endurance Challenge visiting the great trails of Bear Mountain & Harriman State Park of NY, as well as the Rock the Ridge 50 Mile Endurance Challenge.

Congratulations to Ben Nephew on the 12th fastest 50 miler in North America! He did so on a course that had roughly 6,700 feet of elevation gain! Here are some pictures and video of Ben during the Rock The Ridge 50 where he finished in 5:58:29! You will also find his race report as well.

While I run in New Paltz, NY all the time due to it being Steph’s hometown, I rarely run on the carriage roads.  I love singletrack and that area has some of the best.  The carriage roads winding through the Mohonk Preserve are also some of the best, and the scenery along the roads is spectacular so I was excited when they announced the first RTR last year...

When I heard about the Rock the Ridge 50 early last year I was torn, I wanted to support this local race but we along with our athletes have been a part of The North Face Bear Mountain races since its inception in 2008, not to mention both of the races were being held on the same day...