2025 Agape 100k
“I should have brought poles” …that seemed to be the recurring theme (among runners like me, who don’t run with trekking poles) after the first lap of the inaugural Agapé 100k/50k trail run by UltraCulture Running. Set on a private camp area of Fuquay-Varina, the Camp Agapé race course had been shrouded by secrecy, no one knew what to expect. Some had said to expect a mini version of Uwharrie, which IYKYK.
The race started right at 8 am. It featured about 120 runners doing both distances. After a brief greeting and some last-minute direction from Wes Claytor, the race director, we were off and running. The first quarter mile or so was straight uphill on a gravel service road. After it flattened out and a quick left turn, you were hit in the face by a long, long stretch of the most gnarly single track. If technical terrain is what you love, Agapé did not disappoint. Huge rocks and exposed roots were the menu for the day.
Navigating the downhill portions of this race would pose my biggest problems. After about a mile or so, we were hit with the course’s first (and in my opinion, the hardest) climb. It seemed like it stretched forever. Thank god for some switchbacks to break up the grinding of this climb. Nonetheless, it was taking a great deal of energy to reach the summit. After you reach the top, there are a few runnable areas until you reach the Sweetgum Trail, which would again provide us with some nasty, hilly single track. With about a quarter mile before the aid station, it was time for serious climb number 2. This climb seemed to go straight up, not much winding. And someone had the clever idea to place a sign at the start of the climb that read “ Aid Station Straight Ahead”. Cruel but funny joke. Once at the top, there was the aid station, and it had everything you needed to refuel and top off water or tailwind. It was run by Tony McDermott and Tony Mendez, with the help of a few others as well. The funny banter back and forth with them all day made reaching the aid station even better. Then it’s back down the hill.
At first, it seemed like we were doing an out-and-back, but I quickly realized we were making a right turn at the bottom of the hill and headed in a different direction. The back half of the race seemed easier, at least in my opinion. It did offer one serious climb, but for the most part, there were more areas to stretch out and run, at least during the first few laps. At the end of the loop was a decent hill to climb right before the start/finish area.
The first lap was where I had to develop my strategy. I had a goal of 16/18 hrs, but I immediately tossed that out the window. This was a beast, and the only way to slay it was to wait it out. Slow pace and save energy, it was gonna be a long day/night.
Gnarly single track with 12,000 total feet of climb and 90+ degree heat was the perfect recipe for a DNF. The loops just seemed to blend into one another. No stopping for me, get in & get out at the aid stations. As the day wore on, I could see the heat was starting to get to some runners. The one small advantage I thought I had was handling the heat. I have worked outside my entire life, pouring concrete in extreme conditions, both hot and cold.
At the midway point of the race, I made a decision to change my shoes. I switched from my trail shoes to my road shoes, which provided extra padding. This was turning into a 50k hike on the back end for me, so I gave up traction for comfort. It paid off. My feet were feeling much better after grinding this course.
Loop 7 would be my toughest. I was really starting to feel the intensity of the course and its climbs. I was grinding on the balls of my feet, and my calves were taking a beating; they were shredded. But I was also starting to have back issues. When I came in after that loop, Wes could see I was struggling. He asked if I was okay and if I needed anything. I told him it was time for some ibuprofen and a five-minute rest. Then it was a quick bathroom break, a handful of food and ginger ale, and back to the grind.
By this point, it was nighttime, and whatever runners were left were basically grinding their way with headlamps on. Which made it even harder to negotiate this course. The last 3 loops seemed to go on for hours and hours. 90 min loops at the start were now 2 hr 15 min loops. But we all kept grinding. I passed many runners, gave a lot of fist pumps and pep talks. We were in this together.
Finally, just short of 21 hrs, I crossed the finish line and got my coveted medal. I was totally wasted but had a huge smile. I stayed for a few minutes and watched a few runners come in after me. I was thrilled to learn that many of my fellow TUFF runners, whom I’ve spent time training with, had finished as well. Shout-outs to Ernie Jones, Chris Pennell, Ryan Hampton, Mary Hight-Diaz , Sonny Gerardi (3rd place). Also, all the 50k finishers Brett Clingerman, Cam Martz, just to name a few. Great work, everyone.
Special thanks to all the pacers and aid station volunteers. Tony and Tony. Meghan Hampton, Jen Shetler, Chris Mershon. I know I’m forgetting a few, but if I did, forgive me lol. And last but not least, thank you Wes and Christa Claytor, in my opinion, the best race directors in the ultra game today. They check all the boxes.
- Jim Martin
