2025 Sugg Farm Ultra (Jim Martin)
After my DNF at Hell Hole 100 in June, it was taking me a long time to get over the fact that I basically quit in that race. Something I never do in any part of my life, or at least try my best not to. But I QUIT.
I had a busy schedule of races coming up in the fall, so I needed to get my mind and body right. I resumed my usual training methods during the week, but scaled back my weekend long runs to give my body what it needed most - rest. And for my mind, I decided to go back to something that tortures me even more - golf. It was good to get my mind off ultras for a bit.
In the middle of August, I jumped into my local running club’s (TUFF) inaugural Fat Ass 50k. Put on and hosted by Cameron Martz. I got to share many miles with fellow runner Ernie Jones, who was basically my seeing eye dog out there because I had no idea where I was going, even though it was at Umstead (where I have run dozens of times). We both finished even though the temperatures were high and the humidity as well.
Up first on my fall race calendar was the Sugg Farm Ultra 50 miler. I was jacked up - it’s my favorite race. I love the trail and its variety. The race directors, Wes and Christa Claytor from UltraCulture Running, are some of the best in the business. And the support from everyone is spot on. Plus, I had run the race the year before, so I knew what to expect.
The horn sounded at 7 am, and we were off. Except for a slight detour in the middle of the race because of trail work being done, the course was the same. A 5.1-mile out-and-back that you had to do 10 times in 12 hrs, and yes, that damn hill is still there. I started out a little fast again, like I always do. I try and shoot for 1hr 5 min loops. But of course, the first couple were under 1 hr, I believe. I finally got to slow down and settled into the race. It was great to see fellow runners out there that I get to train with at times, like Chris Mershon (1st place overall) and Sonny Gerardi (2nd place overall), tearing up the course in record times.
The aid stations are awesome, stocked with everything you need, and good conversation with Tony McDermott and Tony Mendez at the turnaround station. At mile 15 (lap 3), I could feel my stomach starting to go. It seems to be a recurring theme with me anymore. I just can’t hold anything down. And trying to run while nauseous is not fun. I have tried just about everything, and nothing works. I made a decision to just drink water and gut this out. My stomach would settle down, I would try to take a few bites of something, and up it would come.
The last 20 miles or so were pretty rough. Due to the lack of nutrition, I was battling leg fatigue. I felt myself slowing down too much, or at least I thought I was. I rarely run races with a watch, but for some reason, I decided to wear my Garmin that day. Big mistake. I kept looking at it, thinking I was running out of time. With about 10 miles (2 laps) to go, both Chris and Cameron saw that I was struggling, and they both came to my aid, along with a bunch of others at the TUFF tent. Giving me salt tabs, gels, and most of all encouragement. Along with Sonny, Tony and Tony all telling me to keep grinding and that I had plenty of time.
Coming up the hill for the final time, I glanced at my watch and realized I had a good chance to beat my time from last year. So when I got to the top, I sprinted home. With everyone cheering and giving Sonny one last high five, I got to see my wife waiting for me. It felt good to finish. 11 hours 42 minutes, I beat last year’s time, and I was happy. Great day, great race. One other note - I got to meet Tak Niino, an absolute legend who was also running the race. As I’m writing this, Tak is in the tail end of MOAB 240. Like I said, a legend and super nice guy.
Next up, Virginia Trail Fest 100.
All photos courtesy of Dan Paige.