Races
Burning River
Cleveland to Akron. Cuyahoga Valley trail and towpath. July heat on the flats.
- Start1,001 ft
- High1,055 ft
- Low705 ft
- Finish1,001 ft
Geometryderived
The cruxCuyahoga Valley towpath in July afternoon heat (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Burning River runs 100 mi through Ohio. +3,149 ft gain and -3,149 ft loss. Surfaces skew 70% trail / 25% towpath / 5% paved. Cuyahoga Valley towpath in July afternoon heat. High point near 1,055 ft. Low near 705 ft. July temps run 50°F to 95°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 3,149 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 32 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
July in Ohio: plan for 50°F to 95°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 32 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 70% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Cuyahoga Valley towpath in July afternoon heat near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
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