The cruxPinhoti Trail ridge rollers in November cold (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Pinhoti runs 100 mi through Alabama. +700 ft gain and -681 ft loss. Surfaces skew 85% trail / 15% dirt road. Pinhoti Trail ridge rollers in November cold. High point near 658 ft. Low near 623 ft. November temps run 40°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 700 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
November in Alabama: plan for 40°F to 75°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 85% 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. Pinhoti Trail ridge rollers in November cold 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.