In preparation for the Brierman Sprint on 10/12, I decided to try out the run course.  The description is hilly on the Piranha Sports website.  But, a more accurate description is two major hill climbs/descents on an out an back course.  Coming up out of transition, there’s a little bit of a gradual hill making your way to the main road out on the run course.  You’re greeted with a nice downhill as you approach the entrance to the camping area.  But, then the first fun begins as there’s a approximately 260 ft climb over the next 1/2 mile!  Once at the top, you cross over to Keadle Road and start a 330 ft fairly steep descent for the next .7 mile.  Once that’s done, Mountain Laurel Road is rolling for the rest of the Sprint distance.  The Half Lite folks have to keep going and I didn’t get that far on the road, but may provide an update if I decide to run the rest this weekend.  Now, this is an out and back course.  So, after turning around and turning left on Keadle, you now have a 330 ft climb over the next .7 mile!!  Once that’s done, you go down the steep descent from the campgrounds back to transition.  Really have to watch your footing on the steep descents and if there are leaves and/or it’s wet on raceday, slipping could be an issue.  One more slight uphill before you finish with a nice flat run along the lake.

I’m sure some folks will be able to cruise this “mountain climbing” course, but probably no speed records broken come race day.

Dave