Laurel, Mississippi
March 7, 2009
Available distances:
20 km | 50 km | 50 mi
Event URL: http://www.ms50.com
Share this event:
The Carl Touchstone Mississippi Trail 50 is held in early March each year on the Longleaf Horse Trail in the De Soto National Forest just south of Laurel, MS. The race was moved to Laurel in 1996 by Carl Touchstone, a local dentist and accomplished ultra runner. The 2008 race was the 12th anniversary of the race in Laurel, and the 7th that commemorates Carl's untimely death due to cancer. The course features soft dirt trails, pine needle paths, and fire roads on 12.5 and 6.1 mile loops through the piney woods. The 20K runners do the long loop and are finished. The 50K runners do the long loop twice and finish on the short loop, while the 50 Milers run the long loop 4 times. Note that since all 50K and 50 Mile runners come by the start area several times, they can leave a drop bag with extra socks, a change of shoes, or special goodies in the area provided. This is a relatively easy course and a good first 20K/50K/50M. There is a 12 hour time limit (dictated by the NFS permit) for both the 50K and 50 Mile events. It is a rainy time of year in Mississippi, and there are a lot of small creeks on the course. If it has been dry you can step across them, but if it has been rainy they could be knee deep. Hot dry feet are not usually a problem. The 50K and 50 Mile runs begin together promptly at 6 am in surreal predawn darkness. Lights are not necessary as the first mile is on smooth double-track, and by then dawn is breaking. The 20K folks start at a civilized 8 am, so they finish just in time for lunch. Well supplied aid stations are positioned every two to four miles with easy crew access, so no one has to worry about dehydration or lack of calories. An interesting feature of this race is that the organizers allow runners to switch races after one or two loops; 20K to 50K or 50 Mile; 50K to 50M or 20K; or 50M to 50K or 20K (anyone who switches during the race will not be eligible for a trophy, but will be counted as a finisher). This makes the Mississippi Trail 50 a great place to try a new distance. If you get part way into the run and decide you have bitten off more than you can chew, just switch down to a shorter distance. The only way to get a DNF is to sit down and make us carry you out! Each entrant will receive a fast drying synthetic short sleeved t-shirt. Trophies are awarded to the top several male and female runners in each race. A finisher memento is given to each finisher. 50 mile finishers also receive a handsome belt buckle. Food and refreshments will be served to each finisher, and hopefully the pleasant weather will make relaxing at the picnic grounds with your friends very enjoyable.
Contact Information:
Event Information
Email:
Phone Number: (601) 425-7005
Fax Number: Not Provided
Organization Information
Organization: MS50
URL: No URL Provided
Email: Not Provided
Phone Number: Not Provided
Fax Number: Not Provided
