Oil Creek 100
28:41:11
18th out of 34 finishers
4th female
24 did not finish
1 DQ
Oil Creek 100 has almost 18,000 ft elevation gain on a mostly single track technical trail. It is gnarly.
I missed my A goal to women's podium by 1 spot. But I crushed my B goal, which was to get under 31 hrs. The race cutoff time is 32 hrs.
Pacing-wise, I ran loop 1 super slow, and got passed by a lot of people. This was the plan.
Loops 2, 3, and Going Home loop, I started taking souls. I think I passed 2 women and about 12 men. Perfect pacing strategy.
My crew said that I was steadily moving up in the ranks.
Traci, Dan, and Stephen crewed and paced me. I had so much fun with all of them. I have hilarious stories in my race report.
I ran like a bat out of hell to the finish line to get it over with and finish super strong.
This was my 5th attempt at this race. I first ran it in 2017.
OC100 is the hardest 100 miler I've done so far (I'm not counting Temptation 200k because that's a different distance and beast) and I ran it the fastest. Faster than Burning River 100 (my first) and Mohican 100 (second).
Everything that I did this year reflected what I needed to do to crush this. It feels incredible.
I think I'm going to call this event good and done. Now maybe I'll get to do Rim to River 100 next Fall.
This race distance is always an adventure and I get a ton out of it.
I had a blast and suffered so much at the same time.
Thanks so much to everyone involved in the race, Amanda, Katie, Sean, Heather, etc, and to my friends and family who support me!
If you are looking for a beautiful, well organized, grueling race, do Oil Creek. The volunteers and staff are fantastic, hard working people.
My pre-race questionnaire and race report are on my website, Finish Stronger Mindset Coaching.
Thanks to everyone who supports my writing and the work that I do. - I do have availability if you are looking for a mindset and mental wellness coach.
"Strike Oil or Move On!"
#finishstrongermindsetcoaching #ultramarathon #100miler #trailandultra #trailrunning
The Oil Creek 100 ultramarathon is renowned for being one of the toughest 100-mile trail races in the United States, largely due to its almost 18,000 feet of elevation gain over technical single-track terrain. This challenging course pushes runners to their physical and mental limits, as reflected in the high number of participants who do not finish. The race cutoff time is 32 hours, and finishing under this requires careful pacing, strategic energy management, and strong mental resilience. Experienced participants often adopt a multi-loop pacing strategy, as described in the race report. Starting the first loop conservatively allows runners to conserve energy for later stages, where they can regain momentum and pass other runners. This approach helps manage the demanding elevation changes and technical nature of the trail. Crew support plays a vital role in endurance trail races like the Oil Creek 100. Pacers and crew members assist with nutrition, hydration, morale, and coordination throughout the race. Having a reliable crew can provide not only physical aid but also emotional support, essential during the grueling hours on the trail. For those considering tackling the Oil Creek 100, preparation should include rigorous training focused on endurance, hill work, and trail technical skills. Familiarity with ultramarathon nutrition and hydration strategies is equally important. Due to the race’s difficulty and long duration, mental toughness and the right mindset are critical components of success. Volunteers and race staff deserve recognition for their dedication in organizing and supporting the event. Their hard work ensures safety, aid stations, and logistical support are maintained across the vast racecourse. If you seek a well-organized but brutally challenging ultramarathon with stunning natural scenery, Oil Creek 100 offers an unforgettable experience. Many runners find completing this race a personal milestone and an adventure filled with both suffering and joy, embodying the true spirit of ultrarunning.
If you have questions about running the 100 mile distance, let me know. I've done a few of them, plus a 200k (1st OA). I might be able to answer your question.