Jed Smith Ultra Classic - Marathon
Sacramento, CA
1 February 2025
Standing on the starting line of any road race – especially when I’m aiming for a faster finish time – I feel a twinge of anxiety wondering if something will go wrong.
Will I miss my goal time after all the hard work and training I’ve invested, or will I end up struggling through those final miles regretting every step? Or worse, will I find my nagging aches and pains worsening, perhaps sidelining me for future events? That was my line of thinking as race day approached.
There’s even a more negative tone at the starting line. As I accept the fact that I’m going to feel uncomfortable for the final 10K, my mind constantly reminds me that the pace may feel impossible to hold. I won’t be able to slow down lest I give up on my finishing goal time.
Buffalo Chips, Sacramento’s oldest and largest running club, sponsors and hosts the annual Jed Smith Ultra Classic. This annual event features a 50-miler, 50K, marathon, 30K and a half marathon.
The Buffalo Chips Running Club website touts that this course is relatively flat and fast for those looking to run a BQ. For whom, I don’t know, but I must disagree.
Each running event of the ultra classic begins with an out and back of various distances, depending on the event, and a specific number of loops of a 4.85-mile (7.81 km) circuit along the American River pedestrian/bike trail, again depending on the event.
The races begin and finish in the Watt Avenue River Access parking lot under the Watt Avenue bridge off La Riviera Drive.
On race morning, I looked out the hotel window only to see a steady, moderate rain splashing in the puddles of the parking lot. It was going to be one of those races. The kind that makes you question every decision that led you here – especially signing up.
Running 26.2 miles is tough enough, but throw in a relentless rain, cold winds and puddles to soak your shoes and it becomes an entirely different soul crushing challenge.
But here’s the thing about running in the rain, it’s a lesson in resilience, grit and finding pleasure in the unexpected..
I’ve run a lot of races, but this particular race in the rain was certainly an experience that leaves an indelible mark in my memory. On a fair-weather day, I see this race bringing a unique blend of challenge and calm, but this year, the rain presented an entirely different kind of experience and challenge.
The 50-miler begins at 0730, the 50K and marathon at 0830 and the 30K and half at 0930. An early arrival, secured a close parking space. While the thirteen 50-mile runners were already into their race there was plenty of time to pick up my event shirt and bib and wait in the warm car. There is no pre-race expo or packet pick-up.
Let’s do this
The rain held steady as runners lined up at the random start line. The familiar sound of rainfall falling through the native trees, pavement and race tents created a rhythmic backdrop to the pre-race buzz. Some runners huddled under tents, others wore rain parkas, some wore their attire as if it was a nice sunny day and some debating what to wear.
Part of me was tempted to retreat back to the warmth of the car, but – the runner part – welcomed the challenge before me. Running in the rain adds an unpredictable element to an already demanding race, and I knew it would push me in new ways. I’ve run in inclement weather before (heavy rain and snow), but this was different.
The 4.85-mile loop course winds it way along the southerly side of the American River to the Guy West Bridge at CSU Sacramento. As runners cross the bridge to the northerly side of the river into Campus Commons, it’s back to Watt Avenue atop the river’s levee to Howe Avenue to the first aid station stocked with pretzels, assorted candies, Coke, electrolytes, PB&J sandwiches, GU and water. Unfortunately, runners must stop and help themselves to provisions, and can easily burn up precious time. I know from experience.
From the aid station, runners veer off the paved trail onto a 1.5-mile service road comprised of a gravelly/muddy surface to Watt Avenue. Runners then cross the bridge leading to a very steep slope to the parking lot back to the finish line and the beginning of another loop.
The first half. As the starter gestured to set the 30 marathoners in motion, I realized I needed to find a groove in the storm. The first part of the race was a simple two-mile out and back. It was all about adjusting to a conservative pace. The first half mile coursed through the parking lot’s paved surface quickly changed to a gravel service road complete with mud and puddles.
What did I get myself into?
To avoid slipping, falling or injuring an ankle, I followed the single-file platoon to the turn-around point. Heading back down the hill and through the parking lot to the place we began, I crossed the intermediate timing mat with a time of 18:12. Now that I was settled in, I began Loop No. 1.
The first few miles were all about adjusting – to my pace to the many short, but steep hills. My legs felt good, but my shoes were already soaked. Each step was accompanied by a satisfying squish, and I quickly realized that dodging the large puddles on the path was pointless. I was wet as one could get, so I just had to suck it up and enjoy each minute.
Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, the course retained its charm. The quiet trail, flanked by towering broad-leaf trees, offered runners the occasional glimpse of the river. The rain brought out the earthly and musty scent of the forest, and for a while, it felt more like an adventure than a race.
In the parking lot completing another loop
Upon approaching the Guy West Bridge, memories of my land surveying lab class quickly came to mind. During my days at Sac State, I spent many hours on the levee and bridge learning how to survey.
A stiff cold wet headwind greeted runners as they crossed the river and traversed the top of the river’s levee to Howe Avenue. A short steep downgrade guided runners to the first aid table located under the Howe bridge. I kept running past the table as I had no need for some energy. I just hoped I wouldn’t regret it, but a similar aid table was set up at the finish line area. Besides, I carried a bottle of water mixed with raw honey if I needed some fuel.
Shortly after the aid table, runners began a 1.5-mile trek along a muddy service road paralleling the paved trail. Why organizers didn’t route runners to the paved surface is something I won’t understand. But hey, it’s all part of the adventure. Perhaps it’s the signature part of the course.
Sure footedness is key on this section of the course especially as more and more runners beat down the path and as the clay soils get sloppier as the day progresses. The large cobbles, slick soil, large puddles and well-beaten foot paths are all ingredients for potential injuries.
As I cleared the muddy path at the Watt Avenue bridge, it was up a steep incline where an enthusiastic course marshal gave all the enthusiastic support he could to runners making the climb to the bridge deck.
Once across the bridge, runners merged to a steep access road to the parking lot. One must be extremely cognizant of his/her ability to run downhill without losing control. Once down, volunteers and spectators cheered from beneath ponchos, tents and umbrellas, their encouragement and morale boosts cutting through the sound of the rain. I finished my first loop with a time of 44:34.
The mental battle. By the halfway point, the novelty of running in the rain began to wear off. My legs were heavier, my shoes were muddy, my hands were cold, and the relentless rain had soaked through every layer of clothing It became a mental game – one I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for. At Mile 18 near the Howe bridge, I hit a low point. I still had another loop to complete.
My energy began to fade even though I fueled my tank at each aid table and nursed my honey-water mix. The idea of another loop felt overwhelming. But then, something changed. A fellow runner (50-miler I believe) caught up with me, gave me a quick thumbs-up, and said, “Hang in there friend – you’re stronger than the rain.”
It was a small moment, but it stuck with me. I focused on one mile at a time, breaking the race into manageable chunks since I knew what was coming next. With each step, I reminded myself that every challenge is temporary, that the rain won’t last forever, and that I am lucky to be out here, doing what I loved.
The final push. As I entered my last lap, the rain started to lighten up momentarily – just enough to give me a second wind. I could feel the finish line pulling me forward, and despite the fatigue engulfing my body, I found myself picking up the pace – albeit slightly. The smaller puddles and the mud and muck didn’t bother me anymore. It was the last I would see of them. The discomfort faded into the background, replaced by determination and a strange kind of pleasure.
I gave all my energy not to lose my balance on the steep downhill grade into the parking lot. My quads, shins and ankles burned as I picked up my pace to the finish line, drenched but exhilarated, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment, nearly equaling my finish time from Two Cities in November.
Running a marathon is always a challenge, but running one in the rain under sloppy conditions pushes you to a new level. It forces you to embrace the unexpected, to adapt, and to find strength in the storm.
I enthusiastically crossed the finish line with a time of 4:18:52 – more importantly, first in my age group.
RACE STATS:
Distance: Full marathon (Garmin measure 26.35 mi).
Date: 1 February 2025
Bib No.: 91
Weather at the start: 50°F, Cloudy, rainy with a slight southeasterly breeze
Gun time: 4:18:52
Chip time: 4:18:52
Average pace: 9:52 per mile
Overall rank: 14 of 30
Gender rank: 6 of 17
Division rank: 1 of 1
Age graded score: 57.70%
Age graded time: 3:30:49
Mile splits (approximate): 9:11, 9:06, 9:09, 8:59, 9:07, 9:15, 9:24, 9:21, 9:14, 10:21, 9:33, 9:45, 9:24, 9:23, 9:39, 10:29, 9:54, 11:10, 9:59, 9:57, 11:50, 10:07, 10:10, 9:50, 9:59, 10:29, 10:23, 9:38 (remaining 0.35)
LIKES / WHAT WORKED:
• Combination of a paved and trail course.
• Multiple 4.85-mile loops.
• The cool cloudy weather conditions.
• Very well-organized event from packet pick-up, the aid stations along the course.
• Super friendly volunteer support.
• Easy parking race morning.
• FINISHING!!
DISLIKES / WHAT DIDN’T WORK:
• Being annoyed with my ankle discomfort caused by the uneven terrain, mud and large cobbles.
• Small, but significant climbs.
• Rain, muddy and slick conditions on trail.
• Being soaked to the bone.
As I crossed the finish line of marathon No. 73, I felt surprisingly good. Maybe it was the thrill of finishing and the excitement of earning my customized finisher’s medal (even though it’s made of wood) as a testament to the fact I can do hard things.
Final Thoughts
As I got to the warmth of the car, I quickly changed into some dry clothes and looked forward to a large burger and a cold beer at Red Robin. I definitely earned it!
As I look back, running the Jed Smith Ultra Classic in the rain taught me some valuable lessons, It reminded me that not every race will go according to plan, but those are often the ones that leave the most lasting impact. It also reinforced the importance of community – the volunteers, fellow runners and spectators who showed up despite the weather made all the difference.
The rain certainly added an unpredictable twist. It made me stronger, more resilient, and grateful for every mile – rain or shine.
If I ever run a race in the rain again, I won’t be afraid. I’ll continue to lace up my shoes, embrace the storm, and run my heart out. Who knows, the rain may one day bring out the best in me.
“Get going – walk if you have to but finish the damned race.” – Ron Hill, former world-class marathoner
As always, it’s onward and upward.
