Dogettville 12 Hour Ultra Run: A Day On The Farm
A race recap from a race I didn’t run.

The people: If you’re looking to run far, this is the run for you. If you chasing any amount of distance and want support and fun, head south to Summerfield North Carolina near Greensboro. Saturday, The Doggett Family opened up their family property to runners with open arms. They were the most amazing hosts. At one point, I observed four generations helping, cheering, cooking, and spectating with each other at the 6th annual race, not to mention the farm dogs, donkeys, and cows. This run was a family affair. Many spouses, friends, parents, and children of other runners were hopping in through the day to walk/run with their loved ones. Many even hit the course and surprised themselves. This community of trail runners and distance chasers is outstanding. Everyone was supporting each other, each only competing with themselves. A fun loving group who appreciates the sport for what it is. Time on your feet!

Grills, music, and coffee were going all day. Tables were continuously being filled with provisions provided by the Doggett Family at the ready. It was like an epic tailgate party except instead of beer there was every flavor of tailwind imaginable, by the bag load. Let me elaborate more on the snacks. There was anything you could wish for. Options included: rice crispy treats, veggie burgers, seaweed snacks, rice balls, bacon, grilled cheese, watermelon, assorted candies -chocolate to gummies, and the BEST homemade salty pickles you’ve ever had.
The course: The Doggettville course was beautiful! Clean and scenic through the family property and farm. With that came unfamiliar more difficult rocky terrain, especially when it’s on repeat for 12 hours. Let me remind you Virginia Beach is at sea level. Our local park has trails, of the dirt variety. According to my Garmin, this course was nearly 4 times the elevation of the Rudee Bridge run I did a couple days ago. This course, while gorgeous and sprawling, was deceiving. Mostly unpaved and nestled with an insane amount of uneven divots and again, those rocks. However the scenery changed so often on the mile loop, it made it go by quickly. Jason mentioned this course was more difficult than Blue Ridge. All that being said, I would absolutely recommend this race. If you’re looking to chase distance and test your limits, this is the race! The absolutely best supported race I’ve ever seen. Ideal as well for relay teams.
1. Don’t overthink, just do. I witnessed 16 year old girl got 50 miles w 90 min to spare
2. Have the flexibility to abandon your way of thinking. Let go of a finely tuned plan.
3. You can have a great workout experience, when you least expect it.
4. Think beyond the strength you’ve shown. You have more.
The results: These 12 hours were one big experiment for Team Cherry. Everyone we saw had a fine tuned system in place. As did we. Jason was hydrated and nourished the entire time. Thanks the majority to Tailwind and beef jerky. He did toss back a few pickles, some watermelon, and bacon as the day grew long. He did it. 12 hours on his feet, logging 42 miles respectfully! That is completely epic in my book. Shattering his previous distance by 11 miles! It was a memorable adventure for us and one I am so glad I was there for. I can already tell you there’s more of these in our future. We have already started planning!