The Naturalist 50k is hosted by Outdoor76 in Franklin, NC. Last year the race was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene, so this was my first time participating in the event. This is a challenging race with very steep climbs thru Nantahala National Forest and almost entirely on the Bartram Trail. The race starts on Main Street in downtown.


Photo credit: Molly Harris

We hit the Wallace Branch trailhead of the Bartram Trail after about 3.5 miles of pavement.


Photo credit: Molly Harris

The shorter 25k race finishes on the top of Wayah Bald. The 50k runners turn around and run all the way back to town.


Photo credit: Molly Harris


Photo credit: Molly Harris

My cramping started around mile 12. I sure wish I could figure that out.

My youtube video about the race includes a lot more details:



After the race, I enjoyed a beer at the Lazy Hiker Brewery which was located on the final hill of the course up Main Street. We could watch the runners trickle in and cheer them on with just a few city blocks to the finish line:



I went back to my campsite and enjoyed a nice evening around the fire.



Race t-shirt:



Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/16033373088



Results:

https://ultrasignup.com/results_event...did=125357