An often overlooked benefit of being an endurance athlete is the unique places it can take you. Signing up for a race might be the best way to see and experience a new place, be it on two wheels or two feet.
“A year and a half ago, while back on the east coast, we took an impromptu long weekend trip to the New River Gorge national park. We were both stunned by the area,” Osmo athlete and ultrarunner Mark Marzen recently posted. “While grabbing coffee in a local cafe after a trail run, we got chatting to a couple friendly local trail runners who told us all about the Rim to River 100 mile race in the area, and I immediately knew I wanted to come back someday to run it.”
For his 18th 100-mile race, Mark took on West Virginia’s first and only 100-miler, an out-and-back course full of single-track trails, rail-to-trail sections, waterfalls, whitewater, and dramatic views.
Marzen Earns 2nd Place
“The race was all I could wish for, in a final ultra of the year: An energetic pre-race meeting, friendly community and volunteers, a race director who clearly puts tons of thought into the soul and details of this race, and beautiful East Coast Fall colored forest. I felt fulfilled all day, and was able to hover the line of pushing and contentment and get 2nd place. It’s a delicate balance of effort often in 100s, one that’s a never ending puzzle.”
Because of humidity, Mark knew he would need to take in more electrolytes on race day.
“I never once experienced any GI issues, with Osmo Fuel going down so easily, and I believe this was a huge contributor to my steady and consistent effort,"
-Mark Marzen
Finish line at Rim to River
