The ninth year of the Hobby Trails to You ‘25 races was cool, both literally and figuratively. This year’s weather was overcast with temperatures hanging around mid 70s. Runners chose to complete 5k or 10k in the shade, a welcome venue for an early August race and the typically oppressive humid heat. Heavy rain from previous days was not an issue, as the trails drain quite well. The few small puddles along the way were easy to avoid. With less than 100 participants, it’s possible to find yourself alone at times. The single-track bike/hike trail winds a lot! It takes you left, right, up, down and over lots of roots and rocks. There are a plethora of ways to get lost if you don’t follow the pink race dots, which clearly mark the trail.
As has been done in previous years, the 5k starts five minutes earlier than the 10k (and not about five minutes, TCTC starts races on time!) allowing the field to spread out a bit. If you’ve only run road races, prepare to run a slower mile average, especially where you’ll navigate through a stream with rocks. No need to get the feet wet unless you’re trying to pass the runner in front (recommended to wait for drier land for that). The 5k and 10k end differently, both well within sight of that final push to the end. There is a series of jumps as you leave the woods in the 10k, just when your legs feel like Jell-O, a little cruel, but super fun. You may even hear a smattering of applause from the tens of fans as you approach the finish line.
As far as I’m concerned, this is one of the very best local trail races in a fantastic, natural, yet urban park right here in Winston-Salem. Next year will mark a decade since the inaugural race. Start training now to dodge rocks and roots, leap deftly over an occasional log while keeping your eyes peeled for poison ivy, pink dots and the twists and turns throughout. Hope to see you out there for Hobby Trails to You #10!