This is a blog detailing how I was able to complete the Destin Beach 24 Hour Ultra in February of 2015.
1. Running the Beach 24 Hours
2. Gear
3. Nutrition
2014 Destin Beach 50K
One of the final frontiers of ultra running left for me to attempt was the 24 hour event. After having survived the Keys 100, I will admit that I was feeling confident about giving this race a good shot and ending with a decent amount of mileage. Two factors had to be taken into account, ones that should be reminders to every runner: no two races are the same, and you are always at the mercy of Mother Nature’s fury when you are exposed to the elements for that long period of time. Add into equation that this race is run entirely on the beach and you are up against some serious challenges. The 2015 edition of this race featured howling head winds over 15 mph for the first 14 hours of the race and almost a 20 degrees temperature swing from start to finish. This led to some serious wardrobe and gear challenges, ones that I will detail as best that I can here in this blog. Luckily for me, I was on the course with several friends and familiar faces, and the camaraderie definitely helped me run the entire 24 hours that I was out on that beach.
– Christopher Caravello
* Special thanks to everyone that is involved in this amazing ultra event, especially race director Zane Holscher and his brother, who directed the 24 Hour event. I have been fortunate enough to have ran in the various ultras this event puts on during the last 3 years and I definitely feel spoiled having it held in my own backyard. Its a wonderful way to be welcomed into the ultra running community during a one of a kind setting. All of the staff and volunteers are top notch people and you will be hard pressed to find a more complete ultra running experience, no matter where in the world your legs may carry you.
** all photos taken from the 2015 race courtesy of Marcia Morrison
