Spend a day getting to know Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea, Michigan with the Island Time loop race. Choose between a 24-hour, 12-hour night or day, or 6-hour night or day race option and complete as many 2-mile loops as possible.
Island Time is my second ultramarathon and far from my last. I selected the 12-hour day race and enjoyed racking up the miles.
The Course
Participants run the same 2 mile loop over and over again. This relatively flat course offered around 90 feet of elevation change each loop and was fairly easy to run.
The terrain included small portions of low-cut grass, dirt, and a very short trek on pavement. Some areas were muddy from heavy rain over the last few days.
This was my first attempt at a loop race and I found it overall, a positive experience. I didn’t get bored as I thought I might. In fact, it was the opposite effect where I thoroughly enjoyed learning the trail and knowing what to expect in each loop. This helped me plan and gave me something to focus on when things started to get tough.
An added bonus of a loop run is that I had constant access to my crew.
The downside is it was easier to quit sooner than in a traditional race with a set distance.
Rest Area
The race had designated “rest areas” where runners could access their crews or crew for themselves out of their vehicles or tents. This was incredibly helpful. Everything I needed was right off the trail and my crew didn’t have to continuously move to meet me at different locations.
This is an excellent race to participate in if you don’t have a crew. Runners were setting up their own aid stations in these rest areas and didn’t require help from someone else.
Goodies
Included in registration were a tote bag, a custom trucker hat, and a pair of sunglasses. Participants could add items for an additional cost, such as the Island Time t-shirt.
Along with registration goodies, runners received more prizes by completing loops or certain distances. For completing one loop, participants received a lei. For 10 loops, they received a glass mug.
Runners who completed a 50K, 50 mile, or 100K received a laser-cut steel finisher medal. In 100 mile tradition, those who completed 100+ miles, received a flip flop belt buckle.
Overall winners were those who completed the most loops in their race time. They received a seagull statue.
The Not So Good
This race boasts an “all-day luau” with a “beer garden, live music, and food trucks.” However, the food truck that was there, didn’t open until 5 pm. For runners finishing the 6-hour race or finishing the 12-hour run early, there were no food opportunities. Spectators were also unable to access food during the event unless brought in from outside.
The Organization
RF Events is an organization dedicated to getting people up and moving. They have a passion for running and putting on events that are challenging and fun to participate in.
Along with their many races, they also have monthly challenges for a variety of people, walkers and runners alike, to participate in.
Learn more about RF Events and see what races they offer at their website.
Overall
While at this point I’m not convinced if I will return to Island Time to tackle more loops, I am more open to doing loop runs in the future. The flexibility and mental challenges of this particular type of race, make these difficult but enjoyable.
For more information on Island Time, visit Run Island Time.