On Sunday, July 23rd, 2023, I had the opportunity to participate in the annual “Hot to Trot” race presented by the Georgia Ultrarunning and Trailrunning Society (GUTS). The event took place at Boling Park in Canton, GA, and offered two options: an 8-hour and a 4-hour format. Runners tackled a 1.2-mile course, enduring the challenge of running through the hottest part of the day. Below is a recap of my experience along with some photos from my day out on the course.
GUTS – 2023 Hot to Trot Race Report
Always on the lookout for a new challenge, I jumped at the opportunity when a buddy mentioned that he would be participating in the 2023 Hot to Trot race in Canton, GA. It seemed like the perfect chance to hit a flatter trail course and accumulate valuable training miles for my upcoming 100-mile race in September, even though the 100-mile race had significant elevation gain. The allure of a flatter course and lap format was the potential to push myself harder and cover more distance at a faster pace, thus building substantial leg endurance. Without hesitation, I signed up for the event a week before the race day, eager to run on Sunday.
Jason and Michael decided to join me for the race, and my regular running partner, Kyle, also showed up a few hours into the race to provide helo crew support. On the race day, we all gathered around 7:15 AM for registration, preparing ourselves for the 8-hour format that would commence at 8 AM. The race was designed in a lap format, which allowed runners to set up tents and crew stations along the course, making it convenient to stop for quick pit stops if needed.
Starting the Race
As the race commenced, our attention was immediately drawn to the strategically placed aid station, conveniently situated just beyond the lap finish line. To our delight, it was fully stocked with an assortment of typical ultra aid station food and refreshing drinks. Throughout the grueling race, the volunteers manning the aid station stood out with their exceptional dedication and unwavering support. Their uplifting spirits and humorous banter provided a much-needed boost, keeping smiles on our faces even during the toughest moments. The generous variety of food options available catered to our diverse needs, ensuring we had the sustenance required to maintain our endurance.
The race featured two distinct categories: the 8-hour racers, who set off at 8 am and concluded their journey at 4 pm, and the 4-hour racers, who took on the challenge from 10 am to 2 pm. As the swift 4-hour runners zipped past us, their agility and determination served as both motivation and a gentle reminder of the distance left to conquer. Although their presence added a touch of congestion to the course, it did little to dampen the camaraderie that prevailed among all participants. Encountering fellow runners along the way revealed the true essence of the ultra running community – an unwavering and uplifting spirit of support that made the experience all the more unforgettable.
The Course
I thought they might have been joking when they said that there was only a 10-foot elevation gain over the 1.2-mile course. However, they were not kidding. The loop featured two slight inclines, both of which were very runnable. The trail itself was a mix of pea gravel and compacted dirt. The real challenge, however, came from the heat. While the morning offered a good amount of shade at the start of the course, the afternoon turned incredibly hot, especially on the back side of the loop. This section had runners going around an uncovered grass field surrounded by trees, which seemed to trap the sun’s heat and humidity.
Key Facts About the Race
- Loop length: Approximately 1.2 miles
- Elevation gain per loop: Approximately 10 feet
- Location of the loop: Boling Park
- Directions to the loop: Drive past construction for about 0.3-0.5 miles to the back of Boling Park, where there is a pedestrian bridge. Signs for GUTS will be posted.
- Parking: Free parking available near the baseball field. Access the loop by walking back through the pedestrian bridge.
- Race options: Hot to Trot offers two options – a 4-hour and an 8-hour race with staggered start times.
- The 8 hour race runs from 8 am to 4 pm and the 4 hour race runs from 10 am to 2 pm.
- Sponsors: Altra, Nathan, Public Lands, Big Peach Running Co., Moon Pie, Salty Britches, and Sketch Ditty Photography are acknowledged as sponsors for the event.
- Aid station: There will be one aid station at the start/finish area. It will provide water, electrolyte drinks, sodas, ice, and typical ultrarunner snacks like chips, cookies, candy, pickles, etc. Popsicles and watermelon may also be available.
Final Thoughts on the 2023 Hot to Trot Race Report
Overall, I had a fantastic time participating in the 2023 Hot to Trot race. My main objective was to treat it as a training run, pushing my 50k pace, and I managed to complete the 50k in 6:17. After reaching that goal, I decided to run 2 additional laps, but I made sure not to overexert myself in preparation for my upcoming trip to Oregon the following week.
I must commend GUTS, the event organizers, for putting together an exceptional race. The course layout, aid stations, and volunteers were all top-notch. I have no hesitation in saying that I’ll be marking this event on my calendar for next year as well. If you’re on the lookout for a remarkable lap race that challenges you to push your limits in the heat, the Hot to Trot is undoubtedly the race for you!
