Tough challenge lies ahead for Ridge to Blazing Ridge runners

The Southeastern Trail Run series is a set of races escalating in difficulty all the way up to a 50K Ultra run. But the hardest run, STR founder David Tosch said, is actually right in the middle of the series.

The Ridge to Blazing Ridge Trail Race, set for Aug. 26 at Oak Mountain State Park, combines a lengthy trail with intense heat and several hills to conquer. “Ridge to Ridge is probably the hardest of any of the races,” Tosch said.

The race has 10.5- and 21-mile options, and runners are expected to bring water, food and electrolytes to avoid health risks during the race. Ridge to Blazing Ridge can take about as long to finish as a road marathon, and Tosch said learning to keep the right balance of water and electrolytes during a race will be important for runners working up to the ultra run.

The trail starts at Redbud Pavilion at 7:30 a.m., next to Oak Mountain’s BMX track, and there is one aid station along the way, as well as a station at Redbud to mark the halfway point for 21-mile runners. A full trail description can be found on southeasterntrailruns.com. There will be awards for overall male and female first, second and third place finishers, as well as for the 12 and under, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+ age categories.

Registration is $45 for the 10.5-mile race and $55 for the 21-mile race before Aug. 16, which includes a T-shirt. From Aug. 16 to Aug. 23, the entry fee increases to $50 and $60, respectively. Register at ultrasignup.com or at Mountain High Outfitters’ U.S. 280 location Aug. 25 or the morning of the race, 6:30 to 7:15 a.m.