Fast Times are Traditional at Jed Smith Ultra Classic
Hanna (left) and Pommier lead the pack. (Photo by Joe McCladdie)
There is a certain appeal that has kept one of the regions oldest ultras going year after year. While some races tout scenic or difficult routes, the Jed Smith Ultra Classic, hosted by the Buffalo Chips, is where ultrarunners go to be fast.
The race features two ultra distance races–50 mile and 50 km–as well as a 30 km and new 13.1 mile “fun run.” All of these are run on a 4.9 mile loop course along the American River, between Watt Avenue and the Guy West Bridge at CSUS.
This year, despite being early February, the weather was more like fine spring day, which made for pleasant running, spectating, and volunteering.