Racing Against The Clock: A Tutorial
- Cody Koontz
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
How to rock the time-based race at Snake Run 2026
Here's you need to succeed when you race against the clock.
Understand the Race Course
Plan your fueling
Bring extra
Have fun!
When you’re running a race like the Snake Run it’s important to approach the day differently than a typical distance-based race. While it may seem daunting, running the same loop over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again does in fact have some worthy “pros” for your list (that’s 16 “and overs” which should get you 17 laps, exactly the number I (Cody) did in my first 6-hour Snake Run a few years ago!).
Understand The Race Course
Both Snake Run races (3 and 6-hour) use Mary’s Loop at Lubell Park. Also known as “Snake Run Loop” on Strava, this course has 66ft of vertical gain over 2.01 miles. There are three primary uphills, each followed by a downhill that isn’t quite as much descent as its ascent–until you start the course over and begin with a healthy dose of downhill.
The singular aid station on course is at the race start/finish. You’re never more than 2 miles away from aid! Aid station accoutrements include the usual ultramarathon/trail running fare: pretzels, M&Ms, fig bars, water, cheery high-fives, Gatorade, etc. Runners are encouraged to set up their own little gear spots after the aid station, before the course enters the trail proper. There’s plenty of room for a crew!
The terrain is certainly trail, with a variety of technicality throughout (think lots of roots and rocks but also some gravel and dirt sections) and has many tight turns. There’s one segment in the middle-ish that’s prone to muddyness, so plan your pushing anywhere but there if it’s been a rainy race week.
Plan Out Your Race Fueling Strategy
Preparing for a looped, time-based race is THE BEST. There are so few unknowns, and you have more control than in any other race. You can set up your own personal aid station or rely on the fully-stocked one presented by RunnersWorld Racing–either way you have guaranteed refueling every 2 miles!
If you’re a beginner trail runner, this is a dream come true! Do the 3-hour race and test your mental and physical fitness without the risk of crashing out in the middle of nowhere. Or use the 6-hour race as an ideal workout and gear/fuel check for longer ultras later in the season.
Bring Extra!
Whatever it is you plan to bring for your run, add a couple extra. The Snake Run is my annual reminder to be ever diligent with hydration and fueling–somehow I always underhydrate. But not this year!
Three hours, six hours, or however long you enjoy the trails is a long time! You will probably need more than you think, and at this race you’ll be able to access whatever you brought at a high frequency.
Worst-case scenario: You don’t use everything and get to share with someone! The racing community is all about community–we take care of each other and help one another reach past our potential.
Have Fun!
The RunnersWorld Racing environment is always uplifting and fun! This should be the easiest part of the day!
If you’re like me, part of the fun is testing out shoes! This year, we’ll have trail shoes from Topo, Hoka, and On for you to trade and run in for some loops. Come see us at the tents near the aid station to chat and swap shoes!
