BOYD’S 3 DAYS AT THE FAIR IN THE GOOD OL’ US OF A

Contributed by Marie Boyd, AURA member (Bishop, CA-USA/ACT)

3 DAYS AT THE FAIR, NEW JERSEY STATE FAIRGROUNDS (NJ, USA), 9-15 May 2022

The New Jersey Trail Series includes the famed 3 Days at the Fair, a timed loop format race. Over the years, a 6 day event has been added, and on occasion a 10 day race.

Held at the New Jersey State Fairgrounds, the event has wonderful infrastructure to support over 200 athletes as they attempt 6hr, 12hr, 24hr, 48hr, 72hr and 6 day events plus marathons, 50mi and 100mi distances as well.

The accurately measured and certified one mile loop is almost completely paved, with a short gravel section linking two roads. Exposed, with some late afternoon shade, hot and humid afternoons can be problems for those unused to such combinations of conditions. At times, cloud cover was so welcome, and a rain fall lasting for a couple of hours during the last night was a change of pace as well.

Runners are supported by the McNulty family, who do the cooking, timing, awards and general race support. A family atmosphere prevails, with all runners feeling welcomed, supported and running efforts cheerfully recognised.

Rental RV and trailers are available, and are fully set up and ready for occupancy before the race. A pumpout service can be scheduled for waste water collection. There is a wonderful rest room block, with several hot showers available at any time.

My own race, over 6 days, was so much fun.

Meeting several of my Team Old Biddy comrades for the first time was unforgettable. Helen, Scotty, Terrie and Fran became my sisters over this week – we have been doing virtual races for 2 years, and this was our first gathering at an actual race. Fran picked me up from Newark Airport, and offered the hospitality of the house that night before we drove to the fairgrounds. Her kindness made all the difference in my ability to attend this event.

My goal was to improve on 249.2mi (400km) set at Across the Years in January. This is my third improvement on the Women’s 70-74 6 day record, possibly the last! Finish mileage of 257mi was entirely acceptable, considering some of the trying weather conditions during the week. At my advanced age, I know the need for a slow and steady pace, with sufficient rest (3-4 hours a night), close attention to foot care, electrolyte, fluid and calorie intake, and new for this year – sunblock on chapped lips.

Having a compact trailer close by, with heating and cooling, hot shower, toilet, fridge, stove, freezer and comfortable bed made the world of difference. With no crew, planned rest stops take longer. However, time was well spent in laying out the next clothing change, shoe change, fluids, supplements, quick clothing change and so on.

The days flew by – an hourly commitment to taking fluid and electrolyte supplements comes round so quickly. I developed a schedule that worked – quick break every 5-10 miles, a shoe change, cold or hot drink, and off the course by about 1am.

Day 1 was my big mileage day with 51mi. Day 2 – 47mi, and then Days 3 to 6, I tried for about 42mi per day. This worked well for me, and when I hit 250mi and broke the record, I rang the bell, and retired for a well-earned 4 hour sleep, just as the rain started pouring down.

By 5am, I was back out on a wonderfully cool course, and cheerfully put in another 7mi before calling it good, and deciding against a full on sprint for one more mile. Awards were given – I received a 200mi medallion, and 202mi belt buckle. Scotty carried a brick around the course to celebrate 1500mi at the Fair – we all walked the lap with her, enjoying her achievement vicariously.

All too soon it was time to vacate the trailer, pack Fran’s car, and return to her home for an overnight stay before flying back to the west coast. We helped Fran and Scotty break down their tents, bid so many new friends a fond farewell, exchanged information on other 6 day events, and hit the road for the 45mi drive.

Arriving at Fran’s, to my horror, I discovered my phone and watch were not in my purse. A brief moment of anguish, and then we remembered the “Find my Phone” app on the iPad! Hurrah – it was at the fairground, in the trailer, which wasn’t being moved until the following day. My dear friends didn’t hesitate – we drove back, retrieved the items, and returned home. It was my pleasure to take us out for dinner at a small Italian restaurant, where we had a proper meal for the first time in a week.

The next morning I flew back to the west coast via Denver and Reno, stayed overnight, and then drove the 4 hours back to Bishop. Piece of cake!

Pictured: Team Old Biddy at the start of the 3 Days At The Fair event. Photograph – Supplied.