Competitors will be off and running on Saturday, March 9, 2019, as The Land Between the Lakes Ultra Run returns to Grand Rivers, KY for its 16th year.
The race starts along the shoreline of Kentucky Lake at Lighthouse Landing Resort and proceed 2 miles into Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area and on to the Canal Loop Trail. There are four distances to choose from; the 50 mile, 60KM, Marathon, and 23KM. All distances begin together.
The West Kentucky Runners Club started the event in 2003, and the event has grown from 90 runners in the first year to almost 1,000 runners in recent years.
Want to know what makes this run a much-loved event for runners? For many years I volunteered with the LBL Ultra Run. Here is my list of what makes this event an unending success:
Race Management
Durbin Race Management grew out of the love of running. They understand what runners need. They have a reputation of running well managed runner friendly events. And they give back. They have donated over $25,000 to Friends of Land Between the Lakes over the years.
Here are just a couple of online reviews from runners of Durbin Race Management-
“It’s a Steve Durbin event so all the organization is perfect.”
“It’s a Steve Durbin event with fantastic volunteers and thus top notch in every way.”
Volunteers & Partnerships
The West Kentucky Runners Club partners with Durbin Race Management to host the Land Between the Lakes Trail Runs. The club members donate countless hours of support and their dedication makes this event possible. I have watched them smile and stay focused through 16-hour days, through cold and heat, and though snow and rain. They always make it happen.
Buckles and Medals and Swag, oh my
Packet pick up is a reunion of old friends, and the making of new ones. Typically over 700 runners enjoy picking up their race shirts, a running style cap, and a drawstring bag. And they love getting together for a great pre-race Pasta Dinner.
Finishers of the 50 mile or 60km receive a custom belt buckle, while finishers of the Marathon, and 23km are given a beautiful Medal.
The Beauty of the Course
This event has one of the prettiest starting areas you will experience. The course starts beside the shore of Kentucky Lake at Lighthouse Landing Marina. You run past the picturesque marina and then the first 1.9 miles are on paved roads to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, where the trail begins. The Canal Loop trail is a 11.3 mile scenic single-track trail with rolling hills on the Lake Barkley side of the course, and larger hills on the Kentucky Lake side. The course includes spectacular views of both lakes.
Post Race Food
The Grand Rivers Chamber of Commerce has been a valuable partner with the event since the first year. They provide course volunteers and post-race hospitality. A special thanks to the ladies of Grand Rivers who volunteer each year and serve and make some really good food. Also to the local restaurants who provide some of the dishes (Green Turtle Bay and Patti’s 1880’s Settlement). The post-race food is served inside the Grand Rivers Community Center. Not only can the local folks cook, but will also make you feel welcome.
It’s a total experience that will keep you coming back. Come see what attracts so many runners to Land Between the Lakes trails runs. Although the event is one of the largest trail runs in the U.S., you will experience small town charm and hospitality and one heck of a smooth-running event.
Find registration information for the event online at Durbin Race Management.
If you are registered for the event and looking for hotel information, check out our Lodging page.
