My second round 50 states marathon/ultra journey circuit came through Alabama in October 2023. It was nice to come back to Alabama, more specifically Alabaster. I needed Alabama and decided to come to this one. I found this race on the runningintheusa website. This year in 2023, they were hosting 72 hours, 48 hours, 24 hours, 12 hours, and 6 hours event. It was incredibly amazing and inspiring to see a lot of individuals who have gone beyond 50 miles or have their first hundred miler here. People are doing the 24 hours or longer are encouraged to set up a tent and stuff along the course for their sustenance and surprised they may need drought the event. They also have tent rentals for people like me who are out of state, which can be ordered when you register on ultrasignup.com. I need a place to put my stuff and to sleep during the overnight hours. The course loop was just under 1 mile that circled the length of the park. My friend and I arrived here around 8am with the start at 9am. Packet pick up was easy and got it within 2 minutes. After mulling around and last minute restroom breaks, we started the race and got to know the race course very well. Met a lot of new friends along the way and hopefully will see them down the road at another race venue. For the most part though, the experience here was 24 hours and at 1am, it was beautiful and quiet. Evening and overnight endurance running is a different animal, especially when you combine it with a full daytime helping of it beforehand. Yup, rest assured that it was an experience for sure. Definitely a good race to do in the heart of central Alabama. If you are one of those who love endurance events, a 50 state half / marathon / ultra collector for endurance events, or just someone starting this, this race is a great starting point to get your feet wet. The overall experience here at The Endless Mile was amazing, nothing short of incredible and epic. With all the miles and some soul searching involved at 1am in the morning, the cruel nature of these endurance events does catch on to you. Whether it's a Personal distance goal or something to do on the weekend, The Endless Mile has got you covered. I personally enjoyed the fact that it was at Veterans Park, so everything was safe even at night. We all needed head lamps to see in the dark, but there was light posts at certain places around the park. We were wearing time chips on our ankles, so we got to see our times flash on a computer monitor each time we passed. It helps to encourage us to keep Going and to see how far we've gone. The aid station was fully packed with everything an ultra runner would need, so you don't really need to bring your own aid, although you can. For the most part though, the enjoyment of this race can't be overstated. Although I got myself a distance PR here in 2023, my secret goal was not realized. Baby steps for sure and I'm probably going to get there one of these days. If you feel the need to test your abilities, consider coming to Alabaster, Alabama and run The Endless Mile, The Endless Mile is staged at Veterans Park in beautiful Alabaster, Alabama. Race registration is tendered online at ultrasignup.com, which means they accept major credit cards. Not sure if they do race day sign ups, but best to sign up early if you know you want to do it. They do allow tents to be set up here so you can either purchase a tent or bring your own. There are 2 hotels in Alabaster and is about 3 miles away from Veterans Park. The race director is a cool guy and enjoyed talking to him. The race volunteers including the aid station gurus and the timing company guys are awesome and friendly. Was nice to have all of them cheering us runners along that day and night. Thanks to the random people who cheered us on while cheering for their own runner. There was some spots along the course where you can sit down and rest, which was nice. 24 hours is a long time. There is a big parking lot at the park for parking. Best bet would be to travel with someone with a car for personal convenience. If not, Uber and Lyft is your next best solution. Overall, can't complain. A distance PR for me and can count Alabama for my 2nd round 50 states marathon/ultra quest. Onward and upward. 5.0 stars for the overall experience! Support local! A+ read more