Race Report: The Revolution

Today, I'll be recapping The Revolution, an Ultra event put on by Steep Endurance. This event was American Revolution-themed to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary and to honor the history of the Continental Army camping out in what is now the State Park where the event was held.

There were 3 timed options for this event: 3 hours, 6 hours, and 12 hours. I chose the 3-hour option.

Festive race bib

Date: July 11, 2026

Town: Redding, CT, USA

Distance: 3 hour timed race, do as many loops as you like!

Conditions: It was a sunny day for the 2026 event. It was 73°F (23°C) at the start of the race. There was very little wind. It had rained heavily earlier in the week so there were puddles on parts of the trail, but no major mud pits. The day itself was very humid (~68%, I checked after the race) and the standing water felt like it was adding more steam.

Parking: A large, sloped field was used for parking and I was afraid that my car would slide down the hill (it did not). Unfortunately, the only way in and out of the course was on the road on which the race is also held. Luckily, there are volunteers to marshal the cars. After all, the three heats each start an hour apart and participants arrived at different times.

Check In: Bib pickup took place at a tent in a small field. The race bibs were customized in keeping with the American Revolution-themed event.

Course Description: The mixed surface course was a 1.776 mile loop around historic Putnam State Park in Redding. It started off on the paved road on an uphill and turned directly onto a grassy field. From there, runners descended down a steep single-track slope into the woods. The trail portion continued for a third of a mile or so before turning back onto the park road.

There was a loop over by the original museum building from the early 20th Century, which was grass/trail on one side and paved on the other. The final half mile or so was largely uphill on the paved road back to the start line. Runners had to check in with the timer for each loop.

There were no water stations on the course itself but there were near-endless refreshments at the start/finish line

Course Map

Afterparty: There were tons of refreshments, including: soda, sparkling water, electrolyte mix, plain water, mini muffins, fruit, doughnuts, and chips. There was also upbeat music playing over a good-quality speaker. I did not stay for the awards ceremonies because I had to get going for another commitment. 

Adorable custom finisher's medal