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Probably not the best conditions to run an FKT in as I found a few inches of snow up top and soggy trails a good part of the rest of the way. But a fantastic day on some beautiful trails. 

https://youtu.be/XiPFHq7F1TM?si=KNpFmbgI0E67tlwS

https://fastestknowntime.com/route/big-creek-rim

Full Run Report

After running Lakeshore in September, I put this run on the calendar for later in the fall. I saw it as a comparable run both at 33+ miles with over 6k gain.  But what got me curious was how the two courses differed. Lakeshore nickel and dimes you as it repetitively rolls up then down a 150’ at a time while hovering around a pleasant 1,800’. Big Creek Rim in contrast begins and end with 4,000’ leg killers bracketing nearly a marathon above 5,000’. But back in a hot and humid September I failed to predict the biggest difference between the runs would be the weather. 

I had Big Creek Rim planned for around Thanksgiving but it got pushed a couple times due to a few minor injuries and some welcomed opportunities to do a couple other fun runs. With a busy December ahead, I decided that the second weekend would need to be the date. As I monitored conditions in the days leading up to the weekend, I was surprised to see that High on LeConte posted a 6” snow fall midweek! With rain predicted for Saturday turning to sub-freezing temps Sunday I decided to travel up and make an afternoon attempt at the FKT on Friday. I knew there would still be snow up top, but with temperatures predicted in the 40s and sunny, I figured it was the best weather window I had. 

I arrived at Big Creek at 11am and got a quick jog in to shake the 4-hour drive out of the legs. I then packed the vest with 1.5L of water, 1L of Gatorade, 9 gels, micro spikes, gps, and an assortment of warm layers. Starting at the Baxter Creek Trail sign at the bridge, I began by running through the parking lot then down the gravel entry road. I elected a counterclockwise run as I had most recently covered the majority of these trails going the opposite direction and had descended from Cammerer on the AT on the SCAR a few times already. So a change of direction was welcomed. 

My November LeConte Tour bonk had me conservative as I climbed the ever steepening Chestnut Branch trail. My plan was to climb easy then let the legs roll on the ridge lines above. Turing left up the AT brought the first patches of snow. The trail itself remained clear and dry until I begin the techy climb above Lower Mt Cammerer trail. Slushy patches of snow were found in all the shaded spots but was never deep enough nor consistent enough to slow the climb. 

The snow did deepen on the ridge down to Low Gap but there had been enough traffic coming up from Cosby that the conditions were still pretty manageable for running. The techy ascent to Cosby Knob was again sprinkled with patchy snow on the shaded faces of the mountain but as the trail smoothed out to begin the rolling ascent past Camel Gap and Snake Den the sun had dried the trail and made conditions perfect for a couple miles. 

Rounding the north side of Big Black was where the snow started to make things difficult. As I rolled through this magical mossy section of forest, I was thankful to be following a few hiker’s footprints as the snow was deep enough to obscure the trails surface. Turning onto Balsam Mtn trail, I left the hiker’s footprints behind and was now breaking fresh trail other than a single set of coyote tracks. I was able to maintain my planned pace through this section but found myself working harder due to the snow. I considered stopping to put on my micro spikes but assessed that the time required to pulled them on wouldn’t be worth the extra grip. 

Sterling Ridge trail provided a relief from the continuous snow but in its place I found some pretty soggy sections. This brought me down past Pretty Hollow Gap then into the series of final short climbs of the day. Up to this point I had been hitting or beating each of my planned splits and was sitting at 25 minutes ahead of the FKT. But doing so had worked the legs and for the first time on the run I began giving back a little time each mile. 

The climb to Sterling was thankfully short and I soon was rolling over the snowy summit and down the long Baxter Creek descent. I picked up a side ache in the first mile and did my best to treat it as I ran. By mile two of the descent the side ache was making if hard to breathe. Then all of a sudden it passed and as the snow disappeared from the trail I was free to let the legs go. 

About two miles from the finish it hit me again but this time I knew it wasn’t a side ache. I was now in a race not only to get the FKT but to keep from pooping in my shorts! I considered stopping a few times but being so close to the finish and having sub 5hr40min in my sights, I decided to risk it. Rounding the final few corners I could see the bridge up ahead and emptied the legs. I was definitely relived to be finished and after a quick photo at the trailhead, I finished the race to the bathroom! 

All things considered when compared to Lakeshore, I think Big Creek Rim required a similar effort level. The cool temps improved the overall pace by 15sec/mile but the snow coupled with the higher average altitude probably hurt the pace by 30-45sec/mile. Outside of that both courses are extremely runnable for long sections and are both challenging and beautiful in their own rights.

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Anthony Groft

Big Creek Rim FKT

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