EL SCORCHO AND LA SCORCHITA

Dark. Steamy. Hot. Sweaty. You know you want it.

El Scorcho is a ridiculously foolish endurance run that takes place at midnight in Fort Worth, Texas in the middle of the summer. You have a choice--run 25 km or 50 km. That's 15.53499 miles or 31.06999 miles. The two distances are known as La Scorchita and El Scorcho. Both of them take a certain fortitude. Or stupidity. You make the call.

When is El Scorcho?
The hottest part of the year. July. Apologies for last year's mild 80 degree temps. Hopefully, a heat wave will roll into town and drive the mercury up this year. Cause we want you to get your money's worth. If you plan to be out there awhile, you should know that the run starts at midnight and ends at 7 a.m. If you want your race time to be official, you've got to finish by then. Fear not, our less than speedy friends! The run takes place in a city park, and runners who haven't finished by 7 a.m. may keep running. We may even leave out some tequila for you. But most support will be packed up at that time.

Where is El Scorcho?
Trinity Park, Fort Worth, Texas. The course is located on a 3.1 mile loop. The course is a mix of crushed limestone, asphalt, the occasional concrete sidewalk, a couple of foot-bridges, and a basketball court. About half the course is lit at night by streetlamp, but as last year's entrants can attest, the lights don't always work, and it can get awfully dark at some parts. But hey--what do you expect? It's a midnight run. Bring a headlamp, a flashlight, or night goggles if you're worried.

Why run El Scorcho?
Because it strokes our egos to have a bunch of crazies come out and run our race. Because a marathon is only the beginning. Because toenails are overrated. Because pain is enlightening.

What kind of bling do El Scorcho runners get?
Technical shirts will be given to all participants. 25 km and 50 km finishers will receive finisher's medals. 50 km finishers will also get something special. Last year, it was a commemorative El Scorcho sheriff's star. Not sure what it'll be this year. But you'll like it. Or you won't. Either way, you'll have an endurance run under your belt.

What's the point of El Scorcho?
Besides the complete lack of utility? Charity. All proceeds from El Scorcho benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

http://www.elscorchor...