I went to run the Salt Flats 100 for the fifth time near Wendover, UT. I enjoy the course because it has fast sections, fun climbs, and challenging mud flats. In most years, the weather has been a factor with at least passing thunder storms. This year the salt flats were under several inches of rain and yes, the weather became a major factor during the race.
The first transcontinental railroad was completed near the Great Salt Lake in Utah, at Promontory Summit, on May 10, 1869. It was the main line railroad across the country until around 1904 when a new line was cut across the Great Salt Lake and bypassed Promontory. The original historic route continued to be used for passenger traffic for many more years. In 1942 the tracks were abandoned as the rails were needed to support the war effort during World War II. Today in this remote area, the railway grade is still clearly visible and runnable. I had always wanted to run on this historic railroad bed. I finally made the trip and ended up running about 32 miles on it.