MammothMarch Virginia

I’m always full of fresh motivation in January. So, it was no surprise to my husband that within the first few days of 2023, I had registered the two of us for the MammothMarch Virginia event, which was to take place that following September at nearby Pocahontas State Park. This nationwide hiking event intrigued me. Twenty miles, in under eight hours, hiked alongside fellow outdoor lovers within the beautiful state park right down the road from us. It sounded just like the sort of challenge we could get into!

Well, the day before the September event, a tropical storm decided to interfere with the plans of 1,200 hikers, and our march was rescheduled for April 6, 2024. That spring day made up for the delay, giving us a perfect chilly morning that transitioned into a crisp sun-filled afternoon. It was a beautiful day in every way and we are thankful for several hours to spend together outdoors.

Before our 8:00 a.m. start time, we were able to chat briefly with the founder of MammothMarch, who started this long-distance hiking series soon after moving to Florida from Germany a few years ago. Noticing that there weren’t many untimed, non-race, challenge events in the US like in Europe, MammothMarch was launched, spreading across the country and filling that gap. When I asked him about the events with the 30-mile option, I learned that only a select few events offer the 30-mile event. The location must be conducive to the extra mileage without hiking the same trails over again, and these events always offer the 20-mile option as well.

This was the first MammothMarch to be held in Virginia and it conveniently took place at the largest state park in the state, just outside of Richmond. With fairly flat trails, many that are pretty wide, Pocahontas lends itself well to a 20-mile hike, marching side-by-side with a loved one. But 20 miles is 20 miles, and feet are pounding dirt and muscles are burning. While I have never been as sore as I was the day after the MammothMarch, I have never experienced such above-and-beyond treatment during an event. They know what they’re doing. From the abundance and variety of food at the aid stations to the electrolyte and protein shake options to the free professional photos, this was one of the most organized and thoughtful race-type events I have participated in.

If you’re looking for a unique challenge that you can experience while enjoying time in the great outdoors, march on over to MammothMarch.com and check it out. In the meantime, I’ll provide a few stats and tips below.

Highlights:

• View a highlight reel from the April 6, 2024 event in Virginia here.

• Next MammothMarch Virginia is scheduled for April 5, 2025.

• Events are held in various locations from the West Coast to the East Coast.

• Must be 16 years or older.

• Dogs are allowed (must be on leash) and we thought about bringing our Great Mountainese Doodle, but ultimately decided against it. Mose has hiked many miles in the mountains, but never that long of a distance at one time.

• Participants select a start time when registering. The staggered start prevents overcrowding along the trails.

• Finisher items include a medal and certificate. Apparel is available for purchase.

• Along the trail are porta-potties, first-aid administers, water stations and aid stations with so many snacks and food and beverage options. Think sandwiches, hot soup, fruit, protein shakes and bars, energy drinks, electrolyte powders, all kinds of snack food packages. It was here that I was introduced to my new favorite protein bar, Barebells. They seriously taste like candy bars. 

• The course route is provided ahead of time.

• The trails are well-marked with arrows and signs that mark every mile. 

• This event is NOT a race and is NOT chip-timed. Running is discouraged. This is a long-distance hiking endurance event. However, my husband and I wanted to see how quickly we could do it, while still enjoying both of the aid stations, and we completed the 20 miles in 6 hours and 9 minutes. 

• A tree is planted for every registered participant.

• A few events in the MammothMarch series offer a 30-mile option. Virginia is not currently one of those events.

My Packing List:

• Hydration backpack. I love my Osprey Tempest 20. I recommend a bladder system so that you can continually hydrate while hiking.

• Refillable water bottle. You need something to fill with water (and electrolyte powder if desired) at the aid stations.

• Printed ticket

• Driver’s license

• Phone and battery pack

• Trail running shoes. I wore Brooks Cascadia that have a rock plate. If it were going to be muddy, I would have gone with my Salomon Speedcross 6. I was glad to have lighter-weight shoes rather than hiking boots. However, my husband ended up with some major blisters from his Brooks Divides and wished he’d worn his Oboz. Either way, only wear shoes or boots that you’ve worn before. 

• Layers and gloves. Our hike was on a chilly day and we needed fleece outer layers in the morning and later shed them. 

• Extra pair of socks. I love Darn Tough.

• Bandaids. I recommend carrying a few blister pads. The aid stations have these, however, you never know when you’ll need one. We passed a woman who was suffering and we were sorry we didn’t have any blister pads to give her.

• Hat

• Sunscreen

• Sunglasses

• Chapstick

• Pain reliever

• Snacks, in case you get hungry before the first aid station.

• Slides or comfy slip-on shoes to put on when you get back to the car. Keep in mind that your feet may be swollen.

• Rain jacket if rain is in the forecast, as well as zipped baggies to keep phone and other items dry. We didn't need to take rain gear, but this was on the packing list when we were planning for the September day of rain before it was canceled.

• Hiking poles if you are hiking an event in the mountains and/or you are used to using them. We did not take ours on this hike.

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