Where Grit Meets Community On Rugged Trails: The Jackson County Ultras

The Jackson County Ultras is a unique event organized by Dino Racing on a remarkable trail. This ten-mile loop features a vertical gain of 1,600 feet, set against the stunning and rugged backdrop of Jackson-Washington State Park. The event originated from the dream and vision of Dino Racing’s owner and director, Brian Holzhausen. According to Brian, Assistant Director Josh Johnson “took his creation and lifted it a level or two!” Welcome to where grit meets community.

From the moment you arrive at the race check-in at the Pyoca Camp & Retreat Center, you can sense the love and care poured into this event by Brian, Josh, Sam, the Dino crew, and the fantastic volunteers who make it so special. The atmosphere is alive with a sense of community fostered by the incredible runners who come together for this tremendous trail series.

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Full-Circle Moment

Jackson County is a place of deep personal significance for me. It was the location of my first ultra-marathon, the Jackson County 50k, and it coincides with the week of my sobriety anniversary. This year, I had the privilege of making the finisher medals and podium awards, marking a significant full-circle moment that was deeply emotional and meaningful. Jackson County has become a proving ground for my will, a determination for me, and a place held special in my heart. 

Race Overview

The inaugural year of the 100k distance saw some real juggernauts in the running scene, clocking some blistering course speeds! Coming in first had Alec Cline, first place overall with an impressive 100k finish time of 9:41:13. Also, another legendary runner, Shea Aquilano, came second overall and first place female with a scorching finish time of 9:55:43. I later heard Shea was drawn for the Western States while out on the course which makes for such an exciting day for Shea. The 100k relay victory was brought home by some of my good friends from the Trail Blazer running crew up in Valparaiso; way to bring some hardware home, fellas! For the 50K winner, we had Mark Weghorst with a blistering 4:49:54 finish time. The 10-miler win went to fellow Indiana Trail Runners Association member Lester Burris with a 1:26:57. Congrats to everyone who toed the line that day. I loved seeing everyone crushing trails Saturday; it truly makes this mid-packer’s soul smile.

Managing My Emotions

This 100k wasn’t just another race for me but a battle of endurance, grit, and self-awareness. Physically, it was hands down the most brutal challenge I’ve faced. Going in, I knew there would be moments of euphoria and crushing lows—that’s the nature of ultras. But this time, I approached things differently.

Leaned into Them

Instead of fighting the emotions or trying to push through without acknowledging them, I leaned into them. When the highs came, I embraced them but reminded myself not to get carried away. When the lows hit—and they hit hard—I resisted the urge to spiral or let the negativity take control. Instead, I gave myself space to feel the discomfort, to accept it for what it was, knowing it wouldn’t last forever.

Part of the Experience

This race became as much about mental strength as physical endurance. Over the past few months, I’ve been working on shifting my mindset, and I felt that change during this race. It wasn’t just about gritting my teeth and getting through; it was about learning to coexist with whatever I thought. I stopped labeling the emotions as “good” or “bad” and let them be part of the experience.

A Sense of Control 

That shift in perspective changed everything. It didn’t make the miles any shorter or the climbs any easier, but it gave me a sense of control—or maybe surrender—that I hadn’t experienced before. It taught me that managing emotions isn’t about suppressing them or pretending they’re not there; it’s about letting them flow without letting them dictate the outcome.

Looking back now, I see this race not just as a brutal 100k but as a turning point, both as a runner and a person. The lessons I took from this course—the highs, the lows, and everything in between—are ones I’ll carry with me long after my legs recover.

Shared Moments 

This event isn’t just about crossing the finish line. It’s about the shared moments, the lessons learned, and the community that binds us all. Jackson County Ultra is a place where grit meets community, where the trails test your limits, and the camaraderie lifts your spirits. Whether you’re a seasoned ultra runner or just starting, there’s something magical about this event that keeps bringing me back year after year. This is truly where grit meets community. 

Yours from the trail, 

Joe

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