Sara Davidson has written a monthly feature on trail and ultra running for RunWashington since 2019. Her articles blend her racing experience with an approachable style.
Read more of her work here.
Name: Sara Davidson
Self-described age group: 36
Residence: California, Md.
Occupation: Communications Specialist/Graphic Designer
Volunteer roles in the running world: Aid Station Captain Devil Dog Ultras, volunteer at various other race aid stations
Why you run: To spend time with great friends, challenge myself, and see beautiful things that you can only get to on your feet
When did you get started running: 2006
Have you taken a break from running: Not on purpose
Training shoe: Altras, road and trail
Coach or training group: Carmichael Training Systems, VHTRC
The hardest race you’ve ever run: Bigfoot 200 in Washington State
Most adventurous decision you’ve made with your running: Follow Jared Byrd anywhere
Running mentors: Bob Gaylord
My favorite place to run in the D.C. area is: Anywhere on the dirt!
Favorite local trail: Rosaryville State Park
My best race was: Most recently, the 2019 Old Dominion 100 (PR), but the most special was having a blast running the 2018 Western States 100 after badly breaking my wrist 12 weeks before. I didn’t think I’d be able to start at all, let alone finish so well
Favorite local race: Devil Dog Ultras! (But I’m biased)
Ideal post-run meal: Cheeseburgers and milkshakes
Favorite flavor of gel, gu, etc: YUCK
Pet peeve: People who leave bags of dog poop along the road or trail
Goals: Always run strong, always have fun, appreciate the day for whatever it brings
Your advice for a new runner: If it feels too difficult, slow down! Also, find a great running buddy, mural suffering is always better.
Favorite running book: Most recently, Deanna Kastor’s Let Your Mind Run or Alex Hutchinson’s Endure
Song in your head during a run: Whatever I heard last
Have you dealt with a major injury: In 2018 I fell on trail and shattered my left wrist. I’m now fortified with a metal plate and nine screws.
Running quote: “Start slow, ease off.”
Why is the D.C. area a great place to be a runner: For road running, we have so many pedestrian- and runner-friendly, beautiful, and historic places to explore. And for dirt options, we have so many different kinds of trail (rocky and technical all the way to canal paths) for some great variety. The D.C.-area has everything a runner could want (despite all the humidity they don’t).
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Kensington 8K Race
Three distances – 8K, 2M, and 1K – all starting and finishing at Kensington Town Hall.
The 8K runs through historic Kensington, going past Warner Mansion, along Antique Row, beside 120+ year-old houses and around Noyes Library, the oldest library
