Devil's Key 33K Race Report

Date: August 23, 2025
Distance: 33k

The first-ever Devil’s Key Trail Race did not disappoint. Put on by the always amazing Happy Trails Racing team, it felt like the perfect blend of Falling Water and First Blaze. The course had a bit of everything: some elevation, a few technical sections, and lots of flowing terrain. I carried my poles, but honestly didn’t need them.

The plan going in was simple: treat this as a training run. We’d stick together until about 23K and then finish strong with a 10K tempo. That plan lasted about 2.8K. The guys took off from the start line, and Angela and I ran together until she had to answer nature’s call. From there, I found myself running solo.

At first, I kept things easy so she could catch up, but when she didn’t appear, I decided to push the pace and see if I could reel in the guys.

The race was split into two loops. The first was an 8K out-and-back on a ski hill, with the highlight being a really cool rock formation shaped like a key. Very fitting for the name of the race. The second loop took us 8K out along the Bruce Trail and then back.

The first 16K was pretty uneventful. I chatted with some friendly faces on the turnarounds, helped a few runners stay on course, and then hit the first aid station. A little Coke, some water and electrolytes, and I was off again after double-checking with the volunteers where to go next.

Loop two started with a nice climb and some fun technical terrain where your feet are slanted on the trail. But it got quiet. For about 45 minutes, I didn’t see a soul. No Angela, no guys, no one. I figured I must have landed in some weird pocket in the middle of the pack.

At 23K I told myself I’d stash the poles. I ended up doing it at 24K when I thought a climb was coming, but it wasn’t. Right around then, I finally saw Xavier. He was in good spirits, and as I passed, I jokingly told him I’d come catch up with him. Apparently, that put a little pressure on him, which I found hilarious later on. I, meanwhile, was thinking about water and the aid station ahead.

That’s when a runner I met earlier in the morning shouted at me, telling me I was in third place and not to mess it up - this is the PG version of what he said. That explained why I hadn’t seen anyone. So much for my easy training run plan.

At 28K I saw Angela again and she was flying. I gave her a quick wave and pointed out where the next aid station was before she disappeared ahead.

At 30K, running through the open fields, I spotted Kelli An, and we started waving like kids in the schoolyard. When I caught up, I asked where Xavier was, and she laughed and told me he was way too far ahead to catch. That was enough for me to ease off, enjoy the day, and just take it all in.

Those last 3K, though… they dragged on. I was breaking in new Hoka Challengers, and the fit was a bit loose. My feet were sliding around, so I walked the technical bits rather than fuss with my laces. I figured I only had about a mile left. Wrong. The course ended up being 34.48K, so that mile seemed to stretch on and on.

When the parking lot finally came into view, I opened up my stride, cruised into the finish, and wrapped up a much stronger run than I had planned. And here’s the kicker. I finished second overall, just 8 minutes behind Xavier. Not bad for a training run. Makes you wonder what might have happened if I had stopped to tie my shoe.

So, the important questions. Did I have fun? Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely.

And the best part might have been the after-party. Hanging out by the cars, bubbles, a dip in the river, comfy chairs, and cheering in Angela, Gary, Kelli An, and all the other runners. The perfect way to finish a great day on the trails.