On October 14, 2023 at 3:02 a.m. I stood on the rock jetty on the northern tip of Assateague Island in Maryland to begin my southbound hike/run along the tide line of Assateague Island for 36.1 miles with the goal of arriving at the decommissioned Coast Guard Station located on the southern end of Assateague Island, VA.
Karen Cathell ran with me from the start to the Assateague National Park Over Sand Vehicle access (approximately the first ten miles). My husband, Brian Outten met up with us to run about four miles (he was able to park at South Beach in the National Park area and run north until he met up with Karen and I, then run south with us to mile 10). I started with my ultimate direction pack full of water and food. Karen provided great conversation and shared some delicious chocolate covered coffee beans with me.
Nate and Kristi Hanley drove their vehicle over sands to provide aid at approximately miles 10, 16, and 22 (which was the Maryland/Virginia State Line). They helped by refilling the water bladder in my pack, restocking the food I wanted to carry for the next miles, and had on hand essential clothing items like a rain jacket.
Nikki Rittling accompanied me for conversation between miles 10 and 22. Kristi Hanley took over to accompany me for miles 22 through 32. My husband again joined at approximately mile 28 and ran with me to the finish.
I again received aide at Parking Lot One on The Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge beach access. At this point Nate Hanley joined and finished with me at the Coast Guard Station watch tower.
High tide was at 7:49 a.m. (3.9 ft) so it was slow going as I tried to find footing. I switched between staying along the sloped edge of the rolling shore line and up on more softer sand surfaces that were more level. The early morning temperature was comfortable in the 50s, with perfectly clear skies and visible stars.
Sunrise at 7:07 a.m. was beautiful even with the growing cloud cover. Temps remained comfortable for running and hiking even with a moderate head wind. With low tide at 14:08 (0.1 ft), I was still crossing soft sand for many hours. Between miles 10 and 22, I had to negotiate around fishermen with their surf fishing rods and parked trucks, ruts in the soft sand from vehicles and even a few wild horses on the beach.
Miles 22 to 33 was a bit easier to run/hike thanks to the outgoing tide. There was light to moderate rainfall during this stretch. The sea shells and birdlife were plentiful. I was able to see a blue heron take flight and then be chased by a sea gull.
As the wind intensified and the rain became heavier, Nate Hanley and my husband ran/hiked the last few miles with me to the Coast Guard Station watch tower (miles 33-36). I felt very content as I stood at the base of the tower. It was a great finish to a truly perfect day on such a dynamic and beautiful barrier island.