As we continue our Grand Canyon Rim Running theme, two more obstacle course racing (OCR) athletes are heading out there this weekend for the Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R2R2R) challenge.

Charles MacDonald and Jessica Hodsdon have been taking part in OCR since 2012 and 2015 respectively.

That’s 21 combined years of OCR!?!?

We may need to look up some stats on couples in the sport and how long they’ve been in it. Because these two might be on a Top 10 list…

The two have been all over the U.S. over the years. Racing many of the iconic venues. You may have met or seen them over the years at races like:

• Multiple years at OCRWC,
• World’s Toughest Mudder 2021,
• Spartan Killington Ultra (2016, 17, 18, 23),
• Multiple years at Indian Mud Run,
• and many other Spartan, Tough Mudder, Deka, Savage and local OCR races

As for the Grand Canyon. Charles has a lot of history here. He first hiked Bright Angel trail in 2002 with his father. Then again in 2009 he went out with his family to explore the Canyon. This is when he heard about people running back and forth. This stuck with him and when Charles began ultra running later in life he knew this would be a challenge to go after. And being with Jessica is such an awesome bonus, because she’s also up for this challenge.

Check out our two posts earlier this month, where we did a GEAR CHECK and RECAP with Dustin Rutter.

Dustin went out for his 25th birthday and completed this R2R2R challenge. As a reminder to what we wrote from Dustin’s post. This R2R2R is a legendary trail challenge. Going 44+ miles (depending on which trail you choose), with 10K plus ft. of elevation gain. All across steep and rocky terrain. Full of switchbacks and the constantly changing temperatures between both Rims and the Canyon (The Box).

This is an all day event. Even for high level runners. So let’s take a look at how Charles and Jessica are preparing and what they are taking out with them for this epic journey.

FUELING AND ACCESSORIES

Fueling and Hydration is key on this all day adventure. Both of them are heading out with around 4,500 calories of nutrition.

Nutrition List – Charles

• Nuun Endurance Powder – Strawberry Lemonade+Caffeine for hydration
• Honey Stinger Gels – 10 packs
• Untapped Waffles – 6 packs
• Probar meal bars – 4
• FUEL FOR FIRE applesauce packs – 3
• Pickle juice shots – 2

Nutrition List – Jessica

• Skratch High Carb hydration mixture
• LMNT Salt mix
• Spring Energy meal packs- 4
• Untapped Gels – 6 packs
• Skratch chews – 3 packs

The two are also bringing PB&J sandwiches and peanut butter and honey tortilla wraps.

To hold their HYDRATION, the two are using Ultraspire Zygos 5.0 – 15L packs with 2 500ml bottles and a 2L bladder.

Extra Accessories include:

• Katadyn BeFree 1L – water flask with a built in filter,
• Garmin InReach for tracking and SOS purposes,
• Black Diamond collapsable running poles,
• Water purification tablets, and
• Headlamps

SHOES

Charles has been training in the Saucony Peregrine 13’s for a few months now. He likes how they are minimal drop with good cushioning. And says they have a narrow fit with less aggressive tread which should be a good choice for the packed trails of the Grand Canyon.

Jessica has been enjoying Hoka Speedgoats for over a year now. They have solid cushioning and good grip for the trails. She also likes that they’re breathable. With the 90 degree temperatures at the bottom of the Canyon, this could be a big plus.

CLOTHING

As for temperatures on Sunday 4/21/2024 when they head out. The two might start with low 40’s Fahrenheit as they embark at 4am. And end up experiencing close to 90 degrees in the Canyon later in the day. To be properly prepared for the changing conditions, both Charles and Jessica are wearing similar clothing here.

Starting with Janji trail shorts. Giving them maximum comfort, pocket storage and some style.

On top, they’ve got Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoodies to help with the sun and wind. With tank tops underneath.

We’re continuing our Grand Canyon Rim Running theme with these two. Expect a little recap after their journey. Along with some overview, logistics and training posts coming up.

Keep up with Charles and Jessica with their Grand Canyon adventure and other fun things they’re going after these days. Follow them on Instagram @charlezard_go and @jessica_nichole522