MUDDY MESS!! Click HERE for more pictures..
photo by Ron Horton
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ASC TRAIL MARATHON,
Marathon Relay & 5 Miler
WHEN: 7:00 AM start on Saturday, September 27, 2008
WHERE: Fort Mill, SC's ASC Greenway is just south of Charlotte, NC and offers 32 miles of fantastic trails. All races will start at the Field Trial Barn at the Springfield Parkway Greenway entrance. This is NOT the main entrance to the Greenway. It's at 841 Springfield Pkwy, across from the Springfield Golf Course. Click here for a map to the start/finish.
COURSE DESCRIPTION: The ASC Greenway Marathon, Relay & 5 Miler is a great intro to trail racing for beginners, while the roots, rocks, & mud (in the right conditions) are a great challenge for seasoned veterans. The marathon follows a cloverleaf course, coming back to the start/finish line 3 times (5, with start & finish), making it more spectator-friendly than most trail races. The 3 person relay exchange zones are all at the start/finish area. Legs for the relay are NOT equal. The loops have changed a little due to rerouting of trails. The relay legs will now be 11.6, 5.0 & 10.0 miles. The 5 miler is an out & back course over the least technical part of the marathon course.
The course is 100% unpaved and is a good mix of singletrack trails (about 55%), wider horse trails (about 25%) and dirt roads (about 20%). The course is challenging, but all sections are runnable and will be technical enough for experienced trail runners without being too difficult for first time marathoners or novice trail runners. There are good views of several lakes & ponds, a creek, and most of the course is wooded. Elevation gain & loss for the marathon course is 1725'. Expect a couple of sturdy swinging bridge crossings and a possible creek crossing or two if it's rained.
The course map is very close to accurate, but a couple of minor changes have been made.
ENTRY FEES: Solo Marathon: $50; 3 Person Marathon Relay: $120; 5 Mile: $18 before Sept. 1 ($22 afterwards). Online Reg. Closes: September 25, 2008. Race Day registration available, but shirts for race day entries may be limited.
AWARDS: Framed finishers photos for all Solo Marathon finishers. Awards for the top 2 in the following categories in the marathon & 5 miler: Overall, Masters, Under 20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & up. Awards for the top male, female, & mixed relay teams. All registered runners receive technical running shirts. There will not be an awards ceremony. Awards will be given at the finish line.
SPONSORS: TrySports, REI, Rock Hill Striders, Runner's World, ASC Greenway, Gu, Powerbar
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Or go to bottom of the page to download entry form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: The Carolinas in September can be unpredictable, but the average low is 58 and the average high is 78. With the early 7 AM start time, we should miss the afternoon heat. Most of the course is well-shaded, so that will help too. As of 9/23, the forecast is: Friday's low 58/Saturday's high 77.
Q: Is trail running harder than road running?
A: That's a tough one. It's all what you're used to. The even cadence and pounding of a road marathon is much more difficult than trail running for those who train primarily on trails. Trail running means more varied terrain and a new mini-challenge around each corner. If you're not used to running on trails, it will be difficult at first. With road running, your pace is relatively even, while on trails, it changes with the terrain. There are usually more spikes & dips in your heartrate on trails. While you might work harder on the inclines, you can rest more on the other side. And, of course most trail runners would agree hopping across creeks is more fun than dodging cars. The scenery and connection with nature is a big appeal for trail runners.
Q: Is the ASC race a good one for a first marathon?
A: Again, if you're used to running on trails, it is.
Q: Is the course fast?
A: It's not Kiawah, Myrtle Beach, or Chicago, where you click off mile after mile at the same pace, but for a trail race, it's only moderately difficult. The trails are typical of what you find in the Carolina Piedmont- rolling hills, with no major climbs. The average hill on the course takes about 15-45 seconds to climb. The trail on many sections is relatively straight and non-technical, though much of the first third of the course is hillier and more technical.
Q: Is the course overly rocky & rooty?
A: It's average for this region. You need to keep your eyes open on the singletrack sections, but the dirt road and horse trail sections are virtually root-free. If it's rained heavily before the race, you'll experience a good deal of mud in the last third of the race, but the other sections drain well.
Q: Will there be mile markers?
A: Yes, but not every mile.
Q: Will I get lost?
A: There's always that chance, but the course will be very well marked with flagging tape.
Q: What happens if I have an accident or can't continue?
A: Hopefully, you can make it to the nearest aid station. If you want to take a cell phone with you, there is reception throughout the course. You must tell an aid station worker if you decide to drop out. Otherwise, we'll assume you're still on the course somewhere.
Q: How many aid stations will there be & what should I expect?
A: Aid stations will be placed at least every 3-4 miles. You may want to carry a bottle with you. They will be stocked with water, GU2O (lemon lime), GU gel (virtually every flavor), Powerbars (orange smoothie flavor), bagels and an assortment of sweet and salty snacks. Aid stations will be located at mile 2, 4, 7,8, 10, 11.6, 14.1, 16.6, 18, 20.5 & 24.
Q: Can I walk?
A: You can certainly walk when you need to, but it might be difficult to finish the course in the 7 hour time limit if you plan on walking the entire race. There will be cutoffs starting at the halfway mark.
Q: Can I register on race day?
A: Yes, but you may not get a shirt.
Q: When can I pick up my packet?
A: You can pick up your number and packet as early as 5:45 AM on race day at the starting line. The race starts at the Field Trial Barn, 841 Springfield Parkway, Fort Mill, SC.
Q: What hotels are in the area?
A: The race is 5 miles from the Carowinds exit of I-77. There are several hotels at that exit, including: Best Western (803-548-8400), Comfort Inn (803-548-5200), Sleep Inn (803-547-2300) & Motel 6 (803-548-9656).
Q: Will there be showers available at the finish?
A: No.
Q: How do I go to the bathroom out there?
A: There are port-a-jons at the start & finish & at 2, 11.6 & 16.6 miles. There are bathrooms at around 20 miles. Otherwise... well, we couldn't advise you to utilize the abundant forest around you.
