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WAITLIST! WAITLIST! WAITLIST!!
WAITLIST! WAITLIST! WAITLIST!!
Where am I on the waitlist?
Please check the registration site where you can see the waitlist.
How does the waitlist work?
When the field size of any of the races reaches the maximum, any additional people who wish to register put themselves on the waitlist. Your credit card is not charged to be on the waitlist. As people drop from the race, which inevitably happens for various reasons, people will be let in from the waitlist in the order that they entered. (For you accountant people, let's just call it "First In, First Out") There will not be prior notification before you are moved, we just assume that since you are on the waitlist that you want to be in the race and you're OK with having your credit card charged. When you are let in your card is charged and an email will be sent to the email address on file confirming that you are in the race.
I didn't get an email from you about this, that or the other. How come?
Emails may somehow get lost or deleted, but they are almost always found when you check your junk/spam folder.
What happens if my credit card changes while I'm on the waitlist?
If we try to charge your credit card and it fails for any reason, you will receive an email with instructions to update your credit card information. You have 48 hours to address the problem, otherwise you go back on the waitlist. (Why only 48 hours? It seems to be a fair number of hours, honestly, and in these modern times of cell phones and wide spread Internet, it doesn't seem unreasonable for you to check your emails.) We put you back at the head of the waitlist and after a while the RD will probably try to reach out to you also.
Will I get in?
In previous years the entire waitlist has gotten in, and that waitlist has at times been a few hundred of people long. We obviously can’t guarantee that going forward, but the chances are very good. Train as if you’ll get in and we hope that you will. The waitlist begins to move pretty quickly in August and September and the field will be locked in about a week before the race.
What if I don’t get in?
If you don’t you can still be involved in one of the best area races of the year! Post in the Facebook group and find someone to pace, or pace a friend. Come cheer! Come volunteer – we need plenty of people who can do that! Do a volunteer shift and then pace someone, or vice versa!
All Non-Waitlist Questions!
All Non-Waitlist Questions!
Registration/Drop Questions
Do I get a refund if I have to drop from the race?
All race registrations are non refundable and not deferrable. If you are unable to attend the race for any reason, your registration fee becomes a donation to the Conservation Commissions in Brookline and Milford so they can continue to improve the trails in both towns. We thank you for your donation!
I have to drop from the race – how do I withdraw?
Are you on the waitlist? You can log in and remove yourself.
If you're already registered, please email the RD at ghosttrainrace@gmail.com and we'll remove you. We are sorry that you can't make the race, and your entry fee now becomes a donation to help improve the trails in Milford and Brookline. Thank you!
How do I switch distances/races?
Runners don't need to choose their 30-hour distances until the day of the race, and you don't have to tell us. So if you want to change from 30 miles to 100 miles (or vice versa) you don't need to do anything.
Switching between the 30-Hour Ultramarathon, 30-Hour Relay, 30-Mile Haunted Sunset Race, 15-Mile Race or the 15-Mile Relay – please email the RD at ghosttrainrace@gmail.com and let’s see what we can do for you. (Ultra to 15-Mile Relay is easier! There's generally no waitlist!). If, for example, you want to switch from the 15-Mile or 15-Mile Relay to the 30-Hour Ultramarathon then you will need to go on the waitlist and pay the price differential.
Who else is running Ghost Train? Can I see the entrants?
Check out the UltraSignup site - you can see who is registered!
I looked at that page but don’t see me.
Make sure you are looking at the correct category - “30-Hour Ultramarathon”, "30-Hour Relay", "30-Mile Haunted Sunset Race", “15-Mile Race” and “15-Mile Relay” to see who is signed up for each. (Plus the waitlists)
Campers, RVs, Large Trucks, Large Vehicles, Generators, Open Fires, and Loud Noise at Night
What do all these things have in common? They aren't allowed at Camp Tevya, the Milford DPW or anywhere on the trail.
If you have a camper or RV that is larger than a standard van, you may bring it and park at Richard Maghakian Memorial School - 22 Milford St, Brookline, NH 03033. The school is about a half mile away and has room for larger vehicles. We don't have parking space for all the runners and large vehicles on property.
No dogs or pets are allowed at Camp Tevya base camp, any aid stations, or any other areas of the course. We are sad to say this as we love all animals, but our insurance doesn't cover incidents and with hundreds of runners, pacers, crews, volunteers and families we would hate for there to be any mishaps between pets and people. (And we'd hate for any pets to be eaten by random demigorgon) (Officially licensed service dogs are welcomed per state and federal laws and guidelines)
Pacing, Crewing, and Running Questions (And buckles!)
Are there buckles available?
Yes! However, the buckles are coordinated by Adam Dodge who kindly and generously manages the project on his own time. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for posts by Adam describing how to sign up and pay for a buckle!
Are pacers allowed?
Yes! Runners doing the 30-Hour Ultramarathon may have one pacer at a time after they have run 30 miles or after dark. Muling is allowed if the person muling also carries 80 pounds worth of sharp rocks in a laundry bag. Find more information about this in the Ghost Train Handbook.
Can I pace my runner while riding a bike? Or any other method of transportation other than running?
No. For safety reasons only pacers on their own legs are allowed. The one exception to this is magic carpet. If you can demonstrate to the RDs a successful levitation of a magic carpet, it will be allowed.
Where should my pacers park and meet me?
Final details will be posted and/or emailed out close to the race, but they should plan on parking in the lots across the street from the camp by the covered bridge or near the boat ramp by Camp Tevya. Volunteers will be available to assist everyone with parking, so please follow their instructions. If your pacers are meeting you at the DPW, there is parking there, just follow any instructions given by volunteers or park along Rt. 13. See the Parking page for more information.
What else should pacers know?
Pacers are very welcome at Ghost Train – we’ll get them parked and they are welcome to partake at the aid stations for food, water, or anything else. While on the trail they should follow all the same rules as the runners – bring a cup, don’t litter, respect the property owners, and all those simple rules. They should also be familiar with all the information about pacing in the Ghost Train Handbook.
How is the cell coverage at camp and on the trail?
According to most reports, coverage should be good to excellent along most of the trail and in camp for most providers. Comments have been made that Verizon, AT&T, US Cellular, and T-Mobile are all good or better on the trail. One comment has been made that T-Mobile isn’t great at Camp Tevya, but that may have changed since 2018.
Can you wear headphones for music?
From the RD: Ear buds are not recommended but they are allowed. We suggest only having one in one ear. You don't want to miss everyone cheering you on as you are passing by! There are also 4 road crossing to be aware at. If you get run over we will be pretty bummed out.
Extra Information: Dan M: “The Trekz Air bone induction ones are great; they don't cover your ears so you can still hear things around you.” Peggy E: “Mine lasted 10 hours on one charge!”
Matthew H: “My wife and I both have a pair of Plantronics BackBeat Fit. These are great. I’ve used them in the rain and I also sweat a lot. Never had an issue. They have a long battery life.”
Is there a map of the course? And an elevation profile?
The course is straight, flat, with one bitty hill one mile from the Milford DPW. See the our Course page for more information about the course.
I hate running but a crazy friend or loved one is running. What should I do while they’re out there?
There are many options! Check out our Lodging and Food page for things to do. Also, consider signing up as a volunteer! We always need fun, positive people who can keep our runners going. Maybe wear a costume, a crazy hat, or something else to get some smiles!
Volunteer signups will be published in the July timeframe. Check out the volunteering page for more information.
Can I set up somewhere along the course and cheer loudly while playing loud music and setting off fireworks?
That does sound like a lot of fun! However, please respect all the local home and property owners and only cheer from Camp Tevya or the Milford DPW. (Especially at night!) Even better, why not volunteer at an aid station and channel some of that amazing energy into helping all the runners stay jazzed all night long? Check out our Volunteering page!
Are drop bags allowed? Where do I drop them off and/or can my crew bring them somewhere?
Drop bags are allowed for 30-Hour Ultramarathon runners! Read all the details in the the Ghost Train Handbook.
Since there is limited space, please don’t pack too heavy or in too large of a container. Thank you!
(We keep getting the question - how large is too large? Honestly, you will only need a few spare shirts, socks, headlamp, batteries, handwarmers and maybe some layers, so it doesn't take much room. If you're using something the size of a small carry on or larger, it's probably getting big.)
I forgot to pick up my drop bag - now what? Also, is there a lost and found?
The RD will make an effort to return unclaimed drop bags and lost items found at the race. Watch for a post on our Ghost Train Trail Race Facebook group with instructions. You're probably going to be driving to Nashua, N.H. to pick your items up, but please contact the RD if something of yours is found. Items will be donated or disposed of after a reasonable time has passed and they haven't been claimed.
Parking and Camping Questions
When can I set up to camp?
Generally starting Friday afternoon around 3 or 4pm. Keep an eye out on our Ghost Train Trail Race Facebook group and for emails to see what the exact time will be. See the Camping Guide for all the information about camping.
Do I need to reserve a spot?
No. See the Camping Guide for all the information about camping.
Is there a fee for camping?
No. See the Camping Guide for all the information about camping.
Can we have fires/fire pits?
The short answer is no. See the Camping Guide for all the information about camping.
Parking? What’s the deal?
First come first serve will be near Camp Tevya for the 30-Hour Ultramarathon. There is also parking for the 15-Mile Race and 15-Mile Relay at the Milford DPW. See the Parking page for more information.
Bring Your Own Cup!
Bring Your Own Cup!
Please plan on bringing a collapsible/reusable cup to the race so we can all work to reduce the generated waste where possible. This may not seem like a huge thing, but most of the waste from Ghost Train is cups! In the TARC tradition, we'd like to minimize our impact on the planet and the landfills as we enjoy the trails.
Random Questions
What are the food options and do you have gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, dairy free and other options?
Ghost Train has had a food sensitive area for several years and we will continue that tradition. Please watch for more information in our Facebook group closer to race day. Please note - while we will make every effort to provide food sensitive items, we can't 100% guarantee there won't be cross contamination. If you would like more details, we invite you to talk to our aid station captains at the race or the race director.
Can I wear a costume?
Absolutely! Just try to keep the parts covered that you and everyone else wouldn’t want kids to see so we can keep the race family friendly! We do welcome all pacers, runners, volunteers, or loiterers to dress in something fun as it helps entertain everyone and makes for great pictures and memories later.
Are there bathrooms or showers at base camp?
There are porta-potties at the DPW, at the middle aid station, and at Camp Tevya. There are no showers, sorry. However, all runners are welcome to take a refreshing dip in Lake Potanipo whenever they’d like!
Is there a way to track runners live on the course?
There is no "live" tracking. We encourage runners to share their watch output or rely on pacers updating teams as needed.
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