faq

Is this a real race?

Run for 7 days with me and let me know if you think it's real. Yes, this is a real event. This year it's very informal. Maybe in the future it'll be a formal event with race fees and everything.

Why do this?

Let me start with "Why Not?" If your idea of setting a goal is to see if you can finish off that full bag of chips and a 2 liter soda before the baseball game is over, then this is not for you! If you like to set personal goals and try to stretch your limits, then this fun run might be just the thing you need.

Can I bring a pacer?

Sure. Of course their miles will count for themselves too. They might beat you!

Are crews allowed?

Yes. Just don't take up the whole darn parking lot. The trail comes directly through the west parking lot so your car can be your personal aid station.

How much aid do you provide?

None. Bring your own aid and supplies. Next question.

How are miles reported?

You need to tell the race organizer (Chris) what miles you have accumulated each day. It's an honor system. Let me know within 24 hours what miles you ran/walked the previous day. I'll keep a running tally of each person's mileage.

Can I run on the bike path too?

Yes, but those miles will not count for this event. Only miles done on the 5-mile trail course count. You can run/walk any variation of the 5-mile course. Don't feel you must run the full 5 mile loop each time. And feel free to reverse direction too. It may get old going the same route in the same direction each time for 7 days!

If my dog runs and goes off leash, do I get DQ or just my dog?

I think it's time that our canine buddies step up and take responsibility for their own actions. Only the dog is DQ'd. I suppose that also means that dogs are eligible for trail miles (only count those that are on the actual 5-mile trail).

Can I camp at the start/finish?

No. There is no camping at Lake of the Woods.

Is there a restroom anywhere close by?

Yes. Actually the park has one at the east parking lot off of Hwy 47. The trail runs fairly close to this spot (maybe 100 feet off trail) at around mile 3.75. It is locked at night.

If I mow the trail, do those miles count too?

Yes, as long as it's not a riding lawnmower and it is done between the specified race hours. The lawnmower itself does not get miles--only sentient beings count for this race.

I'd like to run all night, can I do that?

No. The park is officially closed around 10pm. Any miles accumulated after 10pm do not count. Let's play by the rules and respect the park regulations. Also, the idea of a STAGE RACE is that it's conducted over several days with rest periods in-between.

I work the night shift, so can I run while you are working?

Nope. Start your own "night shift working man's edition stage race."

Clinton Lake ultra has a very cool "barefoot or FiveFinger" division. Will this race have a similar division?

Maybe. If it looks like I'm the only one that would qualify and win, then I'll add that division.