1. When & where is Packet Pickup ?
Race packets will be available at Ken Combs Running Store, Friday, February 11, 12 noon to 6:00 pm EST and at the start on race morning from 6:30 to 7:30 am.
2. Will my feet get wet ?
There are several small streams -- no creek crossings. Most of the time the streams are dried up or frozen this time of year. If water is flowing, you can usually jump over them or carefully pick your steps across. If we have rain race day, or have heavy rain the day before (like in 2010), streams will be up & your feet will get wet.
3. Will there be any drop bag stations ?
50k & 15m:
There will an official drop bag area at the start where you will pass after the first leg --- or you can just stop by your car for your items in the parking area.
50k only:
The 50k will have an additional drop bag area at the Scott's Gap aid station (mile 20.4/mile 23.6). If you wish, you can leave a drop bag at any aid station once the station is open, however, you will be responsible for the bag & for making all arrangements. You can leave a drop bag for Scott's Gap at the START area on race morning. You will pass thru the Scott's Gap aid station twice. After the 2nd time, be sure to leave your bag in the RETURN area. Bags will be returned to the START/FINISH area as time & volunteers permit.
4. Where are the toilet facilities ?
Pit toilets are located at the start/finish and in the camping area about 1/4 mile into the race.
Port-o-cans will be located at the following locations & possibly others: the start/finish, 1/2 mile into the race at the campsites, at the Bearcamp Road aid station (mile 17/mile 27) and at the Scott's Gap aid station (mile 20.4/mile 23.6).
Indoor facilities can be found on Mitchell Hill Road at the Welcome Center (mile 14/mile 30 on the 50k course) and at the Horine Center (Lodge) at the start/finish area.
NOTE: The course passes within 20 feet of the Welcome Center front entrance. If you should need to use the restroom facilities, please be considerate if your shoes are muddy!
5. How many aid stations are there ?
There are two (2) for the 15m:
mile 5.5 - Start Area at the end of the 1st leg -- drop bags
mile 12 - Yost aid station on the 2nd leg
There are eight (8) for the 50k:
mile 5.5 - Start Area at the end of the 1st leg -- drop bags
mile 12 - Yost aid station on the 2nd leg
mile 14 - Tom Wallace aid station on the 3rd leg outbound
mile 17 - Bearcamp Road aid station on the 3rd leg outbound
mile 20.4 - Scott's Gap aid station at the end of the Siltstone Trail -- drop bags
mile 23.6 - Scott's Gap aid station at the end of the Scott's Gap loop -- drop bags
mile 27 - Bearcamp Road aid station on the 3rd leg inbound
mile 30 - Tom Wallace aid station on the 3rd leg inbound
6. Is there a cutoff time & is there an "early start" offered ?
There will be an unofficial cutoff at the end of the Scott's Gap loop (mile 23.6) on the 3rd leg of the 50k. If it's taken you till 3:30 pm to get here, it will be very tough for you to finish before the course officially closes at 6 pm (10 hours).
Consideration for a 7 am start will be given to those runners who believe they may not finish by the official course closure at 6 pm -- contact Cynthia Heady, RD at cynthia@headfirstperformance.com
7. Will I need a light ?
If you take the early start at 7 am, you may need a light for the 1st mile or two. The course officially closes at 6 pm.
Info for February 12:
8. Are there any training runs ?
Saturday, January 15, 8 am EDT. Beginning at the race START area in the Horine Reservation. 15 mile course (2 loops). Runners are welcome to do 1 or 2 loops. No permit required to enter the Horine section as permission has been given for this date.
1-16-11 update: a record turnout of 24 attended the 1st training run on the snowy trails January 15!
Saturday, January 22, 8 am EDT. Beginning at the Welcome Center on Mitchell Hill Road. 13 mile out and back on the Siltstone Trail with possibly the Scotts Gap loop (3m).
1-24-11 update: 15 runners braved the single digit temps & snow covered trails January 22!
More training runs may be scheduled at a later date.
If you decide to run on the course prior to race day, all trail sections are officially open from 8 a.m. to dusk EXCEPT the Horine Section (start/finish area). Be sure to register for a permit at the Welcome Center before entering the Horine Section of the Jefferson Memorial Forest. No permit is required to enter on an official training run date and NO PERMIT IS REQUIRED TO ENTER ON RACE DAY !
9. Are pacers allowed?
Not at this time.
10. How do I find out additional information ?
Current info & race changes will be posted on this blog as the facts become available. Post your question (as a comment) to the last post in the blog or you can email me directly at edibo@insightbb.com. You can also email Headfirst Performance at cynthia@headfirstperformance.com or todd@headfirstperformance.com.
updated 1 - 24 - 11