2018 FAQ
1. When & where is Packet Pickup ?
Early packet pickup & late registration will be on Friday, February 9, from noon to 4 pm EST at the KEN COMBS RUNNING STORE and from 5 pm to 8 pm EST at QUEST OUTDOORS. Quest Outdoors is also providing a FREE pasta dinner! Both early packet pickup locations are on Shelbyville Road in Louisville. You can register or pick up your race packet at the Horine Center at the Start/Finish area on race morning starting around 7 am.
Horine Center:
Start/Finish/Parking area:
2. Will my feet get wet ?
There are several small streams. 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:
You can leave a drop bag at the start line where you will pass after the first leg -- or you can just stop by your car in the parking area for your items.
50k only:
The 50k will have an additional drop bag area at the Scott's Gap aid station (mile 19.7/mile 23). You can leave a drop bag for Scott's Gap at the Horine Center 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 (Horine Center) as time & volunteers permit.
4. Where are the toilet facilities ?
Pit toilets (literally holes in the ground w/seats) are located at the start/finish.
Port-o-cans will be located at the following locations: the start/finish, 1/4 & 1/3 mile into the race at the campsites, on the Purple Heart loop (mile 11.2) and at the Scott's Gap aid station (mile 19.7/mile 23).
Indoor facilities can be found at the Horine Center at the start/finish area and on Mitchell Hill Road at the Welcome Center (mile 10.6/13.5 on the 15m course & mile 10.6/29.6 on the 50k course).
NOTE: The course passes within 20 feet of the Welcome Center front entrance. The Center is open to the public w/shiny wood floors. If you should need to use the restroom facilities, please knock the mud off your shoes before entering, or you can use the separate direct entrances to the restrooms from the back of the Center. The Center closes at 4:30 pm.
Welcome Center (back entrance):
5. How many aid stations are there ?
There are three (3) for the 15m:
mile 5.7 - Start Area at the end of the 1st leg -- drop bags
mile 10.7 - At the gravel parking lot just past the Welcome Center
mile 13.4 - At the gravel parking lot just before returning to the Welcome Center
There are seven (7) for the 50k:
mile 5.7 - Start Area at the end of the 1st leg -- drop bags
mile 10.7 - At the gravel parking lot just past the Welcome Center
mile 16 - Bearcamp Road aid station outbound on the Siltstone Trail
mile 19.7 - Scott's Gap aid station at the end of the Siltstone Trail -- drop bags
mile 23 - Scott's Gap aid station at the end of the Scott's Gap loop -- drop bags
mile 26.7 - Bearcamp Road aid station inbound on the Siltstone Trail
mile 29.5 - At the gravel parking lot just before returning to the Welcome Center
6. Is there a cutoff time & is there an "early start" offered ?
There will be a cutoff at 3 pm (7 hours) or whenever the RD decides -- at the end of the Scott's Gap loop (mile 23) in the 50k. If you're close to the cutoff, chances are you will not finish the course before it gets difficult to see the trail. The sun sets at 6:15 pm. 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 before it gets dark -- contact Cynthia Heady, RD at cynthia@headfirstperformance.com
Average High: 45 degrees Record High: 68 degrees
Average Low: 29 degrees Record Low: 4 degrees
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.
8. Are there any training runs ?
Two training runs have been scheduled on Sat & Sun, Jan 20 & 21, 2018. Both will start at 8 a.m. EST.
First, on Sat., will be the 15 mile course, starting & finishing at the official race start in Horine.
Second, on Sun., will be an out'n'back on the Siltstone Trail (6.7 miles x 2) & Scott's Gap Trail (3.25 miles) starting from the Welcome Center on Mitchell Hill Road.
Course will not be marked, so you will need to be familiar with the trails or keep up with someone who is. There will be someone familiar with the course leading & sometimes someone is trailing, but that's not for certain. You can turn back & return to the beginning or join in at anytime.
These runs are generally for those wishing to become familiar with the course or to try out the trails. You do not have to be registered to attend.
Training runs will be rain or shine.
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.