2022 FAQ

FAQ for 2023 can be found here: 2023 FAQ

1. When & where is Packet Pickup ?

Early packet pickup will be at QUEST OUTDOORS at 4600 Shelbyville Road in the Shelbyville Road Plaza on Friday, February 18, from 4 to 7 pm EST. They will be having their FREE pre-race pasta dinner again this year during packet pickup at the store location -- everyone is welcome.

As always, you can register and/or pick up your race packet at the Horine Center at the Start/Finish area on race morning starting around 7 am EST. It's recommended to pick up your race packet at early packet pickup to avoid the rush & lines on race day.

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; 0.2 miles, 0.3 miles and 5.5 miles into the race along the course in the campground; 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 at the Welcome Center on Mitchell Hill Road (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):

. 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 at the RD's discretion -- 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 course officially closes at 6 pm (10 hours).

Consideration for a 7 am EST start will be given to those runners who believe they may not finish before it gets dark -- contact Cynthia or Todd Heady at cynthia@headfirstperformance.com or todd@headfirstperformance.com . Early starters are not eligible for the top 3 finisher awards.

Average High: 49 degrees Record High: 78 degrees 2019 High: 37 2020 High: 40

Average Low: 31 degrees Record Low: -3 degrees 2019 Low: 19 2020 Low: 32

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. If you think you could be near the 3 pm cutoff at Scott's Gap (50k), you may want to put a light in your drop bag to pickup & use in the last mile or two of the race if needed.

8. Are there any training runs ?

Two(2) training runs have been scheduled:

The first will be at 8 am EST on Saturday, January 15, 2022. It will be the 15 mile course, starting and finishing at the official race start in Horine.

The second will be at 8 am EST on Saturday, January 22, 2022. It will be starting and finishing at the Welcome Center at 11311 Mitchell Hill Road. It will be outbound on the Siltstone Trail (6.7 miles), Scott's Gap Trail (3.25 miles) & returning on the Siltstone Trail (6.7 miles). The Purple Heart section, run during the race, will be skipped. If the parking lot at the Welcome Center is full, there's an overflow parking lot on the other side of Mitchell Hill Road.

Some marking may be in place at the major junctions. There will be runners who have run the course within the group, but you should still be generally familiar with the trails and the course layout beforehand should you get separated. You can always turn back & return to the beginning or join in at any time.

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 ejogger@twc.com. You can also email Headfirst Performance at cynthia@headfirstperformance.com or todd@headfirstperformance.com.