Race Day Info Email to Racers on 7/16
It's Race Week - LET'S GO!!!
Hello Common Rush Trail Run Racer,
Welcome to the 3rd Annual Common Rush Trail Run coming up this Saturday, July 20th at Harris Lake County Park in New Hill, NC. Get your game face on and prepare for a fun morning on the trails as you and close to 250 fellow trail runners navigate 5 or 10 miles of scenic, flowy, lakeside single-track, smooth dirt road double-track, and open field running!
Below is the race info email, which contains logistical and safety details for the race. This message is long but should answer most of the questions you might have. Please take a few minutes to read.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, 7/20/24 (Race Day!!!)
Harris Lake County Park: 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill, NC 27562
- 6:45am - 7:45am: Check-in
- 7:50am: Pre-Race Brief
- 8:00am: Race Start
- 8:45am - 11am: Post-race Food/Beverage
- 9:45am: FREE Kids 'Race for Treasure' (kids 11-U)
- 10am: Awards
- 10:15am: Contests and Giveaways
Weather: As of Tuesday, 7/16 @ 12pm, the race morning forecast is calling for high temps in the low-80s (mild for July in NC), light winds, and good chance for rain showers/light rain. Prepare for a fun, wet adventure! FYI - We are heading into an unsettled weather pattern and expect off and on chances for rain and thunderstorms starting on Wednesday and lasting through the weekend. In terms of the race, rain is OK, lightning is not. As of now, lightning is not predicted for the morning hours of race day, which is awesome! But, the weather prediction often changes this far out. So, we will keep a close eye on it and send an update on Thursday evening. Should we need to postpone the race, you will have excellent options - attend the make up date (August 11th), receive full credit to a future RR event, or receive a refund. Keep all your fingers and toes crossed for a forecast that is in our favor:)
Course Conditions: The trails at Harris Lake drain well and are currently very dry. The wet weather predicted for the latter half of the week may cause some damp or wet conditions, but it should not be a muddy mess. We would need to receive A LOT of sustained rain for conditions to turn muddy, and that does not look to be the case. Prepare for a fun, wet adventure on Saturday and as always, watch your footing, especially on rocks and roots. Again, we will send an update email by the EOD on Thursday.
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE: Please remember to stay hydrated. YOU SHOULD COME TO THE RACE WELL HYDRATED and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the race.
Registration: If you have friends or family that have not signed up yet but intend to race, please let them know that online registration will remain open until race day. Also, we ordered extra t-shirts, and currently still have tees available in most sizes, but size selection is dwindling with each registered racer. If a size is able to be selected during registration, then it is still available. If a tee size is not available during registration, the racer can choose one from our vintage stock at check-in. REGISTER HERE.
Start List: CLICK HERE to view the list of racers.
Early Check-in at Fleet Feet originally scheduled for Thursday, 7/18 has been cancelled due to the possibility of postponement (WHICH WE HOPE WILL NOT MATERIALIZE:).
Arrival: Please arrive early to help alleviate backups and carpool, if bringing family or friends. It takes time to park, check-in, use the bathroom, warm up, and attend the pre-race brief. We recommend arriving by 7am.
Venue Address: Harris Lake County Park, 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill, NC 27562
Parking and Staging: After entering the park, follow the ‘race parking’ signs. Park in the field near the Hog Run trailhead. Those arriving early will park closest to check-in, which is a very short walk from the main parking area in the field. Our volunteers will be controlling the flow of traffic to maximize available space. THE MAIN PARKING FIELD NEAR THE STAGING AREA WILL LIKELY FILL UP, REQUIRING LATE ARRIVING RACERS TO PARK IN THE CYPRESS PAVILION, WHICH IS A .3 MILE WALK TO THE STAGING AREA/CHECK-IN.
Check-in: Check-in will be open from 6:45am-7:45am and will take place in the field near the Hog Run trailhead. At check-in, you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and race t-shirt. If you park in the cypress pavilion parking lot, you may check your keys/t-shirt with us so you do not need to walk back to your vehicle before starting the race.
Portajohns: Portajohns will be located near check-in and the race start.
Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin at 7:50am at the race start area, on the gravel road near check-in.
Race Start: The 5 and 10 mile races will begin together at 8am SHARP.
Race Courses: Providing easy passing, these one-loop 5.5 mile and two-loop 10.0 mile courses begin with .5 miles of wide gravel, pavement, and dirt road running. After this beginning section, athletes run along a combination of wide dirt road double-track, open meadows, and forested single-track, much of it with gorgeous lake views. While this course is comprised primarily of single-track trails, it is not overly tight, so there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout. With only minimal root and rock filled technical terrain and only 211' and 397' of elevation gain for the 5 mile and 10 mile courses, respectively, this racecourse is fast and fun!
To view interactive course details and elevation profiles for each course, click on the links below:
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette: While there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout the course, some of the single-track trails at Harris Lake are narrow and passing may be difficult. So, it is suggested that you factor this into your race strategy. At the beginning of the race, there is about .5 miles of wide gravel, pavement, and dirt road before entering the single-track. So, it is recommended that you place yourself appropriately at the start line, with faster racers near the front, mid pack racers near the middle, and ‘back of pack’ runners near the rear. Also, proper trail etiquette should be practiced. Overtaking racers should use audible signals such as ‘passing on your left’ or ‘passing on your right’ and, when possible, slower racers should allow them to pass. Keep in mind, however, that it is the responsibility of the overtaking racer to pass safely.
Course Marking: The course will be marked with red, yellow, or pink laminated arrows at all turns or areas of decision and pint surveyor’s tape tied to branches between points of decision. Arrows will be tied to trees or stapled to wooden stakes. Do not turn off the main trail if you do not see an arrow. There is one main road crossing during this race, right near the finish. Before this road crossing, you will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THIS ROAD.
5 Mile / 10 Mile Split: After Aid #3 @ 5.1M, 5 milers will head to the finish and 10 milers will start their second lap. Look for signs and listen to the course marshal. YOUR BIB MUST BE VISIBILE FROM THE FRONT SO THE COURSE MARSHAL CAN SEE WHICH RACE YOU ARE RUNNING.
Mile Markers: Mile markers will be located at every aid station as well as one mile from the finish and ½ mile from the finish. Keep in mind that these signs will be for both 5 mile and 10 milers so when you see two signs at the aid stations, the longer distance is for the 10 milers on their second lap. For instance, you will see 1.8M and 6.5M signage at Aid #1/Aid#4.
Aid Stations: Remember to ARRIVE HYDRATED AND STAY HYDRATED. Aid stations will be stocked with ice cold water and Gatorade. Pouring cold water on your head and neck is a great way to cool off! Use the cups provided or carry a camelback or handheld water bottle. The 10M course has six aid stations at 1.8M, 3.5M, 5.1M, 6.5M, 8.2M, and 9.6M. The 5M has three aid stations at 1.8M, 3.5M, and 5.1M. First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station. Cold bottled water will be available when crossing the finish line, and a full aid station with cold water and Gatorade will be available as well.
NO IN-EAR EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC: The use of in-ear EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC that restricts hearing is not permitted during any Roadless Races event. Why, you may ask? Well, for the following three reasons:
- Safety – we need to look out for each other! Our courses are held on trails in remote areas. If someone gets injured out on the trails, we rely on racers to notify us so we can activate emergency response. Racers must be alert at all times.
- Courtesy – trail races are very different than road races. Passing is usually not a problem in road races but passing can be a challenge on single-track trails. To pass safely, trail etiquette suggests using audible signals such as passing on your left. Passing someone who can’t hear you is difficult and frustrating.
- Community – at Roadless Races we strive to build community. Please use your time with us to unleash yourself from your device, enjoy the sounds of nature, talk to people, make some friends, and have fun.
No Dogs on the Course: We love our furry friends, but for the safety of all racers (and dogs), they are not permitted on the racecourse. Spectators are welcome to bring leashed and supervised dogs.
Photos: Uber-talented professional photographer Tim Skelding will be at the race capturing images of the fun and friendly competition. All photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event, and we will send you an email when they are ready. Smile big when you see Tim out on the course!
Chip Timing / Results: The timing pros from Junction 311 are timing this race. Timing chips will be affixed to the back of your race bib. Please wear your bib on the front of your body, either on your torso or on your shorts. Results will be posted online on runsignup immediately following the event. Look for a QR code at the pavilion that will direct you to the results.
Recovery and Medical: AlbyPT will providing medical services at the race and will also be available to screen and discuss any injury recovery or movement performance questions you may have. Specializing in various areas of physical therapy including orthopedics, aquatics, pelvic health, and dry needling; Michelle Alby, DPT is there to guide injury recovery, improve performance for the next race, or assist the body to its next great adventure. With private individualized sessions at your home or office, AlbyPT is an ideal partner in keeping life moving well. Additionally, the Apex Fire Department will be on-site to provide any needed emergency response. Thank you, AlbyPT and the Apex Fire Department!
Post-Race Food/Beverages: Tasty post-race food such as sliders, bagels/peanut butter, hummus/veggies, fruit (bananas and watermelon), pickles, trail bars, chips, cookies, trail mix, little cups of M&Ms, etc. will be available after the race – enjoy! Beverages include water, Gatorade, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing Company – NICE! Food is complimentary for all racers and volunteers.
Athletic Brewing Company - Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer: A cold beer hits the spot after a race and now you can enjoy a tasty post-race craft beverage that doesn’t compromise your ability to stay sharp and healthy. After the race, grab an Athletic Brewing Company beer and enjoy! Thank you and cheers to Athletic Brewing Company!
FREE Kids Race for Treasure: At 9:45am, kids aged 11-U are invited to participate in the Kids Race for Treasure. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!! All kids are welcome to participate, and parents are encouraged to line the 'racecourse' to cheer them on. We will match kids in age groups (2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and have them run a short out and back ‘race’ in an open area near the staging area. After running, kids can grab a prize (toys from the dollar store:) from the Treasure Chest!
Awards: The awards ceremony will start at 10am. Awards (1st-5th place tumblers) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates) will be presented to the top five M/F overall finishers in each distance. We will announce the overall winners and ask them to come up to the podium for their awards. Awards (1st-3rd place pint glasses) will be given to the top three M/F age group competitors for each distance. Age groups include 13-Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Age group winners should pick up their pint glass from the awards table. After all award winners have been given their pint glass, we will get a large group photo with all the overall and age group award winners.
Giveaways and Push-Up Contest (where all participants receive swag): We have some awesome stuff to giveaway at the race, including Goodr sunglasses, Cotopaxi bags, and Roadless Races swag. After the awards, stick around for your chance to win. We will start with the super-fun push up contest where anyone that participates gets swag and the top two M/F participants who are left 'standing' at the end can select an item of their choosing. After the push up contest, we will randomly giveaway the rest of the sweet stuff.
Gift Certificates, Swag, and Discount from Fleet Feet: Building community and helping their customers reach their running goals is what Fleet Feet is all about. Thank you so much to Fleet Feet Carrboro/Durham for contributing gift certificates for the overall prizes and swag for giveaways. Bring your race bib into the Carrboro or Durham Fleet Feet on 7/20 or 7/21 and take 10% off your purchase. Nice!
Coastal Credit Union Donation to Meals on Wheels: Not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, that provides member dividends, teller service 7 days a week, better rates, low fees, and safe/secure banking, Coastal Credit Union has been putting community over profit for over 50 years, and we are thrilled to partner with such an upstanding corporate citizen. At this race, and several of our others, Coastal has committed to donate $3/athlete to the local chapter of Meals on Wheels to support its mission of providing meals and connection to homebound seniors in need. You rock, Coastal Credit Union – THANK YOU!
Awesome Sponsors: THANK YOU to all our generous sponsors for providing product, services, donations, and giveaways in support of grassroots racing and our community. Please show your love and support our sponsors in any way you can. AlbyPT, Athletic Brewing Company, Coastal Credit Union, and Fleet Feet – Carrboro/Durham.
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in the Common Rush Trail Run.
We are looking forward to an excellent day of trail running action and we can’t wait to see you at the race.
Jim
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
