FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Be sure to checkout the 55K Athlete Guide here and the 50 Mile Athlete Guide here for course details, aid station information, and race weekend information.
1. What is the weather typically like in May at this event? The weather can vary greatly in May in this area. Generally this area can have major swings in conditions simply based on its location and mountains with huge valleys. I would be prepared for hot and humid but expect a bit more mild conditions. It would be wise to be prepared for wet conditions as well as this can be a wet season.
2. Recommendation on lodging We have some recommended areas for lodging here (along with an option for a discounted room within our room block)
3. Ideas for family waiting for us, nearby fishing spot or something? As far as things to do Fayetteville is filled with awesome outdoor activities and lots of opportunities. This area provides a lot of opportunities for fishing, too!
4. Recommendations for local eats? I may be biased because for over a decade I've always gone to pies and pints and Fayetteville. There's lots of really good local eateries in the area.
5. Do we get to hug a bear? 14 years ago when I was on a run here I almost ran into a bear on one of the trails not our races on. We both sprinted away in opposite directions. I did not ask for a hug
6. Is there a Bag drop location for 55k? This will be at aid station 3 which is also aid station 5. You will be able to go to your drop bag twice on the 55K course since this is an out-and-back course. More information will be provided in the updated 55K Athlete Guide here.
7. What kind of trails shoes work best on this trail if there isn’t a lot rocks and sticks to watch out for? Which is harder going follow or coming back? If you're doing the 50 miler I would start out with a road shoe and then switch at the 1st aid station to a less aggressive trail shoe. That being said if the conditions are bad leading up to the race then obviously a trail shoe with a little bit more support would be warranted. Generally the best thing you can do is use something that you're comfortable with and have trained with. If you're doing the 50 km I would stick With a non aggressive trail shoe or even a road shoe if conditions are dry. But again those are based on my own preferences
8. What's the terrain and elevation like? The terrain varies greatly. There's road gravel road very manageable to track trail and some single track. There are only a few tough sections that are extremely short on either course. For the 50 km there are 2 .3 Mile sections Of extreme elevation change stairs on the way out down on the way backup but other than that it's extremely manageable trail. The 50 miler goes up those stairs right before the finish but also goes down a similar set of stairs near kmore miners trail. But generally I would consider all of these trails extremely runnable. Again all conditions deteriorate when you start adding in rain or the like. The elevation change for the 55 km race is minimal over the length of the entire race. There are a few parts that have some uphills but they are not long or aggressive. The previously mentioned downhill and uphill stairs. And then also an uphill and a downhill on the road leading from 8 station 2 to 3 and on the way back. For the 50 miler the elevation is much worse earlier on but on much easier conditions because it is on road or gravel road. The middle part of the course once you go over the New River is rolling hills and then Of course flattens out drastically.
9. Would trekking poles be helpful? Or not necessary? I always caution people not to use trekking poles unless they know how to use trekking pole. They will just be extra work if you've never used them before and something else to carry, but not beneficial. If you have trekking poles that can be stored away and only used on the tougher sections then they're great. Personally I wouldn't bring them because I don't use them often and wouldn't use them often on this course
10. Will the course include the difficult downhill that was relatively close to the starting point, I believe, between the Rend Trail and South side trail? If so, is there a place we can drop trekking poles after we’ve gone downhill and pick them back up before we go uphill? This point 3 mile downhill will exist on the course yes. You can drop them at the drop bag station but keep in mind that those drop bags are not quick to return.
11. What kind of food will be at the aid stations? Be sure to checkout the 55K Athlete Guide here and the 50 Mile Athlete Guide here for course details, aid station information, and race weekend information.
12. If we are coming with a guest, are they invited to the spaghetti dinner the night before? Yes, additional tickets to the spaghetti dinner can be purchased
