Where the Pavement Ends

Where the Pavement Ends Trail Races are set for Sunday, September 8, 2024

Location:  Hemlock Hills/Pine Mountain, one of Ridgefield’s most beautiful (and technical) open spaces.

Pavement Double starts at 7:00 AM.

Pavement Classic (one loop) starts at 7:30 AM

 

THE COURSE

Where the Pavement Ends takes place in the Hemlock Hills/Pine Mountain trail system. We call this course “small but mighty.” It’s short (~4.3 miles), but a very technical and challenging course with tons of rocks and roots, about 700 ft of climbing, and matching steep declines. Dense hemlock forests, glacial erratics, and magical mountain laurel pathways await! 

If this is your first trail race, you really need to have put some time on the trails before this race, so that you know what to expect and for your safety. This course is a little bit of everything: Carriage roads, single track, rocks, roots and maybe even some mud. This trail is not considered “easy”. 

Walkers/Hikers must choose the SINGLE Loop; as there are course time limits:

There is a 1hr, 30 min time limit for the CLASSIC (single). 

There is a 2hr, 30 min time limit for the DOUBLE.

The course will be marked with blue chalk arrows along the route and at every intersection. Pink nylon tape will guide you at key intersections. However, THE RUNNER is ultimately responsible for knowing and following the course. There will also be orange flags on parts of the course.  

 

Runners doing the Double Loop will continue where the red trail meets the dotted line trail on the east side of Lake Windwing. There is a notice board at that location.

Single loopers be aware that the lead bike from the double loopers may be coming up from behind you. Be aware of your surroundings.

Your *free* on-course race photos will be available in the days after the race. 

Say cheeeeeese!

MUSIC ON COURSE

This mother-son duo brings a unique blend of family harmonies and bluegrass energy to every performance. Fourteen-year-old Cody, a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for bluegrass, has been playing music for more than half his life. Cody has put in countless hours practicing mandolin, guitar, and more, and his dedication has taken him to some amazing places, from music camps and festivals around the country to award stages. His dedication and talent have earned him accolades, including participation in the International Bluegrass Music Association's Kids on Bluegrass program. Bonnie, his supportive mom, has reignited her love for music, accompanying Cody on guitar and adding her rich vocals to their performances. Their genuine love of performing together can be heard woven throughout all of the music they play.

 

Click on the map for a downloadable version under Course Map section. 

 

 PARKING

Where do I park? All runners should park at Ridgebury Elementary School, 112 Bennetts Farm Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877. From there, walk to South Shore Drive, take a right on South Shore and then a left into Lake Windwing. It’s a 2 minute walk from the school. Faster if you run, plus it’s your warm-up!

 

*Please park at Ridgebury School, 112 Bennetts Farm Road. It’s a 2 minute walk to the start.*

RACE RULES

• We are visitors at the Ridgefield Conservation Commission’s “house”. 

• Please treat it like your own backyard.

• The trail is open to the public. Be courteous, announce your presence, and observe social distancing requirements. Pass widely if you need to and leave other hikers/walkers with a good impression of trail runners. Make them think, “That looks like fun and I want to do that someday!”

  It should go without saying, but don’t litter. Carry in/carry out.

• NO HEADPHONES unless they are open-ear headphones. Much of the course is narrow single-track and you need to hear people asking to pass. The bike lead for the Double loopers may need to pass you. Don’t be that oblivious person lost in a TSwift song. 

• Don’t run with a personal speaker blasting, that’s just bad form and no one wants to hear your hair-band running mix.

• Sorry, we do not supply age-group prizes. If you are participating in the Trail Mix Series, your times will be added to your overall Trail Mix score.

• How will I know where to go? The Hemlock Hills/Pine Mountain trail systems are pretty well marked with up-to-date blazes. We will mark the course, including the start and the finish, with blue chalk.  Bring the map with you. Know the course. Runners are ultimately responsible for navigating the race course, that’s part of the challenge!

• What if the weather is bad? The race happens rain or shine. If there are thunderstorms, we will delay the start. There are no refunds for any reason including medical.

• Is there water on the course? Yes, there will be one water station at the Ned’s Mountain trail end, approximately mile 1.9, and again in the same spot on the second loop. Keep in mind that this race is a "cupless" race. Runners are required to carry their own hydration bottle, pack, or cup. This policy is put into effect in an effort to reduce the amount of waste and adopt a sustainable “green” practice for the race and the sport of trail running. Please plan accordingly and abide by leaving no trace. 

 

THE SWAG & PRIZES: 

 

Top 3 overall winners this year (both distances and genders) get prizes from The Cake Box of Ridgefield and a gift card from Ridgefield/Darien/Brookfield Running Company. 

** Altra**  has so graciously added to this year's winnings! A pair of shoes (runners choice of Altra’s) for the first place Female and Male winner for both the single and double loops!  You can come in to either RRC or DRC to get fit properly and walk or run out with a brand new pair of Altra’s! 

 

Thank you & now you are ready to race! 

The start and finish are located at Lake Windwing/South Shore Drive in Ridgefield. Please note that runners should park at Ridgebury School, 112 Bennetts Farm Road, 06877, and walk the short distance to the start, between the two ball fields.

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Questions?