Summer Sizzle - A Real Race!

This is an in-person event, with a virtual option. We understand how hard it is to find an actual event these days, but we are taking all necessary steps to ensure a safe experience for all. 

We hope you will join us for a morning out in historic downtown Lynchburg! What better way to get your weekend started than running or walking a 4 mile event where you can enjoy what Lynchburg has to offer after the event. If you can't make it out in person to join us, consider joining in on the fun through our virtual 4 mile option. 

4 Miler: The course starts near the 3 mile post on Blackwater Creek Trail which is near the Point of Honor Bridge (map provided below). The paved, out and back, course is mostly shaded and features a 450 foot train tunnel. The first half out is gradually uphill and the second half is equally downhill for a fast negative split finish. There will be one water stop at the turn around. 

• Participants will register for a specific start time. Due to government orders, we must limit the number of participants at and around the starting line. 
• Wave 1 - 8:00am 
• Wave 2 - 8:01am
• Wave 3 - 8:02am
• Additional waves to be added as necessary.
• Swag: 4 mile registrants will receive an embroidered mask. To guarantee your giveaway, you must register by August 5, 2020. After that date there is no guarantee that registrants will receive a giveaway as they are assigned on a first come, first serve inventory basis.

Virtual 4 Miler: For those who can't make the event in person consider joining in the fun virtually!

• Here is how it works: (1) register yourself for the virtual option (2) find a safe location where you can run/walk 4 miles anytime between Monday, August 10th through Saturday August, 15th at 9am (3) visit the results page and click the "Submit Virtual Results" button.
• Do virtual participant receive swag? Participants have the option to add race packet to their registration. 
• Course restrictions: to be eligible for awards, you must be able to verify elapsed time using GPS tracking. Also, net elevation change can't be more than -200 ft.

Registration:
     $25 - Through 7/20
     $30 - 7/21-8/13
     $35 - 8/13-Raceday
     * Giveaway guaranteed for those who register by 8/7/20

     * $15 for Virtual Option

Parking: There are a number of parking lots in downtown Lynchburg which are free on the weekends. For closest access to the start/finish line, we suggest parking near Amazement Square (Canal Lot), Depot Grill (Depot Lot) or the Riverfront Lot. Also, anywhere along Jefferson street are good options as well. See the map below.

Packet pick-up: Registrants have the option to have their packets mailed to the address provided at registration. Otherwise, you may pickup race packets starting at 7am at the red tent near the skate park. 

Race Day Registration: For those wishing to register on the day of the event, you must do so on your smart phone or home computer through the registration link on this page. There will be no paper registration or registration kiosk on the day of the event.

Weather/Cancellation: This is a rain or shine event. In case of inclement weather or changes related to the pandemic, announcements regarding the race status will be emailed no later than 24 hours prior to the event. 

COVID-19 Saftey and Regulations: In order to conduct this event, we must abide by certain measures. 

• If you are sick, please stay home. 
• Participants are expected to start within the wave they selected.
• Please do not gather near the start/finish area.
• Governor Northam announced a mask mandate, which requires Virginians over 10-years-old to wear face coverings in public settings, effective May 29. Please wear face masks when possible, but you are not required to wear masks during your run.
• Please practice social distancing.The Virginia Department of Health urges all Virginians to continue to limit exposure by staying 6 feet from others and wearing a cloth mask while in public settings.
• While not prohibited, we'd like to limit the number of spectators as much as possible. 

Post Race: There will be individual drinks for a grab and go offering near the finish. We ask that you proceed to Riverfront park or any location other than the start/finish area. While we want you to enjoy the post race, we ask for your assistance in practice social distancing and avoid gathering in large groups or in particular areas.  

4 Mile Awards:

Note: There will not be a formal awards ceremony. Please pick up your finishers award immediately upon finishing.

• General Awards
  • Cash Prizes to the top 2 overall females and males
  • Commemorative finisher award to all finishers. 
• Special Awards (not part of award presentation, awards to be mailed) 
  • Holeshot Award - Given to the female and male participants with the fastest time to the turnaround point.
  • Even Split - Given to the participant with the smallest difference in time to the turnaround compared to the time from the turnaround point to the finish.
  • Mental Toughness - Given to the participant with the lowest ranking proportion of time it takes from the turnaround point compared to their total time. Essentially this participant had the biggest negative split related to their performance. 

Virtual 4 Mile Awards:

• Results will be confirmed and finalized on August 17th and we will mail out awards to the top individuals.
  • Top overall female and overall male.