Course & Logistics
COURSE MAPS
The course will be single track dirt trails on rolling hills with a total elevation gain of ~ 2200ft. Please note the “marathon” is closer to 28 miles. Expect mud, ice, rocks, roots, and slick crossings – be careful!
Please view the course map below:
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PACKET PICKUP
Packet pickup will be held on RACE DAY ONLY, from 6:30-7:30 AM at the race site.
START LOCATION
The race starts and finishes in Seneca Creek State Park at the Nuthatch Pavilion. The address for Seneca Creek State Park is 11950 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878 (Google map; GPS: 39.141111, -77.266222).
Directions: From I-270, exit at Clopper Rd W (MD 117). Proceed about 2 miles to the Seneca Creek State Park entrance on your left.
PARKING
Following signs to the race parking after you pass the gatehouse (turn right, then go 3/4 of a mile to sign for Nuthatch & Bluejay). Parking will be at the parking lot at the Nuthatch Pavilion and along the entry drive. Please follow the instructions of the parking volunteers.
BAG DROPS
Seneca Greenway will have 1 drop bag location on race day. Bags will be accepted at the start and will be transported to the Berryville Road Aid Station before eventually being transported to the finish.
Please clearly label your bag with your last name and bib number. Our volunteers will attempt to sort them alphabetically. Please kindly refrain from packing bags that are oversized or heavy -- our volunteers work hard enough on race day!
COURSE CUTOFF TIMES
All Marathon & 50K participants will start at 7:30 AM. Participants may choose at the decision point (~27.7 miles) to opt for the marathon or run a loop around Clopper Lake to complete the 50K. After 3:25 PM, the 50K option is no longer available at the decision point and all remaining participants are diverted to the Marathon finish. Cutoff times will be strictly enforced due to our permits.
COURSE ETIQUETTE
When attempting to pass another participant or trail user, you should offer a polite warning such as "on your left" prior to carefully passing. Please ALWAYS pass on the left. On the other hand, if another participant is looking to pass you, kindly move to the right and let them by.
Please do not, under any circumstances, throw trash on the trail or anywhere other than a proper receptacle. You may carry your trash with you or leave it at one of the aid stations. Litter left on the trails or in the parks will jeopardize our acquisition of future permits and if seen, will result in disqualification from the race.
Finally, please thank the volunteers. Without them, we wouldn't be able to offer this event. Their hard work and dedication (especially in adverse weather) is greatly appreciated.
SAFETY
All participants MUST stop at road crossings. Cars do still have the right of way during this event. Course marshals will be present, but their job is not to stop traffic.
Please carry a cell phone. The race is on single-track, dirt trails that may be icy, snowy, or muddy with rocks, roots, and slick wooden bridges. Please pay attention and use caution at all times. With that, please do stay on the designated trails. They were constructed to eliminate erosion, protect vegetation and keep soil on the trails.
If you find yourself injured, please inform another participant and ask that they notify race officials at the next aid station or checkpoint.
Headphones are discouraged during this event. Their use makes it difficult to hear people or animals coming up behind or beside you.
DNF’S
If for any reason you find yourself unable to finish the race, please make your way to the nearest aid station and let the volunteers know. If you don't have a phone, they can assist you in calling a friend or a lift service to transport you back to your car.
