Winter Switchbacks

Can You Handle…..?

THE Winter SWITCHBACKS ? (2014 version)

What: Probably the toughest 5K you have ever attempted. Roughly 4 loops of what locals call “the

switchbacks”. Dirt, rocks, uphill, poor footing predominately on tight, rocky trails. Hopefully icy, slippery,

and/or drift-covered. Also- the course is probably long. The loops cover a section of the Waterloo trail

system, and on Green Road, a little-traveled chunk of hills and dirt. Basically, it is the stuff that would

make a Mule puke.

Where: The start is uphill from the parking lot on the south side of Green Road, near the eastern Jackson

County line. Take I-94 Exit 153 North 2 or 3 miles. Go east on Green road ¾ mile.

When: 10 AM on Saturday, Jan 25. This ensures that the race will be cold and miserable, and the wind

has had a chance to kick up. The horse excrement sometimes is partially thawed, and makes a messy

“soup” that will reduce traction.

Why: Good luck explaining this one to your friends.

Awards: There will be no awards. BUT, anyone who finishes the race without walking will receive a unique

award to be determined by the prize committee. Don’t worry, it will be one-of-a-kind…..

Cost: A $5 Bill. No checks or anything that would require technology. We will have no change. There will

be no pre-registration. Race day registration will start at 9 AM, and will be limited to the first 50 lunatics.

The money will go towards the prizes and towards the Chelsea Runners club.

Other features:

t No bathrooms. Runners should use the stump by that big pile of rocks, or the outhouses about 1

mile north at Clear Lake park.

t No water. If you want some, bring your own or go without

t No splits. They probably wouldn’t be accurate anyways.

t No music, cheerleaders, or other entertainment. You will get nothing except possibly frostbite if you

survive.

t Anyone caught wearing headphones, excessive spandex, or fancy matching workout clothing will

be shunned.

t Additional running allowed. Before or after the race, you can get lost on the brutal, seemingly

infinite Waterloo-Pinckney trail system that connects with the course. You may cut a hole in the ice

at Clear Lake and get cleaned off if you wish.

t Any questions, please call 734-433-9338 or email Julie Swager at seejulierun@gmail.com.

t Check out pictures, times, and how dumb this really is at the following site: https://

www.facebook.com/SwitchBacksRace