Winter Switchbacks Run

Can You Handle…..?

THE Winter SWITCHBACKS ? (2020 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 something to be determined by the prize committee.   Don’t worry, it will be one-of-a-kind   NEW THIS YEAR:    Anyone “beating their age” by 20 min or more will win a beverage of your choice at the Waterloo Market immediately after the race.    Example:  You are 52 years old, but run a 31 minute race –Bottoms up!!!

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 1mile 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. 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

Name:_______________________________________________________ Age: _______________

Address:____________________________________ City: __________________ Zip Code: ________

Waiver: I certify that I am physically fit to participate in this event. I recognize that the sponsors, their agents and promoters cannot and do not assure my safety during my involvement in this event as the course is on public roadway & trails.  I assume all risks of accident and injury before, during and after the event in consideration for my entry into this event.  I waive all rights and claims I or my estate may have or acquire arising from my participation in this event.  I further pledge to hold harmless and indemnify the sponsors, their agents, Chelsea School District, Chelsea Community Education & State of Michigan from liability or damages as a result of my participation in the Winter Switchback Run 2020.

Signature: __________________________________________________________________________________