Zen Squirrel Trail Run

Hello Zen Squirrel Trail Runners,

Welcome to the Zen Squirrel Trail Run coming up this Saturday, May 6th at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC!  Prepare for an awesome day on the trails as you and close to 300 fellow trail runners navigate 2, 5, or 10 miles of scenic, forest covered courses that include a mixture of smooth and flowing dirt trails, rock and root strewn single-track, and challenging hill climbs. It’s race week – LET’S GO!!!

Below is the race info email which contains logistical and safety details for the race.  This message is long but should answer most questions you might have.  Please take a few minutes to read.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, 5/4/23 (Optional Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up) 
Fleet Feet Carrboro:  310 E. Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510

• 5pm–7pm:  We encourage early check-in if you live locally and are able to attend.  Fleet Feet is offering 10% off any purchase when you pick up your packet on 5/4 and if you bring your bib into their shop on 5/6 or 5/7 – NICE and thank you Fleet Feet! 

Saturday, 5/6/23 (Race Day - WOOHOO!)
Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel:  161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

• 7am–8:30am:  Check-in / Packet Pick-up (if you did not pick up your packet on Thursday)
• 7:50am:  Pre-Race Brief (10 Mile)
• 8am:  10 Mile Race Start
• 8:10am:  Pre-Race Brief (5 Mile)
• 8:20am:  5 Mile Race Start
• 8:30am:  Pre-Race Brief (2 Mile)
• 8:40am:  2 Mile Race Start
• 9am-11:30am:  Food/Beverage, Music, Sponsors
• 9:30am:  FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (Kids 11-U)
• 9:45am:  Awards (2 mile / 5 mile)
• 10am-10:30am:  LIVE MUSIC from Josh Moore
• 10:30am:  Awards (10 mile)
• 10:45am:  Giveaways and Push Up Contest
• 11am-11:30am:  LIVE MUSIC from Josh Moore

Race Weather and Course Conditions:  As of Tuesday, 5/2 @ 11am, the weather forecast is calling for dry weather all week and then overcast skies, light winds, and occasional light showers on race morning.  Race morning temps will be on the cool side, with lows around 50 in the early morning then warming up to the low to mid 60s by awards. With no rain predicted for the next several days, the trail conditions should be nice and dry leading into race day.  Given the dry foundation of the trails, any rain we do get on race day should not create soft conditions, but you should expect some slippery spots, especially the roots and rocks.  Watch your footing!  Bottom line - we may get a little wet on race day so come prepared for the elements (an extra layer and maybe a rain jacket for the post-race festivities).  We will send an update on the weather, course conditions, and any other last minute news later in the week. 

Volunteers:  Our events rely on the generous support from volunteers and we can still use the help from a few more folks, particularly at aid stations and with course marshalling.  These shifts are 2-3.5 hours long between the hours of 7:15am-10:45am.  Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action, get a race tee, free food, $15 off a future Roadless Races event (which can be gifted to anyone), and our sincere appreciation.  Plus, volunteering is fun!  If any of your friends/family would like to help out, please ask them to sign up online HERE.

Registration:  If you have friends or family that have not signed up yet but intend to race, please let them know that online registration will close at 8pm on Friday, 5/5.  Race day registration on site will be available for an extra $10.  Register HERE. 

Start List:  CLICK HERE to view the list of registered racers.

Early Check-in/Packet Pick-up (Optional):  Optional early check-in/packet pick-up will be available, for all racers that registered before 5pm on Wed, 5/3, at the Fleet Feet Carrboro store on Thursday, 5/4 from 5pm-7pm (301 E. Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510).  At check-in you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and your race t-shirt.  Racers may pick up packets for other racers.  Fleet Feet is offering a 10% discount on any purchases during 5/4 check-in and on race weekend 5/6 and 5/7.  If you are checking-in on Thursday, you DO NOT need to check-in on race day.     

Arrival:  Please arrive early to help alleviate backups.  It takes time to park, check-in, use the bathroom, warm up, and attend the pre-race brief.  If you are checking in on race day (did not check-in on Thur), we recommend arriving 45-60 min before your start time and if you check-in on Thursday, we are recommend arriving 30-45 min before your start time.     

Directions and Address of Staging Area at Great Meadow Park:  161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516  

• Briar Chapel is located off Rt. 15/501, which is 15 minutes south of downtown Chapel Hill.
• From 15/501, take Andrew Store Rd west for approximately 1 mile.  
• Turn right onto Granite Mill Blvd (2nd Briar Chapel entrance) and follow the Race Parking signs.
• Park and walk to staging area at the pavilion at Great Meadow Park.

Parking:  Park along the neighborhood streets of Briar Chapel, adjacent to the staging area at Great Meadow Park.  SEE MAP below with parking areas.  Please arrive early and carpool, if bringing family or friends. Some of the streets at Briar Chapel are narrow so PLEASE PARK ON ONE SIDE OF THE STREET ONLY.  There are several entrances to Briar Chapel but we suggest using the entrance off Andrew Store Rd (see address and directions above).  After entering Briar Chapel, follow the signs for Race Parking.  If and when all the space fills up near the staging area, there is plenty of parking @ Woods Charter School (160 Woodland Grove Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516), which is an 8-minute walk to the staging area.  Thank you, Woods Charter! 

Check-in:  Check-in opens at 7am and will take place at the pavilion of Great Meadow Park.  At check-in you will receive your bib number and t-shirt.  If you check-in on Thursday, you DO NOT need to check-in on Saturday.  

Restrooms/Portajohns:  Restroom facilities will be available at the pavilion and portajohns will be located near the pavilion.

Pre-Race Brief:  The pre-race brief will begin 10 minutes before your race start time and will take place at the race start near the pavilion.    

Race Start:  The 10 mile race will begin at 8am, the 5 mile at 8:20am, and the 2 mile at 8:40am.

Race Courses:  Briar Chapel has over 15 miles of AWESOME single-track trails. There are some easy, flat mellow areas but most of the trails at Briar Chapel offer a fun challenge and include plenty of rocks, roots, and hills.  We would categorize the trails at Briar Chapel as moderately technical.  Each of the 2 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile, one-loop race courses, starts with .3 miles of downhill pavement running, perfect for separating the field of runners.  After that, runners hit the trails, and stay on the trails, except for a few road crossings and short paved sections.

• 2 mile:  CLICK HERE to view the course description, map, and elevation profile.
• 5 mile:  CLICK HERE to view course description, map, and elevation profile.
• 10 mile:  CLICK HERE to view the course description, map, and elevation profile. 

Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette:  While there are plenty of passing opportunities on the trails at Briar Chapel, many of the single-track trails are narrow and passing may be difficult.  So, it is suggested that you factor this into your race strategy.  At the beginning of the race, there is about .3 miles of wide pavement before entering the single-track.  So, it is recommended that you place yourself appropriately at the start line, with faster racers near the front, mid pack racers near the middle, and ‘back of pack’ runners near the rear.  Also, proper trail etiquette should be practiced.  Overtaking racers should use audible signals such as ‘passing on your left’ or ‘passing on your right’ and, when possible, slower racers should allow them to pass.  Keep in mind, however, that it is the responsibility of the overtaking racer to pass safely.  

Course Marking:  The course will be marked with red, yellow, or pink laminated arrows at all turns or areas of decision and pint surveyor’s tape tied to branches between points of decision.  Arrows will be tied to trees or stapled to wooden stakes.  There are some minor social trails at Briar Chapel that lead to homes or down to a stream.  Do not turn off the main trail if you do not see an arrow.  

Splits and Merges:  There are two splits and two merges on this course.  The splits and merges will be marked with signage. 

• Split #1 @ .85M – 10M/5M runners go straight, 2M runners turn right.
• Split #2 @ 1.4M – 10M runners turn left and 5M runners turn right.
• Merge #1 @ 6.9M (10M) / 1.8M (5M) – 10M and 5M runners will merge back together.
• Merge #2 @ 9.7M (10M), 4.6M (5M), and 1.6M (2M) – 2M runners will merge back with 10M/5M runners with .5 miles left in the race     

Road Crossings (USE CAUTION):  There are several road crossings on these courses - PLEASE BE CAREFUL AT ROAD CROSSINGS AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING ANY ROAD.  Before road crossings, you will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign.  Most road crossings will be staffed with Course Marshals, but some will not.  

Mile Markers:  Mile markers will be located at every aid station as well as one mile from the finish and ½ mile from the finish.  

Aid Stations:  Remember to STAY HYDRATED.  Aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade.  Use the cups provided or carry a camelback or handheld water bottle.  The 10M course has six aid stations spaced 1.2-2.2 miles from each other.  The 5M has three aid stations spaced 1.2-1.5 miles from each other.  The 2M course has an aid station at the finish only.   First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station.  An aid station will also be positioned at the finish.

NO EARPHONES or AUDIBLE MUSIC:  The use of EARPHONES or AUDIBLE MUSIC that restricts hearing is not permitted during any Roadless Races event.  Why, you may ask?  Well, for the following three reasons:

• Safety – we need to look out for each other!  Our courses are held on trails in remote areas.  If someone gets injured out on the trails, we rely on racers to notify us so we can activate emergency response.  Racers must be alert at all times.  
• Courtesy – trail races are very different than road races.  Passing is usually not a problem in road races but passing can be a challenge on single-track hiking trails.  To pass safely, trail etiquette suggests using audible signals such as passing on your left.  Passing someone who can’t hear you is difficult and frustrating.
• Community – at Roadless Races we strive to build community.  Please use your time with us to unleash yourself from your device and have fun.    

No Dogs on the Course:  We love our furry friends, but for the safety of all racers (and dogs), they are not permitted on the race course.  Spectators are welcome to bring leashed and supervised dogs.

Photos:  Uber-talented professional photographer Mario Quivera will be at the race capturing the fun and friendly competition.  Photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event and we will send you an email when they are ready.  Check Mario's photos from our 2022 events HERE.  Smile big when you see Mario out on the course! 

Chip Timing / Results:  The timing pros from Cardinal Race Services are timing this race.  Timing chips will be affixed to the back of your race bib.  Please wear your bib on the front of your body, either on your torso or on your shorts.  Results will be posted on-site and on runsignup.com immediately following the conclusion of the event.   

Recovery and Medical:  UNC Orthopeadics’ top-notch team of sports medicine and physical therapy professionals will be on site at the race offering their expert medical care to our athletes.  Stop by their tent after the race if you have any medical needs, want to talk about recovery, or just want to learn more about their services.  Additionally, these medical pros will be assisting with any needed emergency response.  Thank you, UNC Orthopaedics and UNC Sports Medicine Institute.

Post-Race Food/Beverages:  Tasty post-race food such as sliders, bagels/peanut butter, hummus/veggies, fruit (bananas and watermelon), trail bars, chips, cookies, trail mix, little cups of M&Ms, etc. will be available after the race – enjoy!  Beverages include water, Gatorade, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing Company – NICE!  Food is complimentary for all racers and volunteers.  

Athletic Brewing Company:  Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer:  A cold beer hits the spot after a race and now you can enjoy a tasty post-race craft beverage that doesn’t compromise your ability to stay sharp and healthy.  After the race, grab an Athletic Brewing Company beer and enjoy!  Also, take 10% off your first order of ABC beer when you order online using code RR10.  Thank you and cheers to Athletic Brewing Company!

LIVE MUSIC from Josh Moore:  Talented local musician Josh Moore will be performing at the race.  Josh will play two 30 min sets during the post-race festivities at 10am and 11am. Take a listen HERE and plan to stick around to enjoy the show.  Thank you to sponsor Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty for help in booking Josh to play at the race. 

FREE Kids Race for Treasure sponsored by Knoll at Briar Chapel:  At 9:30am, kids aged 2-11 are invited to participate in the Kids Race for Treasure.  Fun, Fun, Fun!!!!  All kids are welcome to participate, and parents are encouraged to line the 'race course' to cheer them on.  We will match kids in age groups (2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and have them run a short out and back ‘race’ in the large field near the staging area.  After running, kids can grab a prize (toys from the dollar store:) from the Treasure Chest!  Thank you to Knoll at Briar Chapel (the beautiful new apartment community on the eastern entrance to BC) for purchasing all the toys!  

Awards:  We will have two award ceremonies on Saturday, the 2M/5M awards at 9:45am and the 10M awards at 10:30am.  Awards (1st-5th place pint glasses) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates) will be presented to the top five M/F overall finishers in each distance.  We will announce the overall winners and ask them to come up to the podium for their awards.  Awards (1st-3rd place pint glasses) will be given to the top three M/F age group competitors for each distance.  Age groups include 13-Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.  Age group winners should pick up their pint glass from the awards table.  

Group Photo with all Award Winners:  After all award winners have been given their pint glass, we will get a large group photo with all the overall and age group award winners.  This will take place after the 10M awards. 

Giveaways:  In addition to the awards, we have plenty of awesome stuff to randomly give away including gift certificates, running gear, hats, water bottles, etc.  This will take place after the 10M awards and group photo.  

Gift Certificates, Swag, and Discount from Fleet Feet:  Building community and helping their customers reach their running goals is what Fleet Feet is all about. Thank you so much to Fleet Feet Carrboro/Durham for contributing gift certificates for the overall prizes and swag for giveaways.  Bring your race bib into the Carrboro or Durham Fleet Feet on 5/6 or 5/7 and take 10% off your purchase.  Nice!   

Push-Up Contest and Running Swag from Brandon Jozwiak of Nest Realty:  Local real estate pro, Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty, has provided some sweet swag for us to give away at the push up contest, which will take place at 10:45am.  Yes, we said push up contest!  Anyone that participates in the contest will win a prize and the top two M/F participants who are left 'standing' at the end will win nice swag, such as foam rollers or Goodr sunglasses.  A big THANK YOU to Brandon for generously supplying these this great swag. 

Awesome Sponsors:  THANK YOU to all our generous sponsors for providing product, services, donations, and giveaways in support of grassroots racing and our community.  Please show your love and support our sponsors in any way you can.  Athletic Brewing Company, Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty, Fleet Feet – Carrboro/Durham, Knoll at Briar Chapel, and UNC Orthopaedics/UNC Sports Medicine Institute.

Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in the Zen Squirrel Trail Run.  

We are looking forward to an excellent day of trail running action and we can’t wait to see you at the race.  

Jim

Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034