2010 Runner Briefing – please read!

Mountains-to-Sea Trail 12 Mile Challenge – Important Runner Briefing
April 10, 2010 @ 8:00AM

SHUTTLES AND PARKING ARRANGEMENTS
This is a point-to-point race and there is no parking at the start area. Shuttles will take runners from Falls Pointe Plaza (in front of KOHL’S) to the start area beginning at 6:00am. The shuttle to the start will take approximately 15 minutes. The last shuttle will leave Falls Pointe Plaza at 7:20am sharp.

The shuttles (15-passenger vans) will pick runners up directly in front of KOHL’S.

Note: Runners may be dropped off at the start area, but no parking will be permitted.

For directions to Falls Pointe Plaza, please click here.
For directions to the start area, please click here.
For directions to the finish area, please click here.

For course map, click here.

Shuttles will take runners from the finish area back to the parking lot beginning at 10:00am. The shuttle from the finish area back to Falls Pointe Plaza will take less than10 minutes. Runners can pick up the return shuttle in the lower dam parking lot (close to the finish area, next to Paddle Creek). The last shuttle will leave the finish area at 12:15pm.

PACKET PICK-UP
Early packet pick-up will be available at Bull City Running Co. (202 W NC Highway 54, Durham NC 27713) from 12:00-7:00pm on Friday, April 9th.

If you are interested in wear-testing a Montrail or La Sportiva trail shoe for the race,  shoes will be available on a limited, first-come, first-served basis on Friday from 2-6pm at Bull City Running.

Registration/packet pick-up will be available at the start area from 6:00-7:45am on race day.

The race will start at 8:00am sharp.

**NOTE** All runners must check-in at the registration area on race day, even if you picked up your packet on Friday. This ensures that we have an accurate head count of everyone on the course. If you decide to drop out of the race at any point, you must notify an aid station volunteer so that we don’t go looking for you! Runner substitutions or transfer of bib numbers are not permitted.

For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, runners are not permitted to run with a dog, run with an unregistered pacer,  or run with a jog stroller.

BAG CHECK
Bag check is available at the start area for all runners. We will issue you an official drop bag labeled with your name and bib number. Place warm, dry clothes and shoes in your bag and leave it at the designated area near the start. Even in nice weather, you need dry clothes and shoes.

Your bag will be waiting for you at the finish line. Remember, officially issued drop bags only – no personal bags! No valuables, please.

THE COURSE
This is a 12-mile, point-to-point single-track trail run. The trail is marked clearly with round, white blazes on trees. There are no mile markers on the course, but aid stations are located approximately every 3 miles. There are a few instances where the trail crosses other trails or roads. We will do our best to mark these areas clearly to keep you on course. If at any point you stop seeing white blazes, turn around and backtrack until you get back on course.

This is a trail race…not your typical road race. You will be exposed to many obstacles you would not normally see in a road race. The course is a single-track hiking trail, so there are roots, rocks, quick turns, logs, woodland critters, and possibly water/mud to avoid. You may also pass some unsuspecting hikers.

You may fall…in fact you probably will fall. So, just get up and keep running! If you are seriously injured or need additional support, please let others know and they can relay the information to an aid station volunteer.

Please, please respect the trail and do not litter anything on the course.

AID STATIONS
There will be three aid stations along the course – at approximately the 3-, 6-, and 9-mile marks. At each station, there will be water and nuun (electrolyte drink) available. At the 6- and 9-mile aid stations, Hammer gel and Endurolytes will also be available.  Basic first aid supplies will be available at all aid stations. If it is an especially hot day and/or if you feel like you may need more water/fuel on the course, we encourage runners to carry their own.

RESTROOMS
At Falls Pointe Plaza, runners are permitted to use the restrooms at Starbucks and Harris Teeter (on the far side of the shopping center across from Kohl’s).

There will be 2 porta-johns at the start area.

There will be multiple porta-johns around the finish are and there are restrooms at the lower parking lot where shuttles will pick up runners to return to Falls Pointe Plaza.

There are no restroom facilities on the course.

AWARDS CEREMONY
We will host a short awards ceremony at the finish area beginning at 10:30am. Any awards not claimed at the finish area will be available for pick-up at Bull City Running Co. beginning on Monday, April 12. Awards will not be mailed to participants.

FALLS LAKE FESTIVAL
Participants and their families are welcome to enjoy the Falls Lake Festival after the run. The festival runs from 10am-2pm at Falls Lake Dam, which is located right next to the finish area. More information about the festival can be found at www.fallslakefestival.com

RESULTS
Official results will be posted on the website (www.bullcityrunning.com) as soon as possible after the race.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any additional questions before race day, please email the race directors at: mtst12milechallenge@gmail.com

THANK YOU!
Thank you for supporting the 1st annual Mountains-to-Sea 12 Mile Challenge to benefit the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail!

Special thanks to our stellar sponsors: Great Outdoor Provision Co., Triangle RentACar, Stevens Wellness, Montrail, Panera Bread, THE FRESH MARKET, Art by Court, KOHL’S, Starbucks, and La Sportiva!