Monday, December 7, 2009

RULES OF THE GAME

* ABSOLUTELY NO LITTERING!!! Those found littering will be disqualified!

* Follow the course markings. Do not turn unless there is an arrow telling you to do so. There are some longer straight sections of trail (or dirt road) where you may not see any markings. Continue on these sections until you see course markings.

* There are multiple boardwalks on the trail throughout the course. If it is wet they will be very slippery. Some of the boardwalks have broken boards – please take note of these and watch your step.

* If you decide to drop out of the race while you are out on the course, you must give the tear-tag from your number to a volunteer or race official and make sure that we know that you are dropping out. Once your tag has been removed you may not change your mind and continue in the race. ON THE SAME NOTE – when you finish the race, you must make sure that race officials have taken your number tear-tag. THIS IS HOW WE KEEP TRACK OF YOU! If you leave the race with your tear-tag, we will think that you are still out on the course and we will be searching for you! We do not want to be out looking all night for someone who is not out on the course.

* You must wear your number on the front of you AT ALL TIMES and your number must be visible to the race volunteers. It is your responsibility to make sure that your number has been noted when you go through an area where numbers are being taken. If it is found that your number was not taken at one of these locations, it will be assumed that you did not go through that area and you will not be counted in the finishing results.

* Runners registered for the 25K race may not change race distances. All runners registered for the 50K and 50Mile races – you are registered for both the 50K & 50Mile races and must let the finish line crew know your race choice when you cross the line. 50Milers – you must complete the 50K portion AND START loop #3 within 7 ½ hours if you plan to go on for the 50Mile event; if you do not meet this cut-off, you will be counted as a 50K finisher when you do cross the finish line. If you registered for the 50K and would like to go on for the 50Mile and have met this cut-off, you may go on. You MUST notify officials at the finish line tent whether you are finishing or going on and you must go on within a reasonable period of time after going through the aid station (this will be elaborated on at the start of the race).

* You will be running through three pastures that will have cows (and possibly a bull). These animals are naturally curious and sometimes like to follow you. You MUST close the gates behind you! DON’T LET THE COWS OUT! Lesson on dealing with the cows to be given at the start of the race.

* You are responsible for your own health and well-being; please know your abilities and take care of yourself. There may be Search & Rescue personnel throughout the course to assist you but you should not count on this. If it appears that you are becoming physically or mentally impaired during the race, race officials and/or volunteers have the right to pull you from the race and if you are asked to stop, you must comply.

* Some of the trails on the course are shared with horseback riders. Please be courteous to these individuals. If you come upon a horse, please make sure that the horse and rider know that you are approaching and walk past the horse to avoid startling it.

* The trails are also open to the public, so please be courteous to any non-racing individuals who are utilizing the trails. They have just as much right to be out there as you do.

EATS & DRINKS AT THE AID STATIONS

Here is what you will find at the FIVE manned aid stations on the course:

Chips, pretzels, M&Ms (plain & peanut), fig newtons, PB&J sandwiches, cola, gingerale, HEED sports drink, water. Hammer gels and Endurolytes may also be available.

There will also be TWO unmanned stations of water only.

Remember . . . NO LITTERING. Large garbage receptacles will be at each station for you to throw your garbage in.

HELP LIMIT UNNECESSARY TRASH

Just a friendly reminder that we would like to cut down on some of the trash that the race creates. Please use refillable water bottles/hydration systems to help eliminate some of the cup trash. There will still be cups of liquids available at the aid stations, but it would be great if we could use as little as possible. We have to start somewhere.

WHERE'S THE FOOD?

REMINDER: There is NO pre-race meal. Here are some options that are relatively close to the race site for pre-race fuelling.

To Watkins Glen from Potomac Campsite:
When you leave the Potomac Campsite driveway, turn LEFT (you will be on Potomac Road)
When you get to the STOP sign, turn RIGHT onto Picnic Area Road
Stay on this road until you reach RT 414
Turn LEFT onto RT 414
When you reach the STOP sign, bear RIGHT and go downhill into Watkins Glen

Some choices here:
Jerlando's
The Wildflower Cafe & The Crooked Rooster Brewpub
BV's Corner Bar and Grill

To Trumansburg from Potomac Campsite:
When you leave Potomac Campsite driveway, turn RIGHT (you will be on Potomac Road)
When you get to the STOP sign, turn RIGHT onto Searsburg Road
Follow Searsburg Road for 6.7 miles to the STOP sign
At the STOP sign, turn LEFT onto RT 227
At the next STOP sign (approx 3/10 mile), take a RIGHT . . . you are in Trumansburg

Some choices here:
New York Pizzeria
Ron Don's
Little Venice

If you need any additional supplies of food, drink, other miscellaneous items . . . continue on RT 96 going toward Ithaca and you will find the Shur Save grocery store.

GENERAL COURSE DESIGN FOR FL50s

Start on Potomac Road. Go downhill for ~0.5 mile.

Turn RIGHT onto Potomac Trail. Single-track, curving, gradual climb for ~0.5 mile.

Turn LEFT onto Interloken Trail. Flat, dirt trail for ~0.233 mile.

Trail crosses Picnic Area Road, run through grass & dirt trail & through pasture. Terrain is modestly rolling for ~1.129 miles.

Leave the pasture (closing the gate behind you!) & turn LEFT onto Matthews Road & then RIGHT onto Mark Smith Road (dirt roads). This road heads downhill, moderately steep, for ~1.284 miles. Works the quads. AID STATION #1 (“THE MORGUE”) AT THE BOTTOM.

What comes down must go up! Turn RIGHT onto Gorge Trail. The climb is not as severe as what you just ran down the road on, although there are some small steeper climbs which I find are easier & faster to power hike.

You will cross a fire road, still in the forest (DO NOT make any turns here – continue straight). Although it appears that you are on the same trail here, you are actually now on Interloken Trail & will continue climbing upward. Again, although you are going up, it is a modest (I think) climb, but you will know that you are climbing. At the top of this climb there is an unmanned water stop.

You will again cross Matthews Road & enter the pasture (closing the gate behind you!). Go through the pasture & enter the forest (single-track) trail (closing the gate behind you!) again. Rolling terrain.

Go ~0.3 mile & turn LEFT onto Ravine Trail. Keep your eyes open so you don’t miss this turn! It has been done many times. Downhill single-track with rocks & roots.

You will come out on Burnt Hill Road where you will find AID STATION #2 (“THE LIBRARY”).

Go ~0.7 mile on Ravine Trail, through grass & on dirt trail. This is a curving area with rocks & roots; initially flat, then down into the ravine (it is awesome, dark, & cool in here – enjoy it!), with short, steep climb out, then rolling terrain out to the paved road.

Go RIGHT onto the paved road, with gradual climb for ~0.25 mile.

Turn LEFT into Horse Camp, now on dirt road & then trail. Flat for ~0.5 mile then down into creek, then short (<1/4 mile) uphill, then rolling terrain for ~1.5 miles to AID STATION #3 (“THE OUTBACK”).

Turn RIGHT, heading very slightly uphill to pasture gate. Go through the gate (closing the gate behind you!) & then LEFT through the pasture. On the other end of the pasture you will step up onto a wooden box & over the barbed-wire fence onto dirt/rock/root trail (essentially flat) which you will follow for ~0.5-0.75 mile out to the paved road (Searsburg Road).

Turn RIGHT on Searsburg Road & head uphill for ~0.4 mile.

Turn RIGHT onto Interloken Trail. Unmanned water station here. This is a single-track trail, rolling terrain, with wooden boardwalks on it. Be careful, as some of the boards may be broken. Very runnable section of trail. This trail is ~2 miles long.

Exit the trail onto grass, go straight & then bear LEFT, where you will see Foster Pond & AID STATION #4 (“THE BEACH”).

Continue on flat, grassy terrain & re-enter the woods with a slight uphill (again, short - <1/8 mile) then flat dirt trail.

You will then cross Potomac Road & enter the woods onto dirt, single-track trail. Flat. ~0.5 mile.

Go LEFT to enter grassy area. Gently rolling; nothing drastic. Run past Potomac Pond & then go LEFT on more grassy trail.

Climb up to the race headquarters/finish area/AID STATION #5 (“THE LIVING ROOM”). ~1 mile.

For 50K/50Mile . . . head out on the dirt trail, then LEFT & downhill then climb up. You will then cross Potomac Road & go back onto Potomac Trail where you first entered earlier at the beginning of the race.

FAQs

How do I enter? Can I enter on-line? Is there race day entry?
Go to http://www.fingerlakesrunners.org/races/forms/index.html, scroll down and click on the link to the entry form for “Finger Lakes Fifties”. Entry via Active.com will be available some time in December (check the above site). Make checks payable to “FLRC”. You may also register on Friday evening from 4-7pm or Saturday morning, 5am-6am (for 50K/50Mile), 6:30am-7:30am (25K). It is very helpful if you can pre-enter.

Where is “Race Headquarters”?
Race Headquarters is located at the pavilion in the Potomac Group Campground, on Potomac Road, Finger Lakes National Forest.

Where can I find directions to the Potomac Campsite/Finger Lakes National Forest?
You can go to http://www.mapquest.com/ and put in Potomac Group Campsite, Potomac Road, as your destination. You may also find a copy of the Finger Lakes National Forest map at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/gmfl/fingerlakes/index.htm.

How far apart are the aid stations and what is available?
There are five very well-stocked, manned aid stations that have water, Hammer HEED, cola, fig bars, pb&j sandwiches, M&Ms, Twizzlers, bananas, and possibly some other stuff. These stations are approximately every 3 miles. There are also two unmanned aid stations on the course with water only.

What kind of sports drink will be available at the aid stations?
Hammer HEED will be the sports drink provided by our sponsor, Hammer Nutrition.

What are the aid stations and where are they located?
The miles indicated are the location in the 15.5-mile loop.
#1 The Morgue – approx. 3.6 miles
#2 The Library – approx. 5.7 miles
#3 The Outback – approx. 8.2 miles
#4 The Beach – approx. 11.3 miles
#5 The Living Room – at the end of the 15.5-mile loop

Will there be Tylenol/Ibuprofen/electrolyte pills at the aid stations?
No. If you require any of these things you must supply your own.

Can I use “drop bags”?
The course is a 15.6 mile loop. 50K and 50-mile runners will pass through the fifth aid station multiple times and most runners have found that leaving their “stuff” here where they can get it when passing through this area is adequate. However, if a runner feels that they have supplies that they will need while out on the course we will make sure your stuff gets to where you need it. If you would like to have drop bags at any of the other four manned aid stations you need to have your bags (labeled with your name and which aid station it should go to) to the race headquarters by 7pm on Friday night.

Is the Finger Lakes Fifties 50-miler a Western States qualifier?
This is what the Western States website says:
All age categories have been removed. Qualifying time applies to all ages, 18 years of age and older. Standards apply to all running surfaces, roads and trails.
One of the following minimum times must be met and certified by official race results or a results listing in Ultrarunning Magazine:
a) 50 miles in under 11 hours
b) 100 kilometers in under 14 hours
c) completion of any OFFICIAL 100-mile trail race
d) completion of three 50-mile runs, completed within the cutoff times of those races, but in not more than 12 hours, and during the qualifying period.
* Official event, not a "fun run."
* Must complete a registration form, pay an entry fee and sign a waiver.
* Participants must wear bib numbers.
* Race is accurately timed.
* Distance is accurately measured.
* Event must have an official website.
* Results listed in UltraRunning Magazine.
The Finger Lakes Fifties is an official, measured event, which appears to meet WS criteria.

Should I wear trail running shoes or road running shoes?
This is a very personal issue. The trails are well maintained, however, it is the forest and there are rocks, roots, and dirt. The course is runnable in road running shoes; however, some people prefer trail shoes.

What kind of markings will mark the course and will it be lit for after dark?
The course will be marked with orange arrows and flagging tape. The course will not be lit for after dark. If you think that you will be running into darkness, please be prepared with your own flashlight.

Can I have a “pacer”?
Pacers will not be allowed for 25K or 50K runners. For safety purposes, any runner in the 50-mile race may have another runner accompany them during their 3rd & 4th loops, if they choose. These runners will need to complete an entry form and sign the waiver (no entry fee, just indicate which runner you will be running with).

Are there time cut-offs? How does that work for the 50-miler?
There are no cut-offs for the 25K and 50K races. 50-mile runners must complete their second 15.5-mile loop AND START loop #3 by 7 ½ hours (i.e., race starts at 6:30am, runners must complete the 50K portion of the 50-miler by 2pm). In the past a runner completed the 50K portion within the limits but then waited for another runner (who did not make the cut-off). The first runner then went on to run the 50-miler quite some time after it was expected that he had left the aid station. There was a lot of confusion since we thought this runner had gone on running a long time before, creating a lot more confusion as to who was the last runner out on the course. Once you have completed the 50K portion and will be going on for the 50-miler, please spend only a reasonable amount of time getting your food/drink/change of clothes in the aid station and continue with your run.

Are there awards?
There will be awards to the first Open and Masters male and female in each race. Frivolous awards will be given to the first place finisher (male and female) in each 10-year age division for each race. Finisher medals will be awarded to finishers.

Can my family/friends drive around the course to watch me or have my gear for me?
Since most of the course is run on trails there will be limited access for viewing. However, there are roads that lead some of the aid stations and family/friends can drive there and see runners as they come by.

What kind of camping is available?
Primitive tent camping is available, free of charge, at the Potomac Group Campground. There is very limited parking lot space and “kiosks” available where RVs/campers may be parked, however, we if utilizing the Campground parking lot, you must not block entry/exits, as race vehicles will going frequently in and out. There is no electricity available.
There are other campsites available in the forest which are available for a fee.

Are there bathrooms or showers?
Restrooms/porta-potties are located at the start and on the course at the Blueberry Patch and Horse Campsites. No showers available, although there are ponds.

Can I bring my dog with me?
Since this event is held in July, it is usually hot and sunny and Rover would likely be much happier at home. However, if you feel that you must bring your dog, it is required by the Finger Lakes National Forest that the animal be kept on a leash AT ALL TIMES and the race committee requires that the dog be supervised AT ALL TIMES (i.e., not tied-up and left alone at your vehicle or tent).

PLEASE . . . NO BANDITS! Bandit runners create a huge hassle for the volunteers who are trying to keep track of the number of runners who are out on the course. This also creates big safety problems.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

2010 Race Info

All of the blog entries listed below are from the 2009 event. The date for the 2010 event is Saturday, July 3. This year's event will be capped at 250 runners for all three races combined. Paper entry forms and online registration available some time in December. Any questions . . . e-mail fl50s@yahoo.com.