How do I enter? Can I enter on-line? Is there race day entry?
Click on the link to the UltraSignup registration. Registration will close at 11:59pm on June 22, 2012 or when the 250 limit is reached. Entries from the wait list will be taken in order as cancellations come in.
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.
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?
For station locations please refer to the course map under "The Course" in the table of contents.
#1 The Morgue
#2 The South Beach (you will be able to access this station twice on each loop of the course)
#3 The Library
#4 The Outback
#5 The Living Room – at the end of the 16.5-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 16.5 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 access 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 THE NAME OF THE AID STATION that it should go to) to the race headquarters by 7pm on Friday night.
Is the Finger Lakes Fifties 50-miler a Western States qualifier?
No.
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 red/black arrows and flagging tape (please refer to "The Course" under the table of contents for illustrations of these markings). 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 and 4th loops, if they choose. These runners will need to complete pacer form and sign the waiver (no entry fee, just indicate which runner you will be running with). To find the pacer form please refer to the Table of Contents.
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 loop AND START loop #3 within 8 hours (i.e., race starts at 6:30am, runners must complete the 50K portion of the 50-miler by 2:30pm). 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 all 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 runners will be crossing and family/friends can drive there and see runners as they come by. We ask that family/friends/crews refrain from being at aid stations.
What kind of camping is available?
Primitive tent camping is available, free of charge, at the Potomac Group Campground. 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/race headquarters, at the horse campground on the race course, and at the Blueberry Patch campground. 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 staying at home and we, the race committee, prefer this. 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 personally 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. They use up aid that has been accounted for registered runners. They also create big safety problems. It's just not nice to bandit!