Final Runner Update

Fools Run - FINAL RUNNER UPDATE (#3)

Greetings! The Fools Run is a few days away and plans are shaping up for a great day on the trails. The following message will help convey race information to you, help minimize my pre-race briefing, and hopefully answer any questions you might have.

I've run the course several times since the last update and its looking great. The course map shown on the website is accurate, except for one minor change (noted below.)

WELL-MARKED COURSE: I assure you that the course will be well-marked. The map is helpful, but you need not know the course to participate in the Fools Run.

BE PREPARED for wet weather and mud. The Sunday forecast (as of Tuesday night) looks good, but be prepared for wet weather. Pine Hollow has no pavilion or chairs. Bring a folding chair to enjoy the post-race festivities at the finish line.

NO ALCOHOL is permitted (nor will be tolerated) at the Fools Run.

PARKING: The NPS has assured me that Pine Hollow gate will be opened by 6 AM. While there is plenty of parking space, you might arrive after Pine Hollow fills up. There are two other lots along Quick Rd: Crow Foot Gully and Little Meadow. It is a short walk from any of these lots - plan accordingly to arrive early.

(Note: All three of the parking lots are along the first 1/2 mile of the Fools Run course. 50k runners will have a chance to pass their vehicle at the start of the second loop.)

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Packet Pick-up: Saturday, April 4, from 2-6 PM at the Vertical Runner in Hudson or Sunday, April 5, from 6:15-7:15 at Pine Hollow. Packets are not available prior to 2 PM on Saturday.

Pre-race briefing: 7:20 AM (at the starting line)
Race starts: 7:30 AM
Course closes: 4:30 PM (9 hour time limit)

VERTICAL RUNNER DISCOUNT: Use your bib number to receive a 15% discount on your next purchase at the Vertical Runner store in Hudson. Offer good in the month of April.

VOLUNTEERS: If you have family or friends who are volunteering, they should check-in on the roster at Pine Hollow on Sunday morning.

Important race info:

BIB NUMBERS DISPLAYED: Your bib number will be recorded at aid station checkpoints. To avoid delay, clearly display your bib number in front (Yes, you can fold your number as long as it is visible.)

50k/25k DECLARATION: All runners have selected a race distance - either 25k or 50k. After race starts, you can choose to change the distance when you pass the 25k finish line by informing the timer at the finish line.

SPECIAL NOTE ON AWARDS: Awards are given to the top runners. To be eligible for race awards, you must finish the race you signed up for. (I.e. If you are in the 50k race and decide to stop after 25k, you are NOT ELIGIBLE to win the 25k race award.)

WRTR SERIES POINTS: All 25k and 50k finishers listed in the results will receive points in the WRTR series. Visit http://wrtr.org for more information.

TRUXELL ROAD CROSSING: This road crossing is the most dangerous spot on the course. Runners DO NOT have right of way and should yield to vehicular traffic.

WATER BOTTLES: In an effort to minimize paper waste, runners are encouraged to carry a water bottle. Aid station volunteers will be ready to refill your bottle with water or Heed and keep you moving down the trail.

The FIRST AID STATION is 5.2 MILES at Happy Days parking lot, then about every 3.5 miles thereafter. Plan accordingly. Click here for more aid station and checkpoint information.

AID STATIONS will be stocked with water, Heed (the carbohydrate/electrolyte beverage by Hammer Nutrition), cola, PB&J sandwiches, pretzels, and various other snack foods. If you want a special item, plan to carry yourself.

In your race packet, you will receive two HAMMER GELS and one packet of ENDUROLYTES for your personal use. Aid stations will not have these items.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS: The course is 25k of unique trails starting and finishing at Pine Hollow. 50k runners will repeat an identical 25k loop to complete the entire 50k course. The color codes on the map indicate the order of trails. If you are new to the area, don't miss the Ledges Overlook near mile 10. A short alternate path will be marked to lead you to one of the most scenic views of the Cuyahoga Valley. After returning to Kendall Lake near the 12.5 mile mark, you will pass near Pine Hollow at the bottom of the sledding hill. This is good spot for spectators to watch the action. The course ends with the 3.5 miles of the Salt Run trail. Save some energy for the finish - The Fools Run will be remembered for the final challenging ascent to the finish line at Pine Hollow.

COURSE CHANGES: The map on the website shows the current course. There is only one minor change at Haskell Run. The course will use the western half of Haskell Run, routing through the grass field in front of Happy Days lodge. This change avoids the driveway at the Lodge and will minimize the chance of running into park visitors at the kiosk. Use the grass field in both directions as you enter/exit the tunnel.

SHARE THE TRAILS: At all times we are guests of the CVNP and we do not have exclusive use of the trails. During your run, yield to other park visitors and please do not run over or endanger other users of the trail.

RESULTS will be posted on the website by Monday morning, April 6.

WRTR SERIES STANDINGS will be updated by the end of next week.

Please visit the website for useful information such as driving directions.

Thank you for reading. I look forward to seeing you this weekend. Please arrive early and in time for the pre-race briefing.

Lloyd Thomas
http://fools50k.org