Participants - Final race instructions

Fools Run - FINAL RUNNER UPDATE (#3)

Published March 26, 2012

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

YOUR TICKET: Attached to this message is your ticket. Please present your ticket at check-in, or be prepared to show photo ID.

ENTRANT LIST: Please review the entrant list to ensure your name spelling, age, gender, and race distance is correct.

TRANSFERS of entry are not allowed.

PARKING & CARPOOL INCENTIVE: We have a limited number of parking spots at Pine Hollow and the other two lots along Quick Rd. Please arrive early as you may have to park as far as 0.5 mile away from the start line. Those who share the ride and carpool are eligible to enter the drawing for prizes. We are holding a drawing for participants who carpool. Please let us know morning of race if you carpooled to enter in the drawing.

Link to DRIVING DIRECTIONS

PRE-RACE BRIEFING: In an effort to reduce my pre-race instructions at the start line, I have recorded a video presentation of the pre-race instructions. (This is last year's video, but message remains mostly the same.) The morning of the race is exciting. Who wants to listen to important pre-race instructions 10 minutes before the run? It is my hope that you will take a few minutes and watch the video that will be posted on the front page of the website. I hope to save time for everyone and allow you to focus on y our run. You will receive an email update when the video is posted on the website. (Link)

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

BE PREPARED for cold temperature, wet weather and possibly mud. Remember that 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: We ask that each runner picks up their own packet. No picking up for friends. (Exception for spouses.) If you are unable to attend on Friday or Saturday, pick-up is available on the day of race. Hours:

- Friday, March 30, from 5-8 p.m. at Vertical Runner Hudson
- Saturday, March 31, from 12-5 p.m. at the Vertical Runner Hudson
- Sunday, April 1, from 6:15-7:15 at Pine Hollow.

Packets are not available prior to the announced times on Friday and Saturday. Vertical Runner is located at 112 N. Main St. in Hudson, OH.

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 Montrail/Mountain Hardwear at the Vertical Runner store in Hudson. Offer expires on April 10.

VOLUNTEERS: If you have family or friends who are volunteering and not assigned a position, they should check-in on the roster at Pine Hollow on Sunday morning.

IMPORTANT RACE INFO:

** RUNNER CHECK-IN: In addition to packet pick-up, there is a separate runner check-in at the starting line. The purpose is to ensure for complete runner accountability. Please check-in by showing your bib number (pinned visibly on front) to the starter at the start line, starting at 6:30 AM.

CARPOOL INCENTIVE & RAFFLE DRAWING: If you shared a ride to the race, present to the starter the "Random Drawing Coupon" from your bib number. We will draw numbers for prizes, including two pairs of North Face running shoes.

BIB NUMBERS DISPLAYED: Your bib number will be recorded at aid station checkpoints. To avoid delay, clearly display your bib number on your front.

CHIP TIMING: On the back of your bib is a computer chip. PLEASE DO NOT FOLD YOUR BIB. Display on front of shirt or shorts without folding.

50k/25k DECLARATION: All runners have selected a race distance - either 50k or 25k. Those registered for 50k can stop after 25k and receive a finishing time but are not eligible for 25k awards.

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.)

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. A volunteer will be there to assist but they are not authorized to stop 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 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.

HAMMER GELS and ENDUROLYTES will be available at aid stations to 50k runners on their second 25k loop. Again, if you have special needs please plan to carry your own supplies.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS: The course is 25k (15.7 miles) 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 is known for its 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.

POST-RACE SOUP is provided to all participants. Please save the long tear-off tag on your bib as your food coupon.

RESULTS will be posted onsite and on the website by Monday morning, April 6. Special thanks to timing service provided by Chaney Events Management.
Please visit the website for the latest information.

Thank you for reading. I look forward to seeing you this weekend. Please arrive early and in time for the pre-race briefing at 7:20 a.m.

Lloyd Thomas
Race Director
http://fools50k.org

50K AWARDS:
All 50k finishers receive a commemorative hand-made mug. "Champion" mugs to the first place man and woman.
- 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Overall, Man and Woman (6)
- 1st place age 40-49, Man and Woman (2)
- 1st place age 50-59, Man and Woman (2)
- 1st place age 60+, Man and Woman (2)

25K AWARDS:
- 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Overall, Man and Woman (6)
- 1st place age 40-49, Man and Woman (2)
- 1st place age 50+, Man and Woman (2)
- 1st place age 60+, Man and Woman (2)

(Note: Limit one award per person. Overall awards precede age group awards.)