Hello Zen Squirrel Racers,
Welcome to the Zen Squirrel Trail Run at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC. On Saturday, May 14th, you and close to 175 other adventurous trail runners will run 2, 5, or 10 miles through scenic, forest covered courses that include a mixture of smooth and flowing dirt trails, rock and root strewn single-track, and challenging hill climbs. Prepare for an excellent day on the trails and I wish you the best of luck!
Below is the race day info email, which contains detailed information on race weather, course conditions, parking, check-in, course marking, aid stations, post-race food, awards, giveaways, etc.
Schedule for race day, Saturday, May 14, 2022:
• Check-in / race bib pick-up from 7am-8:30am. We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your race start. Race day registration will be available.
• 10M pre-race brief @ 7:50am
• 10M race start @ 8am
• 5M pre-race brief @ 8:10am
• 5M race start @ 8:20am
• 2M pre-race brief @ 8:30am
• 2M race start @ 8:40am
• Post-race food/beverage available starting @ 9am
• FREE kids ‘race for treasure’ (for kids 2-11) @ 9:45am
• Awards, giveaways, and push up contest @ 10:15am
Update on Race Weather Forecast (as of 6:30am on 5/13): The forecast for today and tonight is for off and on rain showers, with up to .25 inches of rain expected. Race morning weather is predicted to be cloudy, with periods of light rain/showers, light winds, and temps from the low 60s when you check-in to a high of around 70 by awards. The chance for severe weather (lightning, very heavy rain, and high winds) is very low tomorrow morning, so that is great news! Of course, as is always the case, we will be keeping a close eye on the weather and, should severe weather become imminent, we will make any adjustments needed to keep everyone safe. We may get a little wet tomorrow, so prepare for an adventure!
Update on Trail Conditions (as of 6:30am on 5/13): The dry and sunny days at the beginning of the week provided a dry foundation for the rain we received late yesterday and will receive leading into race day tomorrow. The trails at Briar Chapel drain very well and, given the fact that the trails were not already saturated, they can absorb a lot of rain before getting messy. I just walked some of the trails this morning and they are in very good shape after the rain we received late yesterday. With the levels of rain anticipated during this wet weather event, the trails should hold up just fine. With this said, expect some soft spots and some slippery conditions, especially the roots and rocks. Watch your footing!
Volunteers: Our events rely on the generous support from volunteers and we can still use the help of more volunteers. Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action, get a race tee, free food, $15 off a future Roadless Races event, and our sincere appreciation. Plus, volunteering is fun. If any of your friends/family would like to help out, please ask them to sign up online HERE.
Registration: If you have friends or family that have not signed up yet but intend to race, please let them know that online registration will close at 7pm on Friday, 5/13. REGISTER ONLINE HERE. Race day registration will be available for an extra $5.
Start List: CLICK HERE to view the list of racers.
Parking: Park along the neighborhood streets of Briar Chapel, adjacent to Great Meadow Park. The address and directions are below. CLICK HERE for map of the parking areas. Please arrive early and carpool, if bringing family or friends. There are several entrances to Briar Chapel but we suggest using the entrance off Andrew Store Rd. After entering Briar Chapel, follow the signs for Race Parking. Our volunteers will be controlling the flow of traffic to maximize available space. If and when all the space fills up near the staging area, vehicles will be directed to our overflow parking @ Woods Charter school. Thank you, Woods Charter!
Directions: Staging area at Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel (161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516):
• Briar Chapel is located off Rt. 15/501, which is 15 minutes south of downtown Chapel Hill.
• From 15/501, take Andrew Store Rd west for approximately 1 mile.
• Turn right onto Granite Mill Blvd (2nd Briar Chapel entrance) and follow the Race Parking signs.
• Park and follow the signs to check-in.
Check-in: Check-in opens at 7am and will take place at the pavilion of Great Meadow Park. At check-in you will receive your bib number and t-shirt. Please arrive early to help alleviate backups. It takes time to park, check-in, use the bathroom, warm up, and attend the pre-race brief. We recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before your start time.
Restrooms/Portajohns: Restroom facilities will be available at the pavilion and portajohns will be located near the pavilion.
Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin 10 minutes before your race start time and will take place at the race start near the pavilion.
Race Start: The 10 mile race will begin at 8am, the 5 mile at 8:20am, and the 2 mile at 8:40am.
Race Courses: Briar Chapel has over 15 miles of AWESOME single-track trails. There are some easy, flat mellow areas but most of the trails at Briar Chapel offer a fun challenge and include plenty of rocks, roots, and hills. We would categorize the trails at Briar Chapel as moderately technical. Each of the 2 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile, one-loop race courses, starts with .3 miles of downhill pavement running, perfect for separating the field of runners. After that, runners hit the trails, and stay on the trails, except for a few road crossings and short paved sections.
• 10 mile: CLICK HERE to view the course description, map, and elevation profile.
• 5 mile: CLICK HERE to view course description, map, and elevation profile.
• 2 mile: CLICK HERE to view the course description, map, and elevation profile.
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette: While there are plenty of passing opportunities on the trails at Briar Chapel, many of the single-track trails are narrow and passing may be difficult. So, it is suggested that you factor this into your race strategy. At the beginning of the race, there is about .3 miles of wide pavement before entering the single-track. So, it is recommended that you place yourself appropriately at the start line, with faster racers near the front, mid pack racers near the middle, and ‘back of pack’ runners near the rear. Also, proper trail etiquette should be practiced. Overtaking racers should use audible signals such as ‘passing on your left’ or ‘passing on your right’ and, when possible, slower racers should allow them to pass. Keep in mind, however, that it is the responsibility of the overtaking racer to pass safely.
Course Marking: The course will be marked with red or yellow laminated arrows at all turns or areas of decision and pint surveyor’s tape tied to branches between points of decision. Arrows will be tied to trees or stapled to wooden stakes. There are some minor social trails at Briar Chapel that lead to homes or down to a stream. Do not turn off the main trail if you do not see an arrow. Before road crossings, you will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign. Most road crossings will be staffed with Course Marshals, but some will not. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AT ROAD CROSSINGS AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING ANY ROAD.
Splits and Merges: There are two splits and two merges on this course. The splits will be staffed with course marshals and marked with signage. The merges will be marked with signage.
• Split #1 @ .85M – 10M/5M runners go straight, 2M runners turn right.
• Split #2 @ 1.4M – 10M runners turn left and 5M runners turn right.
• Merge #1 @ 6.9M (10M) / 1.8M (5M) – 10M and 5M runners will merge back together.
• Merge #2 @ 9.7M (10M), 4.6M (5M), and 1.6M (2M) – 2M runners will merge back with 10M/5M runners with .5 miles left in the race
Mile Markers: Mile markers will be located at every aid station as well as one mile from the finish and ½ mile from the finish.
Aid Stations: Remember to STAY HYDRATED. Aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade. Use the cups provided or carry a camelback or handheld water bottle. The 10M course has six aid stations spaced 1.2-2.2 miles from each other. The 5M has three aid stations spaced 1.2-1.5 miles from each other. The 2M course has an aid station at the finish only. First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station. An aid station will also be positioned at the finish.
NO EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC: The use of EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC that restricts hearing is not permitted during any Roadless Races event. Why, you may ask? Well, for the following three reasons:
• Safety – we need to look out for each other! Our courses are held on trails in remote areas. If someone gets injured out on the trails, we rely on racers to notify us so we can activate emergency response. Racers must be alert at all times.
• Courtesy – trail races are very different than road races. Passing is usually not a problem in road races but passing can be a challenge on single-track hiking trails. To pass safely, trail etiquette suggests using audible signals such as passing on your left. Passing someone who can’t hear you is difficult and frustrating.
• Community – at Roadless Races we strive to build community. Please use your time with us to unleash yourself from your device, enjoy the sounds of nature, talk to people, make some friends, and have fun.
Photos: Uber-talented professional photographer Mario Quivera will be at the race capturing the spirit of adventure and friendly competition. All photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event and we will send you an email when they are ready. Smile big when you see Mario out on the course!
Chip Timing / Results: The timing pros from Cardinal Race Services are timing this race. Timing chips will be affixed to the back of your race bib. Please wear your bib on the front of your body, either on your torso or on your shorts. Results will be posted on-site and on runsignup.com immediately following the conclusion of the event.
Recovery and Medical Tent: Dr. Greg Summerville and his team of medical pros from UNC Orthopaedics at Pittsboro will be on site offering their expert medical care to our athletes and assisting with any needed emergency response. Stop by their tent after the race to assist with recovery or to patch up any boo boos. Thank you, UNC Orthopaedics at Pittsboro!
Post-Race Food: Water, Gatorade, soft drinks, and non-alcoholic beer will be available after the race. Food includes yummy sliders from Breakaway Café, fruit, trail bars, chips, cookies, chocolate, etc. Complimentary food and beverages will be available at the finish line for all racers and volunteers. Also, for two weeks after the race, show your race bib to the folks at Breakaway and take 10% off your order. Thank you, Breakaway Café for your support and for providing the delicious sliders!
Athletic Brewing Company: Craft Non-Alcoholic Beer: A cold beer hits the spot after a race and now you can enjoy a tasty post-race craft beverage that doesn’t compromise your ability to stay sharp and healthy. After the race, grab an Athletic Brewing Company beer and enjoy! Also, take 10% off your first order of ABC beer when you order online using code RR10. Thank you and cheers to Athletic Brewing Company!
FREE Kids Race for Treasure: At 9:45am, kids aged 2-11 are invited to participate in the Kids Race for Treasure. Fun, Fun, Fun!!!! All kids are welcome to participate, and parents are encouraged to line the ‘race course’ to cheer them on. We will match kids in age groups (2-3, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and have them run a short out and back ‘race’ in the large field near the staging area. After running, kids can grab a prize (toys from the dollar store:) from the Treasure Chest!
Awards and Giveaways: The awards ceremony will take place at 10:15am. Awards (1st-5th place pint glasses) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates and race swag) will be presented to the top five M/F overall finishers in each distance. We will announce the overall winners and ask them to come up to the podium for their awards. Awards (1st-3rd place pint glasses) will be given to the top three M/F age group competitors for each distance. Age groups include 13-Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Age group winners should pick up their pint glass from the awards table. After all award winners have been given their pint glass, we will get a large group photo with all the overall and age group award winners. In addition to the awards, we have plenty of awesome stuff to give away from our sponsors!
Gift Certificates, Swag, and Discount from Fleet Feet: Building community and helping their customers reach their running goals is what Fleet Feet is all about. Thank you so much to Fleet Feet Carrboro/Durham for contributing gift certificates for the overall prizes and swag for giveaways. Bring your race bib into the Carrboro or Durham Fleet Feet, take 10% off your purchase. Nice!
Running Shoe Giveaway AND Push Up Contest Swag from Brandon Jozwiak of Nest Realty: Local real estate pro, Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty, has provided some sweet swag for us to give away at the race, including two pair of running shoes, which will be up for grabs as random giveaways. Also, he is providing more nice stuff to give away at the push up contest. Yes, we said push up contest! Anyone that participates in the contest will win a prize and the top two M/F participants who are left ‘standing’ at the end will win a Cotopaxi backpack or Goodr sunglasses. A big THANK YOU to Brandon for generously supplying these awesome prizes.
Awesome Sponsors: THANK YOU to all our generous sponsors for providing product, services, and giveaways in support of grassroots racing and our community. Please show your love and support our sponsors in any way you can. Athletic Brewing Company, Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty, Breakaway Café, Fleet Feet – Carrboro/Durham, and UNC Orthopaedics at Pittsboro.
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in the Zen Squirrel Trail Run.
We are looking forward to an excellent day of trail running action and we can’t wait to see you at the race.
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
Roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
