Welcome to the inaugural Cedarock Trail Run coming up this Saturday, April 1st at beautiful Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC! Prepare for an awesome day of trail running action as you and close to 150 runners navigate fun and challenging single-track and flowing equestrian trails. It’s race week – LET’S GO!
Below is the race info email which contains logistical and safety details for the race. This message is long but should answer most questions you might have. Please take a few minutes to read.
Schedule of Events
Thursday, 3/30/23 (Optional Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up)
Fleet Feet Greensboro: 3731 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
- 4:30pm–6pm: Optional Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up at Fleet Feet Greensboro. We encourage early check-in if you live locally and are able to attend. Fleet Feet is offering 10% off any purchase when you pick up your packet on 3/30 – NICE and thank you Fleet Feet!
Saturday, 4/1/23 (Race Day – WOOHOO!)
Cedarock Park: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215 (enter park and follow signs to race parking)
- 7:30am–8:45am: Check-in / Packet Pick-up (if you did not pick up your packet on Thursday)
- 8:50am: Pre-Race Brief
- 9:00am: Race Start (ALL solo racers and Loop A relay racers)
- 9:30am–1pm: Post-Race Food / Beverage
- 10:30am: Awards / Giveaways (5K/10K)
- 11am: Push-up Contest (5K/10K) (fun, fun, fun – all who participate receive swag)
- 11:15am: FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (Kids 11-U)
- 12:00pm: Awards / Giveaways (Half Marathon)
- 12:30pm: Push-up Contest (Half Marathon) (fun, fun, fun – all who participate receive swag)
Race Day Weather: The current race day forecast is calling for cloudy skies, mild temps ranging from the low 60s in the early morning to the upper 70s in the afternoon, intermittent light rain showers, and winds from 15-25 mph. Not the stellar weather forecast we were hoping for but not horrible either. Keep in mind that the forecast can always change as we get closer to race day, so please check the weather on Friday and come prepared for the elements.
Course Conditions: We ran the trails on Monday (the day after heavy rains) and the trail conditions were a mixed bag, some dry and perfect while others wet and slippery. Rain is falling now (Tues evening) but there is no rain in the forecast for Wed-Fri so things should dry up nicely over the next three days. Any rain we do get on Sat is supposed to be light so I do not see this causing any major issues and the trails should be in good shape on race day. Note – for the half marathon racers, there are a couple of stubborn mudholes on the equestrian trails that you will need to navigate, which is fairly easy by running on the edges. We will provide an update on the trail conditions at the pre-race brief on race day.
Volunteers: We could still use the help of a few more volunteers. Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action, get a sweet race tee, free food, $15 off a future Roadless Races event, and our sincere appreciation. Plus, volunteering is fun! Volunteers help with parking, check-in, course marshalling, aid stations, medal distribution, food, or course sweeping. If any of your friends/family would like to volunteer, please ask them to sign up and select their job/shift HERE. Thank you.
Registration: There is still space available in the race. Online registration will remain open until 9pm on Friday, 3/31 and race day registration will be available on-site for an extra $10. If you have friends or family that intend to race, please give them a heads up.
Early Check-in/Packet Pick-up (Optional): Optional early check-in/packet pick-up will be available, for all racers that registered by 5pm on Wed, 3/29, at the Fleet Feet Greensboro store on Thursday, 3/30 from 4:30pm-6pm (3731 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455). At check-in you will receive your bib number (with timing chip for solo racers), race baton (with timing chip for relay teams ONLY – one/team), race t-shirt, and commemorative inaugural race pint glass. Racers may pick up packets for other racers. Fleet Feet is offering a 10% discount on any purchases during 3/30 check-in. If you are checking-in on Thursday, you do not need to get to the venue quite as early on race day. If you are checking in on Thursday, we recommend arriving at the park on race day by 8:15am (45 minutes before race start).
Address for Cedarock Park: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215
Arrival: 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. If you are checking in on race day (did not check-in on Thur), we recommend arriving by 8am.
Parking: After entering the park, follow the signs to race parking. Our parking staff and volunteers will be controlling the flow of traffic. Please follow their direction. We will fill the huge field first and then switch to the gravel lot after that (if needed). See the parking diagram below for our parking flow.
Check-in/Packet Pick-Up: Check-in/packet pick-up will be available at the pavilion near the Cedarock Park Visitor Center from 7:30am-8:45am on race day, Sat, 4/1. If you checked-in on Thursday, you DO NOT need to check-in on Saturday. At check-in you will receive your bib number (with timing chip for solo racers), race baton (with timing chip for relay teams ONLY – one/team), your race t-shirt, and your commemorative inaugural race pint glass.
Portajohns: Portajohns will be located at the staging area, which is central to check-in, the race start, and the beginning of each loop.
Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin at 8:50am and will take place at the race start near the Visitor Center.
Race Start: ALL solo racers and Loop A relay racers will begin at 9am. 
Race Courses: This race course is comprised of four unique, 5K+ loop courses, Loop A, B, C, and D. Each loop starts with .3 – .7 miles of wide road, paved trail, or grassy fields before hitting the trails. After this beginning section, athletes run along a combination of forested single-track and wide equestrian trails. Loop A and B are primarily single-track, while Loop C and D are mostly equestrian trails. They will be well-marked and course marshals will be positioned at critical spots along the way. There are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout. We would categorize these trails as minimally technical, with some root and rock filled sections and several punchy hill climbs. In terms of elevation gain, Loop A, B, C, and D have 233′, 174′, 267′, and 222′ of gain, respectively. NOTE – over the last few days we revised the loops slightly and changed the location and flow of the staging area. In addition to some slight modifications on the trails, you will now finish each loop with a spectator friendly run around the pond. We think these slightly modified loops are even better than the originals!
5K Course = Loop A (3.35 miles total)
10K Course = Loop A and then Loop B (in order) (6.28 miles total)
Half Marathon Course = Loop A, Loop B, Loop C, and then Loop D (in order) (13.24 miles total)
IMPORTANT – KNOW YOUR LOOP – 10K and Half Marathon racers. You MUST know which loop you are running.
Loop A (3.35 miles): CLICK HERE to view the course map and elevation profile.
Loop B (2.93 miles): CLICK HERE to view the course map and elevation profile.
Loop C (3.69 miles): CLICK HERE to view the course map and elevation profile.
Loop D (3.27 miles): CLICK HERE to view the course map and elevation profile.
Half Marathon Relay Team Process: Each two to four member relay team will complete all four loops of the half marathon course (A, B, C, and then D – in order). Each team member will complete at least one loop of the course and teams can choose the runner that will complete each loop. Each member of a relay team will have the same numbered bib and each team will be provided with a timing-chipped baton. After completing each loop of the race, relay racers will pass the chipped baton to the ‘on-deck’ racer, who will be waiting in the staging area just beyond the timing tent.
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette: While there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout each loop of this race, Loop A and B are comprised mostly of single-track trails, where passing may be more challenging. So, it is suggested that you factor this into your race strategy. At the beginning of the race there is .7 miles of wide road, gravel, and paved trail before entering the single-track trails. It is recommended that you place yourself appropriately at the start line (of Loop A), with faster racers near the front, mid pack racers near the middle, and ‘back of pack’ runners near the rear. Loop C and D are mostly wider equestrian trails and passing should be easy. Please practice proper trail etiquette during the race. 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, yellow, or pink 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. Loop A, Loop B, Loop C, and Loop D signage will be placed at decision points (splits and merges) for each respective loop so please keep your eyes open for those areas and KNOW WHICH LOOP YOU ARE RUNNING.
Road Crossing (USE CAUTION): There is one road crossing near the end of EACH LOOP. You will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign right before the crossing. We will have a course marshal at the road crossing but PEASE BE CAREFUL AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING.
Mile Markers: A mile marker will be placed with ‘½ MILE TO GO’ on each loop.
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 Half Marathon has seven aid stations spaced 1.4-2.0 miles from each other. For 10K and half marathoners, GU will be available at the staging area aid station (Loop Aid) at 3.4M, 6.3M, and 9.9M. The 10K has three aid stations spaced 1.4-2.0 miles from each other. The 5K course has one aid station at 2.0M. 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.
No Dogs on the Course: We love our furry friends, but for the safety of all racers (and dogs), they are not permitted on the race course. Spectators are welcome to bring leashed and supervised dogs.
Photos: Uber-talented professional photographer Mario Quivera will be at the race capturing the spirit of adventure and friendly competition. Photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event. The free photos are medium resolution, perfect for sharing on social media or making smaller prints. If you would like to make large prints, super high resolution photo downloads will be available for a modest charge. We will send an email when photos are available. Smile big when you see Mario out on the trail!
Chip Timing / Results: 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. For relay teams, each relay team member will receive a bib (same bib number for each relay team) and each relay team will receive a timing-chipped baton that will be passed from the ‘active runner’ to the ‘on-deck runner’ at the end/beginning of each loop of the race. Results will be posted on-site and on runsignup.com following the conclusion of the event.
Finisher Medal: After you finish the race, grab your beautiful finisher medal – they are NICE, and they double as a drink coaster, so they are useful too!!!
Recovery and Medical: UNC Orthopeadics’ top notch team of sports medicine and physical therapy professionals will be on site at the race offering their expert medical care to all athletes. Stop by their tent after the race if you have any medical needs, want to talk about recovery, or just want to learn more about their services. Thank you, UNC Orthopaedics and UNC Sports Medicine Institute.
Post-Race Food/Beverages: Sliders, hummus/veggies, fruit, trail bars, crackers, chips, cookies, trail mix, and little cups of M&Ms will be available after the race – enjoy! Beverages include water, Gatorade, soft drinks, and tasty non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing Company – NICE! Food is complimentary for all racers and volunteers.
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 11:15am, kids 11-under 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. Registration is not required for the kids race. We will match kids in age groups (3-U, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and then watch 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: We will have two award ceremonies on Saturday, the 5K/10K awards at 10:30am and the Half Marathon awards at 12pm. Awards (1st-5th place pint glasses) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates) will be presented to the top five M/F overall solo 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 solo age group competitors for each distance and to the top three half marathon relay teams in each division. View posted results at the ‘Results/Awards’ table to see if you are in the top three in your age group or relay division. Age group and relay division winners should pick up their pint glass from the awards table. Age groups include 13-Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Half Marathon Relay Divisions include female, male, and mixed (at least one team member of the opposite gender). After all awards have been distributed, we will get a large group photo with the overall, age group, and relay award winners. In addition to the awards, we have plenty of awesome stuff to give away from our sponsors!
Gift Certificates 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 Greensboro for contributing gift certificates for the overall prizes and discounts to all racers. Attend early check-in/packet pick up at the Greensboro store on Thursday 3/30 and take 10% off your purchase. Nice!
Push-Up Contest and Running 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 push up contest, which will take place at the end of each award ceremony, 11am for the 5K/10K and 12:30pm for the Half Marathon. Yes, we said push up contest! Anyone that participates in the contest will win a prize and the top M/F participants who are left ‘standing’ at the end will win an awesome prize, such as foam rollers 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, donations, 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, Fleet Feet – Greensboro, and UNC Orthopaedics/UNC Sports Medicine Institute.
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in inaugural Cedarock Trail Run. Prepare for an excellent day on the trails!
If you have any questions, feel free to call or email.
See you this Sat.
Jim
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
Roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
