Hello Racers,
Welcome to the Cedarock Trail Run coming up this Saturday, May 18th at beautiful Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC! Prepare for an awesome day of trail running action as you and close to 200 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
Saturday, 5/18/24 (Race Day)
Cedarock Park: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215 (enter park and follow signs to race parking)
- 6:30am–7:45am: Check-in / Packet Pick-up (please arrive by 7am, at the latest)
- 7:50am: Pre-Race Brief
- 8:00am: Race Start (ALL solo racers and Loop A relay racers)
- 8:30am–12pm: Post-Race Food / Beverage
- 9:30am: Awards / Giveaways (5K/10K)
- 10am: Push-up Contest (5K/10K) (fun, fun, fun – all who participate receive swag)
- 10:15am: FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (Kids 11-U)
- 11:00am: Awards / Giveaways (Half Marathon)
- 11:30am: Push-up Contest (Half Marathon) (fun, fun, fun – all who participate receive swag)
Weather: With rain and thunderstorms in the current forecast, the weather is not looking awesome for race day. In terms of the race, rain is OK, lightning is not. The weather prediction often changes this far out so we will keep a close eye on it and send an update on Thursday evening. Should we need to postpone the race, we will send clear instructions as to your options. Keep all your fingers and toes crossed for a forecast that is in our favor:)
Course Conditions: We ran the trails on Monday and they were in excellent shape. We received a good amount of rain today (Tues) and more wet weather is predicted tomorrow (Wed), but there is no rain in the forecast for Thurs or Fri so things should dry up nicely. With this said, there may be a few residual slick spots on the trails (especially if we get rain on Sat), so you will need to watch your footing. Prepare for a fun and somewhat muddy adventure! HALF MARATHONERS – there are some 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 race brief on Sat morning.
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, aid stations, medal distribution, food, or course sweeping. If any of your friends/family would like to volunteer, please ask them to SIGN UP HERE. Thank you!
Registration: There is still space available in the race and online registration will remain open until race morning. If you have friends or family that intend to race, please give them a heads up.
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. We recommend arriving by 7am (at the latest).
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 park in the huge field on your right. FYI – the gravel lots at Cedarock are under construction (being paved) so they will not be available. See the parking diagram above for our parking flow. Check-in is a short walk from the parking field.
Check-in/Packet Pick-Up: Check-in/packet pick-up will be available at the pavilion near the Cedarock Park Visitor Center from 6:30am-7:45am on race day, Sat, 5/18. 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), and your race t-shirt.
Portajohns: Portajohns will be located at the staging area, which is central to check-in, the race start, and the beginning of each loop. We have ordered enough portajohns for our anticipated numbers, but if everyone tries to use the restroom 15 minutes before the race, there will be long lines. PLEASE TAKE YOUR RESTROOM BREAK EARLY TO HELP PREVENT LONG LINES.
Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin at 7:50am 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 8am.
Race Courses: This race course is comprised of four unique, 5K+ loop courses, Loop A, B, C, and D. Each loop starts with .3 – 1.1 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 (see below). 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 226′, 174′, 267′, and 222′ of gain, respectively.
5K Course = Loop A (3.38 miles total)
10K Course = Loop A and then Loop B (in order) (6.31 miles total)
Half Marathon Course = Loop A, Loop B, Loop C, and then Loop D (in order) (13.27 miles total)
IMPORTANT – KNOW YOUR LOOP. You MUST know which loop you are running.
Loop A (3.38 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 1.1 miles of wide road, gravel, grass, 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 paper cups provided or bring your own drinking vessel (camelback, handheld water bottle, reusable soft cup, etc). The Half Marathon has seven aid stations spaced .8-1.9 miles from each other. For 10K and half marathoners, GU will be available at the staging area aid station (Loop Aid) at 3.5M, 6.4M, and 10.1M. The 10K has three aid stations spaced 0.8-1.6 miles from each other. The 5K course has two aid stations at 0.8M and 2.4M. First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station. An aid station will also be positioned at the finish.
NO IN-EAR EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC: The use of in-ear EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC that restricts hearing is not permitted during any Roadless Races event. We understand that many folks like to run with music. To strike a balance, you may use bone conduction headsets (on low volume so you can still hear your surroundings). Why, do we have these rules 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: Professional photographer Tim Skelding will be at the race capturing the fun and friendly competition. 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 Tim out on the course!
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 on runsignup.com following the conclusion of the event. Look for a QR code at the pavilion that will direct you to the results.
Finisher Medal: After you finish the race, grab your beautiful finisher medal – they are NICE, and they double as a bottle opener, so they are useful too!!!
Medical: The EM Holt Fire Department will be on site to attend to medical needs and any emergencies. If you have a minor injury or a boo boo that needs patching up, head to the medical tent. If you are on the course and come across someone in need of medical attention, please notify us at the nearest aid station so we can activate emergency response. Thank you to EM Holt Fire Department!
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.
Recycling / Trash / Water: Please use the blue recycling containers for aluminum or plastic ONLY and trash cans for trash. Also, if you use a plastic water bottle at the finish line, please refill it with our water coolers vs getting a new water bottle. It’s the same water, just from a bigger bottle and this helps us save on plastic usage. Finally, just throwing this out there (pun intended:) – please, DO NOT LITTER. Thank you!
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! Thank you and cheers to Athletic Brewing Company!
FREE Kids Race for Treasure: At 10:15am, 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 start separately for 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: We will have two award ceremonies on Saturday, the 5K/10K awards at 9:30am and the Half Marathon awards at 11am. Awards (1st-5th place tumblers) 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. Check out the QR code under the pavilion to see if you are in the top three of your age group or relay team division. Age group and relay division winners should pick up their pint glass from the awards table – just tell the staff at the table what place you came in your age group or we can look it up for you. 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.
Giveaways and Push-Up Contests (where all participants receive swag): We have some awesome stuff to giveaway at the race, including items such as Goodr sunglasses, Cotopaxi bags, and Roadless Races swag. After the awards, stick around for your chance to win. We will do two super fun push up contests at 10am and 11:30am. Anyone that participates gets swag and the top two M/F participants who are left ‘standing’ at the end can select an item of their choosing. After the push up contests, we will do random giveaways.
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 on 5/18 or 5/19 and take 10% off your purchase. Nice!
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in Cedarock Trail Run. Prepare for an excellent day on the trails!
I will be in touch Thursday evening with an update and see you on Sat.
Jim
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
Roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
