Hello Harepin Hustle Racers,
Welcome to the Inaugural Harepin Hustle Trail Run held at Lake Crabtree County Park in Morrisville, NC. This race is going to be awesome, as you and close to 200 fellow trail runners navigate 5K or 10K of flowy, fun, forest covered single-track with plenty of hairpin turns and berms.
I would love to start this email with a fired up, ‘LET’S GET STOKED’ message. But, given the forecast, I think it makes sense to temper that excitement and start with a reality-based weather update, before diving into the race day info.
WEATHER UPDATE: OK, so here’s the deal. Rain and wind from soon-to-be Hurricane Helene will be affecting the Triangle from late Thursday until early Sat morning. The trails are already saturated from recent rains, significant rain this morning, and more to come tonight, and, if we get anywhere near the predicted 2″-4″ of rain and wind gusts of 40+MPH associated with the tropical weather event, the trails will be a muddy – downed tree – debris ridden mess, not suitable for racing. The main issue with this storm, as it pertains to the race, is the horrible timing, which will provide no time for clean up and for the trails to dry out.
With the above said, while unlikely, it is still early and the forecast can change – stranger things have happened. So, when I met with the Lake Crabtree park manager to discuss the situation, we have decided to take a wait and see approach, monitor the forecast over the next couple of days, and provide an update on Thursday evening. My feeling is that racers, volunteers, vendors, sponsors, (as well as our team) would rather know sooner than later. So, if the forecast does not significantly improve by Thursday, we will postpone to our rain date of Saturday, November 9th. I will send an update or a decision by Thursday at 8pm.
If we must postpone, you will have excellent options – attend the rain date on Sat, November 9th, receive a credit to use for any 2024 or 2025 Roadless Races event, or receive a refund. Should we need to postpone, I will share clear instructions on how to let me know your preference.
Keep all your fingers and toes crossed for a major shift in the forecast, and I’ll be back in touch soon.
RACE DAY INFO EMAIL
If we are able to make the race happen this Saturday, below is the race info email, which contains logistical and safety details for the race. This message is long but should answer most of the questions you might have. We have made two notable adjustments (a slight change to the start/finish and a change to our parking plan) so some of the info below is a little different than what you see on our website and reg page. Please take a few minutes to read.
Below is your race check-in QR code. If you can show this to the check-in volunteers, it will speed up the check-in process. If you do not have it, no worries – we can look you up.
%REGISTRATION_ID_QRCODE%
Schedule of Events
Saturday, 9/28/24 (Race Day)
Lake Crabtree County Park: 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560
- 7:15am – 8:45am: Check-in/Packet Pick-up
- 8:20am: Pre-Race Brief (10K)
- 8:30am: Race Start (10K)
- 8:50am: Pre-Race Brief (5K)
- 9:00am: Race Start (5K)
- 9:15am – 11am: Post-race Food/Beverage
- 10:00am: FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (kids 11-U)
- 10:15am: Awards
- 10:30am: Contests and Giveaways
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE: Please remember to stay hydrated. YOU SHOULD COME TO THE RACE WELL HYDRATED and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the race.
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 remain open until race day.
Start List: CLICK HERE to view the list of registered racers.
Arrival: Please arrive early to help alleviate backups and carpool, if bringing family or friends. 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.
Venue Address: Lake Crabtree County Park, 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560
Parking: After entering the park, follow the ‘race parking’ signs. We will not be able to park in the lakeside field, which is our preferred parking location, because this is a flood plain and will be too wet. So, we will park in the gravel and asphalt lots, filling P1, P2, P3, and P4, in that order. See parking map below. Obviously, those arriving early will park closest to check-in. Please look for the directional arrows on our parking signs and follow the direction of our parking volunteers. After you park, follow the trail to check-in (see yellow arrows below), which is up to a .2 mile walk for those parking in P4. Bag/key check will be available at check-in for those that do not want to walk back to their vehicle after check-in.
Staging: The staging area is in the NE corner of the lakeside field. We have adjusted the staging area due to the wet field conditions, choosing the driest part of the field for staging activities. We have also adjusted the start and finish of the race, to avoid the numerous puddles in the low lying field, which is a flood plain. These adjustments have reduced the overall mileage of the race by .2 miles so the 5K will now be 3.2 miles instead of 3.4 miles and the 10K will now be 6.0 miles instead of 6.2 miles.
Check-in: Check-in will be open from 7:15am-8:45am and will take place under the big tent in the staging area. At check-in, you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and race t-shirt. Bag/key check will be available at check-in so you do not need to walk back to your vehicle before starting the race.
Portajohns and Bathrooms: Portajohns will be located in the staging area near check-in and the race start. Park bathrooms will be open and available in two locations, near the boat ramp parking lot and between P3 and P4. See staging area diagram above for exact locations.
Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin at 8:20am for the 10K and 8:50am for the 5K. The brief will take place in the eastern portion of the gravel lot, near the portajohns. When we are ready to start the race, we will stop traffic and bring everyone out into the road for the race start.
Race Start: The 10K will begin at 8:30am SHARP. The 5K will begin at 9am SHARP.
Race Courses: Providing easy passing, these one-loop 10K and 5K courses begin with .3 miles of wide pavement running. After this beginning section, athletes will enter the single-track and stay on the single-track before exiting the trails, crossing the road (with direction from a course marshal), and running into the field and through the finish chute, approximately .1 miles after exiting the trails. These courses are flowy and fun with plenty of hairpin turns and berms. There are lake views from mile .5 to the first aid station at mile 1.2. While this course is comprised primarily of single-track trails, it is not overly tight, so there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout. We would categorize these trails as semi-technical, with some moderate root and rock filled sections, and moderate elevation gain. The exact distance of the 5K is 3.2 miles with 195′ of elevation gain and the 10K is 6.0 miles with 388′ of elevation gain. As mentioned earlier in this email, the courses have been shortened by .2 miles to avoid running around the grassy (and very wet and puddly) lakeside field.
To view interactive course details and elevation profiles for each course, click on the links below. NOTE – links below reflect the changes we have made, but the map below does not:
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette: While there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout the course, some of the single-track trails at Lake Crabtree 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 .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, 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. Do not turn off the main trail if you do not see an arrow (or two or three). There is one main road crossing during this race, right near the finish. Before this road crossing, you will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign and the road crossing will be staffed with a course marshal. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THIS ROAD.
5K/10K Split and Merge: The 5K/10K split is located at 1.8M and will be very visible with 5K to the left arrows and 10K to the right arrows. So you follow the appropriate course, please look for these signs and listen to the course marshal. YOUR BIB MUST BE VISIBILE FROM THE FRONT SO THE COURSE MARSHAL CAN SEE WHICH RACE YOU ARE RUNNING. The 5K/10K course will merge back together at 5.6M for the 10K and 2.8M for the 5K. It’s only .4M to go after the merge.
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 ARRIVE HYDRATED AND STAY HYDRATED. Aid stations will be stocked with cold water and Gatorade. Pouring cold water on your head and neck is a great way to cool off so please do that, if needed! Use the cups provided or carry a camelback or handheld water bottle. The 10K course has four aid stations at 1.2M, 3.0M, 4.5M, and 5.6M. The 5K has two aid stations at 1.2M and 2.8M. First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station. An aid station will be available at the finish as well.
Medical: EMTs from the Morrisville Fire Department will be onsite to assist with medical issues and to provide any needed emergency response. Go to the medical tent if you need first aid or medical assistance. Thank you, Morrisville Fire Department!
Chip Timing / Results: The timing pros from Junction 311 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 online on runsignup immediately following the event. Look for a QR code at the finish area that will direct you to the results.
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. 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 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 and have fun!
No Dogs (or other pets) on the Course: We love our furry friends, but for the safety of all racers (and dogs), they are NOT PERMITTED on the racecourse. Spectators are welcome to bring LEASHED (6′ leash max) and SUPERVISED dogs. Please do not allow your dog to come within 10′ of the racecourse.
Photos: Uber-talented professional photographer Tim Skelding will be at the race capturing images of the fun 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 Tim out on the course!
Post-Race Food/Beverages: Tasty post-race food such as sliders, bagels/peanut butter, hummus/veggies, fruit, pickles, trail bars, chips, cookies, trail mix, little cups of M&Ms, etc. will be available after the race – enjoy! Beverages include water, Gatorade, soft drinks, seltzer water, Honest Kids, and 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! Thank you and cheers to Athletic Brewing Company!
FREE Kids Race for Treasure: At 10am, kids aged 11-U 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 ‘racecourse’ to cheer them on. We will match kids in age groups (3-U, 4-5, 6-7, and 8-11) and have them run a short out and back ‘race’ in an open area near the staging area. After running, kids can grab a prize (toys from the dollar store:) from the Treasure Chest!
Awards: The awards ceremony will start at 10:15am. Awards (1st-5th pint glasses) and prizes (Fleet Feet gift certificates) 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.
Giveaways and Push-Up Contest (where all participants receive swag): We have some cool stuff to giveaway at the race, including Goodr sunglasses, Fleet Feet gift certs, Hoka fanny packs, and other swag. After the awards, stick around for your chance to win. We will start with the super-fun push up contest where 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 contest, we will randomly giveaway the rest of the sweet stuff.
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 Raleigh/Morrisville for contributing gift certificates for the overall prizes and swag for giveaways. Bring your race bib into any Raleigh or Morrisville store on 9/28 or 9/29 and take 10% off your purchase (excluding shoes and electronics).
Coastal Credit Union Donation to Meals on Wheels: Not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative, that provides member dividends, teller service 7 days a week, better rates, low fees, and safe/secure banking, Coastal Credit Union has been putting community over profit for over 50 years, and we are thrilled to partner with such an upstanding corporate citizen. At this race, and several of our others, Coastal has committed to donate $3/athlete to the Wake County chapter of Meals on Wheels to support its mission of providing meals and connection to homebound seniors in need. CCU will present a BIG CHECK (literally) to MOW at the awards ceremony. You rock, Coastal Credit Union – THANK YOU!
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, Coastal Credit Union, and Fleet Feet – Raleigh/Morrisville.
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in the Harepin Hustle Trail Run.
We are looking forward to an excellent day of trail running action (whether that is this Sat or on Nov 9th) and we can’t wait to see you at the race.
Jim
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
