Race Day Info - Run at the Rock -

Hello Run at the Rock Racers,

Welcome to the 20th Annual Run at the Rock coming up this Saturday, December 7th at beautiful Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC! Prepare for an awesome day of trail running action as you and over 300 fellow trail runners traverse fun and challenging single-track and flowing equestrian trails. Race Day is almost here – WOOHOO!

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. I will send a MUCH shorter reminder/update email on Fri evening by 8pm.

Schedule of Events

Saturday, 12/7/24 (Race Day!)

Cedarock Park: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215 (enter park and follow signs to race parking. After parking go to check-in under the big tent near the visitor center)

7:30am: Check-in / Packet Pick-up Opens (NO EARLY PACKET PICK UP on Thurs or Fri)
8:50am: Half Marathon and 10K Pre-Race Brief
9:00am: Half Marathon and 10K Start
9:10am: 5K Pre-Race Brief
9:20am: 5K Start
9:45am–12:30pm: Post-Race Food / Beverage (including HOT soup, HOT chocolate, HOT tea, and Athletic Brewing Company non-alcoholic craft beer – YUM!)
10:45am: Awards / Giveaways (5K/10K)
11:15am: FREE Kid’s ‘Race for Treasure’ (Kids 11-U)
11:30am: Cornhole and Push-up Contests (Fun, fun, fun – all who participate receive swag)
12:00pm: Awards / Giveaways (Half Marathon)

Race Day Weather: The current race day forecast is calling for sunny skies, light winds, no precipitation, and COLD temps ranging from the high teens in the early morning (BRRR) to the mid 40s in the afternoon. Bundle up, buckle up, and get your game face on!!! FYI – we will have patio heaters spread throughout the staging area, and these will likely be pretty popular pre and post-race – and I know the check-in volunteers will really appreciate them:) I will include the latest race day forecast in the email I send on Fri.

Course Conditions: I scouted the trails yesterday (12/3) and they were in absolutely fantastic shape – dry, fast, and debris-free (thanks to the park staff for leaf blowing the trails). There were, and always are, a handful of perennially wet mud holes on the equestrian trails, used on the 10K and Half Marathon course. In some cases, there are parallel trails right next to the mudholes. You will have to skirt around the others, which is easy. I do not recommend running straight into those mudholes, as you do not know how deep they are, or the footing underneath. We are not expecting any precipitation between now and race day so the trails should remain dry. Some wind is expected over the next few days however, so that will likely bring down more leaves and make trail visibility very good instead of excellent. I will include an update on the course conditions in the email I send on Fri.

Volunteers: We could use the help of 3 more volunteers for the shifts below. All volunteers receive a race hoodie, $15 off a future RR event (that they can gift to anyone), and our sincere appreciation. Plus, volunteering is fun! If you know anyone that would like to fill one of these spots, please have them sign up HERE (and if they can mention the shift that works for them, that would be great). THANK YOU!

Course Marshal at Road Crossing from 9:30am-11am
Course Marshal at Road Crossing from 10:45am-12:30pm
Aid #4 from 9:15am-11am (this is in the staging area)

Start List and Registration: CLICK HERE to view the list of registered racers. Registration will be available through race day and hoodies are still available in all sizes (current hoodie inventory remaining: XS 4, S 6, M 14, L 7, XL 1, XXL 4). If you have family or friends that would like to race, please let them know they can register HERE and if they can choose their hoodie size when registering, theirs is locked in.

Check-in/Packet Pick-Up: Check-in/packet pick-up will open at 7:30am on race day. There is no early check-in before race day. At check-in you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and your totally awesome hoodie.

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 one hour before your start time.

Address for Cedarock Park: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215

Parking: After entering the park, follow the signs to race parking. Our volunteers will be controlling the flow of traffic to maximize available space (and to prevent a chaotic mess:). We will fill the huge field first and then switch to the gravel lot after that (if needed – which is unlikely). Check-in is .1 – .15 mile from the parking area.

Portajohns: Portajohns will be located in the staging area, next to the race start. Please take your restroom break early. We have ordered enough portajohns for our anticipated numbers BUT if everyone tries to ‘go’ a few minutes before the race, there will be long lines. Each race WILL START ON TIME so please factor your restroom break accordingly.

Race Start Location: The race start location is on the road near the visitor center, adjacent to the staging area. At race start, you will run toward the park entrance, around the campground road (gravel) and then out of the campground headed toward the trailhead. This start location provides .7 miles of wide paved and gravel running before hitting the single-track, perfect for separating the field of runners.

Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin 10 minutes before your race start time and will take place on the road near the staging area.

Race Start: The Half Marathon and 10K will start together at 9am SHARP. The 5K will start at 9:20am SHARP.

Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette: While there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout the courses (especially on the equestrian trails), 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 .7 miles of wide paved and gravel road and paved trail before entering the single-track. 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.

Race Courses: Each of the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon courses start with .7 miles of wide road and paved trail before hitting the single-track trails. After this beginning section, athletes will run along a combination of twisty single-track and wide equestrian trails. We would categorize these trails as moderately technical and include some sections of rock and root strewn single-track, punchy hill climbs, and grassy areas. At the end of the race (and at the end of lap1 for the half marathoners), racers will run along grassy fields to the finish. The 5K measures 3.1 miles, the 10K+ measures 6.5 miles, and the Half Marathon measures 13.1 miles. In terms of elevation gain, the one-loop 5K and 10k courses offer 217′ and 508′ of gain, respectively. The two-loop Half Marathon course has 999′ of gain.

Half Marathon: CLICK HERE to view the course map and elevation profile.
10K: CLICK HERE to view course map and elevation profile.
5K: CLICK HERE to view the course map and elevation profile.

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. There is one road crossing on the course, near the end of the race (at the end of both laps for the half marathoners). You will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign right before the crossing. PEASE BE CAREFUL AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING.

Splits and Merges: There are two splits and two merges on this course. The splits and merges will be marked with signage.

Split #1 @ 2.0M – Just after the aid station (Aid 1), HM/10K runners turn left and 5K runners go straight.
Split #2 @ 5.7M – HM runners turn left and 10K runners turn right.
Merge #1 @ 2.3M (5K) / 5.7M (10K) – 10K and 5K merge.
Merge #2 @ 6.3M and 12.6 (HM) / 5.9M (10K) / 2.6M (5K) – HM and 10K/5K merge.

Mile Markers: Yellow mile markers will be located at every aid station.

Aid Stations: Remember to STAY HYDRATED. Aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade. Use the cups provided or carry a hydration pack or handheld water bottle. The Half Marathon has seven aid stations spaced 1.3-2.0 miles from each other. For half marathoners, GU will be available at Aid 4 (mile 6.7), Aid 5 (mile 8.6), Aid 6 (mile 10.2), and Aid 7 (mile 11.5). The 10K has three aid stations spaced 1.3-2.0 miles from each other. The 5K course has one aid station at mile 2.0. First aid kits and emergency communications will be available at each aid station. An aid station will also be positioned at the finish.

NO IN-EAR EARPHONES or AUDIBLE MUSIC: The use of in-ear EARPHONES or AUDIBLE MUSIC 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, 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 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 the spirit of adventure and friendly competition. All photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event. Smile big when you see Tim out on the trail!

Chip Timing / Results: The timing pros from Junction 311, will be timing the 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 runsignup.com immediately following the conclusion of the event. Look for a QR code at the finish area that will direct you to the results.

Finisher Medal: After you finish the race, grab your beautiful finisher medal, which doubles as a bottle opener (take the ribbon off).

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, or call 911 (for a a true emergency – if you have your phone). Thank you to EM Holt Fire Department!

Post-Race Food/Beverages: Delicious HOT SOUP will be served on race day – potato leek, chicken noodle, and butternut squash (vegan) – YUM! Please enjoy one cup of soup initially and then seconds (or thirds) after all have had an opportunity to partake. Other food items include fruit, hummus/veggies, trail bars, chips, cookies, trail mix, and little cups of M&Ms – enjoy! Beverages include water, Gatorade, soft drinks, tasty non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing Company, and given the cold temps – HOT CHOCOLATE and HOT TEA! 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!

Recycling: Please use the blue recycling containers for aluminum ONLY and trash cans for trash. Also, just throwing this out there (pun intended:) – please, DO NOT LITTER. Thank you!

FREE Kids Race for Treasure: At 11:15am, kids 11-U are invited to participate in the Kid’s 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 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: We will have two award ceremonies on Saturday, the 5K/10K awards at 10:45am 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 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. View posted results to see if you are in the top three of your age group. Age group 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+. After all awards have been distributed, we will get a large group photo with the overall and age group award winners. In addition to the awards, we have plenty of awesome stuff to give away from our sponsors!

Contests: Cornhole Tournament and Push-Up Contest (winners win prizes and ALL that participate get swag): After the kids race, stick around for the contests, and your chance to win prizes and swag. First up will be the cornhole tournament where all participants have one shot to get the bag in the hole (feel free to practice beforehand). Make it and you move on to round two, etc until we have a winner (who can select their choice of prizes). Next up is the super-fun push up contest where the top two M/F participants who are left ‘standing’ at the end can select a prize of their choosing. All who participate in the cornhole or push up contests will receive an item of swag.

Gift Certificates from Fleet Feet Carrboro/Durham: 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 for random giveaways. Nice!

Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in the 20th Annual Run at the Rock. Prepare for an AWESOME day on the trails!

If you have any questions, feel free to text, call, or email me.

See you this Sat.

Jim

Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034

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