Hello from Roadless Races,
The Cedarock Trail Run is coming up this Saturday, May 17th at beautiful Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC! We’re pumped for an awesome day on the trails and we hope you are too!
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 another email on Friday (5/16) morning with reminders/updates.
Schedule of Events
Saturday, 5/17/25 (Race Day)
Cedarock Park: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215 (enter park and follow signs to race parking – arrive by 7am)
- 6:30am-7:45am: Check-in / Packet Pick-up / Assisted pre-race stretching from Stretch Zone
- 7:50am: Pre-Race Brief
- 8:00am: Race Start (ALL solo racers and Loop A relay racers)
- 8:30am-12pm: Post-Race Food & Beverage / Assisted post-race stretching from Stretch Zone
- 9:30am: Awards (5K/10K)
- 9:45am: Giveaways and Push-up Contest (5K/10K)
- 10:00am: FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (Kids 11-U)
- 11:00am: Awards (Half Marathon – solo and relay)
- 11:15am: Giveaways and Push-up Contest (Half Marathon)
Race Day Weather: As of Wednesday, May 14th, race day weather is looking good, with overcast skies, light winds from 10-20mph, no precipitation, and morning temps in the 70s. I will include the latest race day forecast in the email I send on Friday morning.
Course Conditions: I ran the trails on Wed, 5/7 and they were in excellent shape – dry and fast, with excellent visibility (minimal leaves/debris). The park did an amazing job over the winter fixing all the perennially wet mudholes on the equestrian trails – thank you to the awesome staff at Cedarock! It rained at the park for the past couple of days and will likely rain a little more today, but tomorrow (Thursday), Friday, and Sat (race day) are all looking dry, so the trails will have a good amount of time to dry out before race day. An update on the course conditions will be included in the Friday morning email.
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. The gravel lot will be used if needed, which is not likely as the field is very large. See the parking diagram below for our parking flow. Check-in is a .2 mile walk from parking.
Start List: CLICK HERE to view the list of registered solo racers. CLICK HERE to view the list of half marathon relay teams.
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, 5/17. 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. The first team member that checks in for relay teams, will receive the team baton and bibs/tees for all their team members.
Portajohns and Restrooms: Portajohns will be located at the staging area, which is central to check-in, the race start, and the beginning of each loop. Park restrooms will be open and available in two locations, near the big gravel parking lot (across the street from the field parking) and in the Visitor Center adjacent to the staging area. 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. The race will start at 8am SHARP, so please factor your restroom break accordingly.
Pre and Post Race Stretch: To help you prepare for and recover after the race, the good folks from Stretch Zone will be at the race offering up free pre and post race assisted stretching from licensed practitioners using their patented strapping systems and proprietary tables. Visit their tent before and/or after running to help you stretch your muscles and enhance your athletic performance. THANK YOU to Stretch Zone Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Apex for generously contributing their expert assisted stretching services!
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 SHARP.
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 5K course has two aid stations at 0.8M and 2.4M. The 10K has four aid stations at .8M, 2.4M, 3.5M, and 4.8M. The Half Marathon has seven aid stations at .8M, 2.4M, 3.5M, 4.8M, 6.4M, 8.2M, 10.1M, and 11.6M. 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. 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 some 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 (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 tell your spectator that dogs are not permitted within 10′ of the racecourse.
Photos: Professional photographer Mark Brocker 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 Mark 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 runsignup.com in real time. For a link to the results, look for the Results QR code posted in two locations – under the pavilion and at the awards tent.
Finisher Medal: After you finish the race, grab your beautiful finisher medal – they are NICE – big, hefty, 3.5″ medals that double as a drink coaster (by removing the velcro ribbon). Medals will be located near the finish aid station, at the end of the finish chute.
Medical: EMTs from 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, flavored seltzer water, and tasty non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing Company – NICE! Food is complimentary for all racers and volunteers.
Please Recycle: Look for the blue recycling containers near the food tent and PLEASE DO NOT THROW TRASH INTO THE RECYCLING CONTAINERS – 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 10am, 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. 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. We will announce the overall solo winners and relay winners and ask them to come up to the podium for their awards. Check out the Results QR code under the pavilion or at the awards tent. 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+. Half Marathon Relay Divisions include female, male, and coed. 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 Goodr sunglasses and Roadless Races swag. After the awards, stick around for your chance to win. We will do two super fun push up contests at 9:45am and 11:15am. 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 and Swag 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.
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 Friday morning with an update/reminder email and see you on Sat.
Jim
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
Roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
