Hello %FIRST_NAME%,
Welcome to the inaugural Cane Creek Mtn Trail Run coming up this Saturday, September 13th. Prepare for a VERY fun morning on the trails as you and close to 250 fellow, adventurous trail runners complete 10K or Half Marathon of seriously stellar single-track, with challenging climbs and breathtaking views from the highest point in NC east of Greensboro. We’re SOOOO excited for this race, and hope you are too!
Before I dive into the race day info, here are a few items/updates:
Check-in QR Code: 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%
Limited Space is Still Available: We are keeping this race relatively small (270 racer max), due to limited parking/shuttles and so you have an amazing time on uncongested trails. We currently have 44 spots still available. See the start list HERE. Please tell any friends that intend to race to register soon to secure their spot, and a tee in their size (we ordered extras and most sizes are still available). Also, to prevent parking confusion and to allow us to properly communicate the parking plan (and other race details) to all new racers, registration WILL CLOSE when full or at 8pm on Friday, 9/12, whichever comes first. Registration WILL NOT be available on race day.
Referral Swag: Reminder – if two people sign up via your referral link, you will get a FREE Roadless Races trucker hat. Share your unique referral link below with your friends.
%REGISTRATION_REFERRAL_CODE_LINK%
3 Volunteers Still Needed: We could still use the help of three additional volunteers to help at check-in and course marshalling. Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action, get a sweet race tee, free food, $15 off a future Roadless Races event, our sincere appreciation, and reserved parking at the staging area. Plus, volunteering is fun! If any of your family or friends would like to volunteer, please ask them to SIGN UP HERE (and if possible, ask them to sign up by Wed 9/10 so we have time to incorporate them into the volunteer plan). Thank You!
Race Day Weather: As I write this email on Tuesday, 9/9, the race day forecast is calling for beautiful September weather – sunny skies, light winds, and comfortable temps ranging from mid 50s in the early morning to the upper 70s by the afternoon.
Course Conditions: The trails are in great shape – dry and hard packed, with excellent trail visibility. The weather is looking dry all week so I do not anticipate a change to these conditions.
RACE DAY INFO
Below is the race day info, which contains logistical and safety details for the race. This message is long but should answer most of the questions you might have. Please take a few minutes to read. I will send a reminders/update email on Friday morning.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, 9/13/25 (Race Day!)
Staging Area: Pine Hill Trailhead at Cane Creek Mtn Natural Area (5075 Bass Mountain Rd, Snow Camp, NC 27349)
- 7am-8:30am: Shuttles/Parking (see below for shuttle/parking assignments) – take 2-4 min shuttle ride from parking areas to staging, walk 1/2 mile from parking areas to staging, or park at staging area.
- 7:15am-8:50am: Check-in / Packet Pick-Up / Bag, Tee, and Key check
- 8:20am: Half Marathon Pre-Race Brief
- 8:30am: Half Marathon Start
- 8:50am: 10K Pre-Race Brief
- 9am: 10K Start
- 9:45am-12:30pm: Post-race Food
- 10:45am: Awards/Contests/Giveaways (10K)
- 10am-1pm: Shuttles (continuous 2-4 min shuttle ride from staging to parking areas)
- 12:00pm: Awards/Contests/Giveaways (Half Marathon)
PARKING PLAN
Parking at Cane Creek is very limited and will not accommodate all racers. Some racers will be able to park at the staging area, but most will be required to park in one of three satellite parking areas, and then take a shuttle or walk 1/2 mile to the staging area.
Parking/shuttles have been assigned based on registration date, with priority given to those that registered earliest. Those registering after 9/6 chose their shuttle/parking location during registration.
YOUR PARKING ASSIGNMENT
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PLEASE DO NOT DEVIATE FROM YOUR PARKING ASSIGNMENT
GENERAL INFO ABOUT PARKING
Parking and Shuttles: The first 60 racers that registered will be permitted to park at the staging area. All other racers will take a 2-4 minute shuttle ride from one of three available parking areas (Camp Frontier, Oak Hill – HM only, and the Forest Service HQ – HM only) or walk 1/2 mile from Camp Frontier, which is across the road from Cane Creek. Those walking MUST follow the marked route – follow the ‘Check-In signs with arrows’. This is a wooded path that is uneven in spots. (DO NOT WALK ON BASS MTN ROAD OR THE SHOULDER OF BASS MTN ROAD).
NOTE ABOUT SPECTATORS: Spectators are welcome to come, but they must carpool with you, and all spectators must walk from Camp Frontier to the staging area (due to limited space on the shuttles). So, if you are bringing a spectator and you are currently assigned to park at the Forest Service HQ or Oak Hill, please change your parking/shuttle to ‘Walk from Camp Frontier’ The walk from Camp Frontier is on an uneven path through the woods and it is not recommended for strollers. See note below under Changing Shuttles.
Change Shuttles (By 9/12 @ 8pm): You may change your shuttle time or parking preference by going into your profile on runsignup, selecting manage your race, and then selecting from the available shuttle times in the dropdown menu. FYI – anyone parked at Camp Frontier may walk to the staging area, but we recommend changing your parking/shuttle assignment to the Camp Frontier front lots (if available), as this will be closer to the staging area.
Drop Off: Racers MAY NOT be dropped off at the staging area because the Cane Creek entrance road is too narrow for continuous out and back traffic, and this will cause significant backups. Racers may be dropped at Camp Frontier (front lots) for the 1/2 mile walk to the staging area.
Arrival Times: If walking from Camp Frontier, we recommend arriving at Camp Frontier AT LEAST ONE HOUR before your race start time (HM start is 8:30am, 10K start is 9am) so you have time to park, walk to the staging area (approx. 15 min), check-in, warm up, use the restroom, and attend the pre-race brief. If riding the shuttle, arrive 15 minutes before your shuttle departure time.
Post-Race Shuttles: After the race, shuttles will run continuously from the staging area to the parking areas from 10am-1pm. Post-race shuttles will stop at each parking area.
Post-Race Walk to Vehicles: After the race, if are parked at Camp Frontier, you may walk back to your vehicle from the staging area. You MUST follow the marked trail. For safety, DO NOT WALK ON BASS MOUNTAIN ROAD OR THE SHOULDER OF BASS MOUNTAIN ROAD. Those parked at the Forest Service HQ or Oak Hill must take a shuttle and MAY NOT walk back to their vehicles from the staging area.
PRE-RACE INFO
Check-in and Key/Tee/Bag Check: Check-in will be open from 7:15am-8:50am and will take place under the big tent in the small field near the race start. At check-in, you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and race t-shirt. Blue bibs for Half Marathon and yellow bib for 10K. Please check-in as soon as you arrive at the staging area. You may check your keys/t-shirt/small bag with us. Zip lock bags and tags will be available for your items or we can place the tag on your small bag. Please to not check valuables. FYI – Packet pick up/check-in will not be available in the days before the race.
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE: Remember to stay hydrated. YOU SHOULD COME TO THE RACE WELL HYDRATED and drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after the race.
Start List: CLICK HERE to view the list of currently registered racers.
Portajohns: Portajohns will be located near check-in and 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. The race will start on time, 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 Half Marathon pre-race brief will begin at 8:20am and the 10K pre-race brief will begin at 8:50am. The brief will be held at the race start area, on the gravel road near check-in.
Race Start: The Half Marathon will start at 8:30am and the 10K will begin at 9am.
COURSE INFO
Course Description: The 10K and half marathon courses include excellent single-track, challenging climbs, beautiful scenery, potential sightings of southeastern blueberry bees, a remote feel, and an optional stair climb to the top of the 80′ observation tower at the peak of the mountain, which on a clear day will provide views as far as Winston Salem. Those choosing not to climb the tower can take a 5 minute real-time, time penalty ‘served’ at the aid station at the foot of the tower. FYI – briskly walking to the top and back down the tower takes 3-4 minutes.
To view interactive course details and elevation profiles for each course, click on the links below:
10K Course
Half Marathon Course
10K and Half Marathon (Loop 1) (YELLOW ARROWS): Providing easy passing, the 10K and Half Marathon courses begin with .2 miles of wide gravel road then .4 miles of flat, beautiful trails, perfect for finding your position within the field of runners. After this mellow prologue, runners hit ‘THE CLIMB’, a steep and rocky (but very well maintained) 300′ ascent to the top of the mountain, which at 987′ is the highest peak in NC east of Greensboro. At the top of this peak sits an 80′ observation tower (opened in Spring 2025), which racers will see, but not climb, on the first pass. After grabbing some well-deserved water/gatorade at the tower aid station, runners will descend along stellar single-track to the southwestern edge of the park, and then back up to the tower by mile 4.2. At this point, half marathoners will bypass the tower, while the 10Kers ascend the stairs to the top, ring the bell, get your photo taken, and then head back down, down, down, the tower and the mountain to the flat terrain of the staging area, finishing the race with one mile of super mellow trail. The exact distance of the 10K+ is 6.5 miles with 667′ of elevation gain.
Half Marathon (Loop 2) (BLUE ARROWS): After completing the first 5.7 miles of the 10K course, the half marathoners will peel off to the north, up the backside of the mountain along a rugged jeep road, and then eventually hooking back up to that sweet single-track, exploring the NW section of the park. Half marathoners will then head back up to the tower, and at mile 11.5 will get their opportunity to make the assent up the tower to check out the view, ring the bell, and get a photo taken, before heading back down to the staging area, finishing the race with .5 miles of flat single-track. The exact distance of the Half Marathon is 13.2 miles with 1507′ of elevation gain.
RACE INFO
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette: While there are plenty of passing opportunities spread throughout the course, some of the single-track trails at Cane Creek 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 about .6 miles of wide gravel and trail before entering the tighter 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 YELLOW ARROWS for the 10K and the first loop of the Half Marathon and BLUE ARROWS for the second loop of the Half Marathon. The laminated arrows will be placed at all turns or areas of decision. Pink surveyor’s tape will be 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.
10K / Half Marathon Split: After Aid #4 @ 5.7M, 10K runners will take a right from the gravel road to single-track and head to the finish and Half Marathon runners will continue straight on the gravel road. At this point, Half Marathon runners should start following the BLUE arrows. Look for 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 (BLUE bibs for half marathon, YELLOW bibs for 10K).
Mile Markers: Mile markers will be located at every aid station. Yellow mile markers are for the 10K and the first loop of the half marathon, and blue mile markers are for the second loop of the half marathon.
Aid Stations: Remember to ARRIVE HYDRATED AND STAY HYDRATED. Aid stations are positioned .9 to 2.2 miles from each other and will be stocked with ice cold water and Gatorade. Use the cups provided or carry a camelback or handheld water bottle. The 10K course has four aid stations at 1.7M, 3.3M, 4.2M, and 5.7M. The Half Marathon course has eight aid stations at 1.7M, 3.3M, 4.2M, 5.7M, 6.9M, 8.3M, 10.5M, and 11.5M. GU will be provided for the half marathon runners at A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8. First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station. After crossing the finish line, an aid station will be available as well.
Medical: Basic first aid kits will be available at all aid stations, and more complete first aid will be available at the finish. Additionally, several medical providers from the Snow Camp Fire Department will be at the race and all over the mountain to provide any needed emergency response. A huge THANK YOU to the Snow Camp Fire Department!
NO IN-EAR EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC: The use of in-ear EARPHONES or AUDIBLE MUSIC 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, 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 tell your spectator that dogs are not permitted 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 INFO & SPONSORS
Chip Timing / Results: Timing chips will be affixed to the back of your race bib. To ensure your timing chip is read at the finish line and so we can properly direct you on the race courses, please wear your bib on the front of your body, either on your torso or on your shorts. Results will be available immediately after the race. For a link to the results, look for the Results QR code posted near the timing tent and near the food 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.
Post-Race Food/Beverages: Tasty post-race food such as sliders, bagels/peanut butter, hummus/veggies, fruit (bananas and watermelon), yogurt, 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, flavored seltzer water, and 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!
Awards: We will have two award ceremonies on Saturday, the 10K awards at 10:45am and the Half Marathon awards at 12pm. Awards (1st-5th place tumblers) 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. Check out the Results QR code under the big tent 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+.
Giveaways and Push-Up Contest (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 11am and 12:15pm. 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.
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, Fleet Feet – Carrboro/Durham, and Stretch Zone
FINAL THANK YOUs
In addition to the sponsors and Snow Camp Fire Department thanked above, THANK YOU to you and all racers for signing up and accepting the challenge of the inaugural Cane Creek Mtn Trail Run. THANK YOU to all the volunteers who will help make it all happen on race day. THANK YOU to professional photog Tim Skelding for capturing the magic of race day. THANK YOU to the Cane Creek park staff for their amazing support from event visioning to planning to execution. And THANK YOU to the RR staff, family, and friends for their support, hard work, and dedication to making excellent experiences on race day.
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message. Now, get your game face on and prepare for an excellent morning on the trails!
See you Saturday.
Jim
Jim Harman
Race Director
Roadless Races
roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
