Hello Zen Squirrel Runner,
Welcome to the Zen Squirrel Trail Run. This Saturday, May 15th, you and close to 200 other adventurous athletes will run 2, 5, or 10 miles through scenic, forest covered courses that include a mixture of smooth and flowing dirt trails, rock and root strewn single-track, and challenging hill climbs.
With staggered starts and COVID safety protocols in place, this race experience will be different than those of the past. But it’s a real, live, in-person race and that is AWESOME! We can’t wait to see you this weekend for an excellent day on the trails.
Below is detailed info for race day and should answer most questions you might have. This message is long, but it is full of useful information for race day. Please take a few minutes to read.
Trail Conditions and Weather: The trails at Briar Chapel are in excellent condition. With minimal precipitation predicted this week, the trails should remain dry and fast on race day. The long-term forecast is calling for race day weather to be partly sunny, dry, and unseasonably cool, with high temps in the low-70s and early morning temps in the 50s – PERFECT RUNNING WEATHER! Of course, the forecast can always change this far out so please check the weather leading up to the race and come prepared for the elements.
Volunteers: This event requires many volunteers to make it all happen and we are still in need of a few more volunteers. Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action, get a race tee, free food, $15 off a future Roadless Races event, and our sincere appreciation. Plus, volunteering is fun. If any of your friends/family would like to help out, please have them sign up online.
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 close at 11:59pm on Wed, 5/12 and that race day registration WILL NOT be available. Registration will be available on-site at packet pick-up on Thursday and Friday. See below for details on packet pick-up options on Thurs, Fri, and race day.
Parking: On race day, park along the neighborhood streets of Briar Chapel, adjacent to Great Meadow Park. The address and directions are below. There are several entrances to Briar Chapel but we suggest using the entrance off Andrew Store Rd. After entering Briar Chapel, follow the signs for Race Parking. Our volunteers will be controlling the flow of traffic to maximize available space.
Staging Area: Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel – 161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
Restrooms/Portajohns: Restrooms and portajohns will be centrally located to allow for use by both starting and finishing racers. Hand sanitizer will be available in the portajohns and at locations throughout the event.
COVID Protocols: The safety of all runners, volunteers, and staff is of paramount importance. Our revised COVID operations plan includes major changes to procedures, timing, layout, and flow of almost every operational aspect of the event. Some of these changes include mandated face coverings by staff, volunteers, and runners (when not running), social distancing throughout the event, additional packet-pick up times and streamlined check-in, staggered starting over 3 hours with small 12 person waves separated by 10 minutes/wave, deliberate flow and limited facilitated support at the aid stations and at the finish line, limited grab-n-go post-ride food and procedures, and virtual awards vs in-person awards ceremony.
COVID Symptoms: Athletes who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have knowingly been in contact with anyone with COVID-19, should not race.
Social Distancing and Face Coverings: Athletes must practice social distancing and wear a face covering at check-in, in the corral, at race start, and at the finish. You may remove your face covering when running but please carry it with you for use when passing other runners.
Start Waves: Waves of 12 socially distanced athletes will start every 10 minutes over 3-hrs, from 7am-10am. Click here to view your wave and start time. To limit on-course passing between waves of runners, we will alternate starting distances to provide a 20-minute gap between waves of the same distance. For example, 10-mile waves will start at 7am and 7:20am and 5-mile waves will start at 7:10am and 7:30am.
Packet Pick-Up on Thursday or Friday (optional): Packet pick-up will be available from 4pm-6pm on Thursday, 5/13 @ the Fleet Feet store in Carrboro, NC (310 E Main St #120, Carrboro, NC 27510) and from 4pm-6pm on Friday, 5/14 @ the race venue at Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel (161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516). At packet pick-up, athletes will receive their bib (with timing chip), safety pins, and tee. Athletes are encouraged to pick up their packets on Thurs or Fri but may check-in on race morning if you can not make it on Thurs or Fri.
Race Check-In on Race Day: Racers that pick up their packets on Thurs or Fri should NOT check-in on race morning. If checking in on race day, arrive 20-30 minutes before your wave start time. Racers checking in on race day may pick up their tee during check-in or after finishing the race (to prevent the need to return to your vehicle after checking-in).
Corral Line Up and Corral Check-In: ALL RACERS – please line up by the corral entrance 10 minutes before your start wave. As soon as the wave before you starts their race, we will check you into the start corral for your wave. This is to ensure all those that are supposed to start each wave, actually start their wave. ALL RACERS MUST CHECK-IN TO THE CORRAL AND PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE START CORRAL UNTIL YOU ARE CHECKED TO THE CORRAL BY THE STAFF. The corral will have plenty of room for social distancing.
Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin 5 minutes before the start of each wave. The brief will happen in the corral.
Race Start: After the pre-race brief, you may exit the corral and line up in the road for the start of your wave. You may take your mask off at this point but please stay socially distanced in the start area. Click here to view your wave and start time.
Race Courses: Briar Chapel has over 15 miles of AWESOME, totally legit single-track. These are not your typical mulched neighborhood trails. There are some easy, flat mellow areas but most of the trails at Briar Chapel offer a fun challenge and include plenty of rocks, roots, and hills. We would categorize the trails at Briar Chapel as moderately technical. Each of the 2, 5, and 10 mile, one-loop race courses, starts with .4 miles of downhill pavement running, perfect for spacing out runners. After that, runners hit the trails and stay on the trails, except for a few road crossings and the finish up to the staging area at Great Meadow Park. The exact distances and elevation gain for each course is 2.1 miles with 182’ of elevation gain , 5.1 miles with 361’ of elevation gain, and 10.1 miles with 608’ of elevation gain.
For more details on each individual course, click on these links: 2 Mile Course, 5 Mile Course, or 10 Mile Course.
Wave Flow: To limit on-course passing between waves of runners, we are alternating starting distances of the 5 and 10 mile waves to provide a 20 minute gap between waves of the same distance. For example, 10-mile waves will start at 7am and 7:20am and 5-mile waves will start at 7:10am and 7:30am.
Trail Etiquette: While there are plenty of passing opportunities on the trails at Briar Chapel, many of the single-track trails are narrow and passing may be difficult. 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. If you are not able to maintain social distancing when passing, please wear your face covering.
Course Marking: The course will be marked with red or yellow laminated arrows at all intersections or areas of decision. Arrows will be tied to trees or stapled to wooden stakes. At major turns, you will see one arrow at the intersection and one confirmation arrow after the intersection. There are some minor social trails at Briar Chapel that lead to homes or down to a stream. Do not turn off the main trail if you do not see an arrow. Before road crossings, you will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign. Most road crossings will be staffed with Course Marshals, but some will not. PLEASE BE CAREFUL AT ROAD CROSSINGS AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING ANY ROAD.
Splits and Merges: There are two splits on this course and both will be staffed with a course marshal and/or marked heavily with signage. The first split at mile .8 will direct 2 mile racers to turn right and 5/10 mile racers to stay straight. The second split at mile 1.2 will direct 5 mile racers to turn right and 10 mile racers to turn left. The 5 and 10 mile racers will merge back together at mile 1.6 for the 5 milers and mile 6.6 for the 10 milers. The 2 milers will merge together with the 5/10 mile racers at mile 1.6 for the 2 milers, mile 4.6 for the 5 milers, and mile 9.6 for the 10 milers.
Mile Markers: Yellow mile markers will be located at every aid station. Mile markers will also be located one mile from the finish and ½ mile from the finish.
Hydration and Aid Stations: Athletes are encouraged to carry their own hydration during the event. Limited aid stations with bottled water be available on the 5 and 10 mile courses. The 5 mile course has one on-course aid station at mile 2.9 and the 10 mile course has three on-course aid stations at mile 2.7, 5.5, and 7.9. There are no aid stations on the 2 mile course. Volunteers, first aid kits, and emergency communications will be available at all aid stations. Bottled water will also be available at the race finish.
No Earphones or Loud Audible Music: The use of 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 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.
Emergency Response: We will have medical professionals on-site to assist with emergency response. Given the remote nature of trail racing, we are relying on racers to notify us if someone needs medical attention. So, if you come across another racer that is injured or needs medical attention, please notify the nearest volunteer so we can activate emergency response. Volunteers will be located throughout the course at aid stations, as course marshals, and as course sweeps. THANK YOU for helping to look out for the safety of your fellow runners.
Recovery and Medical Tents: Dr. Lauren Porras, Dr. Jesus Castillo, and their team of medical pros from UNC Orthopaedics at Pittsboro will be on site offering their expert medical care to our athletes. Stop by their tent after the race to assist with recovery or treat injuries. Thank you, UNC Orthopaedics at Pittsboro!
Finisher Pint Glass or Medal: After you finish the race, stop by the swag/merch table to choose a finisher award – a Zen Squirrel pint glass or Zen Squirrel medal/bottle opener.
Post-Race Food: Bottled water will be available at the finish line. Due to COVID, we are offering individually wrapped and pre-packaged foods in a grab-n-go fashion. This food will be served by PPE wearing volunteers and include items such as ham/cheese, turkey/cheese, and veggie sliders from Breakaway Cafe, trail bars, trail mix, cookies, chips, bananas, oranges, and soft drinks will be available after the event. Thank you, Breakaway Café for supplying yummy sandwiches.
Results: The timing pros at Cardinal Race Services 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 on runsignup.com immediately following the conclusion of the event. Since we are doing wave starts, we will not be posting results during the race.
Virtual Awards Ceremony: Since we are doing staggered starts and to limit large gatherings, we will be doing a virtual award ceremony the day after the race, instead of on race day. A video of the awards and randomly drawn giveaways will be posted on the Roadless Races Facebook page by 12pm on Sunday, May 16th.
Awards: Awards (1st-5th place pint glasses) and Fleet Feet gift certificates will be presented to the top five male and female overall finishers for the 2, 5, and 10 mile races. Awards (pint glasses) will be presented to the top three male and female age group finishers for the 2, 5, and 10 mile races. Age groups include 13-Under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
Awesome Giveaway Prizes: See below to check out the awesome giveaway prizes from our sponsors! Winners will be randomly selected during the virtual awards ceremony. THANK YOU to our generous sponsors for supporting Zen Squirrel runners and grassroots events. All registered virtual and in-person participants will be automatically included in the drawings.
Pick up of Awards/Giveaways: Awards and giveaways may be picked up at the race staging area at Briar Chapel on Sunday, May 16th from 4pm-5pm or at Fleet Feet in Carrboro during store hours from Monday, 5/17 through Sunday, 5/30.
CASH Giveaway from Boro Realty: Community focused, integrity driven, inclusive, and passionate about ‘doing good’, Carrboro, NC based boutique real estate firm Boro Realty will give away $300 during the event – $100 each to three lucky runners. Very cool and THANK YOU, Boro Realty!
Running Merch 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 running merch and FF gift certificates to be randomly given away during the event. Nice!
Gift Certificates from Savvi: Savvi is a new, up-and-coming athleisurewear company that makes some amazing women’s clothing. Women will love Savvi products and men will earn some major points by surprising their favorite female with anything from Savvi! Kimberly Harman (Savvi Brand Partner and my wife:) is going to randomly give away gift certificates during the event. Woohoo! Thank you Savvi and Kimberly!
The Jester Group’s Donation to CORA Food Pantry: The fine folks at The Jester Group – Private Wealth Management care about making a positive impact for their clients and our community and have committed to donate $3/runner to CORA Food Panty to help put food on the table of those in need. THANK YOU to the Jester Group for always showing such wonderful support of our community!
Photos: Professional photographer Alex Vannoy will be at the Zen Squirrel capturing the spirit of adventure and friendly competition. All photos will be available for FREE download a few days after the event.
A FEW FINAL THANK YOUS (and then I’m done): I would like to thank and recognize key supporters who helped make this event a reality. Thank you, Alyssa Alegre, Lifestyle Director of Briar Chapel for supporting this event from the beginning and for all your help with permitting and spreading the word to the BC community. You have been awesome to work with! Thanks once again to all the sponsors for their generous contributions to this event – your support has been outstanding. Thank you to all the volunteers for making this event come alive and for generously giving of your time and energy. We love volunteers! Thank you to my friends and neighbors at Briar Chapel for stepping up and volunteering at this event. I love living in BC because of you people……well, and the trails. Seriously, though – the support from the BC community has been awesome. Lastly, I want to thank my wife Kimberly and my son Jack for being my biggest supporters and enduring all the things that are involved in producing races and running a small business – love you!
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in the Zen Squirrel Trail Run. Get ready for some serious fun and prepare for an awesome day of trail running action!
If you have any questions, feel free to call or email me.
See you soon.
Jim Harman – Race Director, Roadless Races
