Zen Squirrel Trail Run - Race Day Info -

It’s Race Week – LET’S GO!!!

Hello Zen Squirrel Runners,

Welcome to the 5th edition of the Zen Squirrel Trail Run coming up this Saturday, May 4th at Briar Chapel in Chapel Hill, NC! Prepare for an awesome day on the trails as you and close to 300 fellow trail runners navigate 2, 5, or 10 miles on scenic, forest covered courses that include a mixture of smooth and flowing dirt trails, rock and root strewn single-track, and challenging hill climbs. It’s going to be a great day and we can’t wait to see everyone on Saturday.

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.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, 5/2/24 (Optional Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up)
Fleet Feet Carrboro: 310 E. Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510

4pm–6pm: We encourage early check-in if you live locally and are able to attend. Fleet Feet is offering 10% off any purchase when you pick up your packet on 5/2 and if you bring your bib into their shop on 5/4 or 5/5 – NICE and thank you Fleet Feet!

Saturday, 5/4/24 (Race Day!)
Great Meadow Park in Briar Chapel: 161 Salt Cedar Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

7am–8:45am: Check-in / Packet Pick-up (if you did not pick up your packet on Thursday)
7:50am: 10 Mile Pre-Race Brief
8am: 10 Mile Race Start
8:20am: 5 Mile Pre-Race Brief
8:30am: 5 Mile Race Start
8:50am: 2 Mile Pre-Race Brief
9am: 2 Mile Race Start
9:15am-11:30am: Food/Beverage, Music, Sponsors
9:45am: Post-Race Stretching with Explauren Movement
9:45am: FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (11-U)
10:15am: Awards
10:30am: Push Up Contest and Giveaways

Race Weather and Course Conditions: As of Tuesday, 4/30 @ 7am, the weather forecast is calling for dry weather all week and then overcast skies, light winds, and occasional showers on race morning. Race morning temps will be comfortable, with lows around 60 in the early morning, warming up to the low 70s by awards. With little or no rain predicted for the next several days, the trail conditions should be nice and dry leading into race day. Given the dry foundation of the trails, any rain we do get on race day should soak in nicely (and keep the dust down:). We will send an update on the weather, course conditions, and any other last minute news later in the week.

Volunteers: We are looking solid for volunteers but could still use the help of a few more, mostly at aid stations. Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action, get a sweet race 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 volunteer, please ask them to SIGN UP HERE. THANK YOU to all our awesome volunteers!

Registration: If you have friends or family that have not signed up yet but intend to race, please let them know that the registration fee increases at 11:59pm on Thurs, 5/2. T-shirts are still available in most sizes but stock is dwindling with each new racer that registers. If a tee is available in their size when registering, theirs is locked in. Race day registration on site will be available. Register HERE.

Start List: To view a list of currently registered racers, CLICK HERE.

Early Check-in/Packet Pick-up (Optional): Optional early check-in/packet pick-up will be available at the Fleet Feet Carrboro store on Thursday, 5/2 from 4pm-6pm (301 E. Main Street, Carrboro, NC 27510). At check-in you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and your race t-shirt. Racers may pick up packets for other racers. Fleet Feet is offering a 10% discount on any purchases during 5/2 check-in and on race weekend 5/4 and 5/5. If you are checking-in on Thursday, you DO NOT need to check-in on race day.

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. If you are checking in on race day (did not check-in on Thur), we recommend arriving 45-60 min before your start time and if you check-in on Thursday, we are recommend arriving 30-45 min before your start time. Please take your restroom break early to avoid any last minute ‘line waiting stress’.

Directions and Address of Staging Area at Great Meadow Park:

Address: 161 Salt Cedar Ln, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Briar Chapel is located off Rt. 15/501, which is 15 minutes south of downtown Chapel Hill.
From 15/501, take Andrew Store Rd west for approximately 1 mile.
Turn right onto Granite Mill Blvd (2nd Briar Chapel entrance) and follow the Race Parking signs.
Park and walk to staging area at the pavilion at Great Meadow Park.

Parking: Park along the neighborhood streets of Briar Chapel, adjacent to the staging area at Great Meadow Park. SEE PARKING MAP at the bottom of this email. Please arrive early and carpool, if bringing family or friends. Some of the streets at Briar Chapel are narrow so PLEASE PARK ON ONE SIDE OF THE STREET ONLY. There are several entrances to Briar Chapel but we suggest using the entrance off Andrew Store Rd (see address and directions above). After entering Briar Chapel, follow the signs for Race Parking. If and when all the space fills up near the staging area, there is plenty of parking @ Woods Charter School (160 Woodland Grove Lane, Chapel Hill, NC 27516), which is an 8-minute walk to the staging area. Thank you, Woods Charter!

Check-in: Check-in opens at 7am and will take place at the pavilion of Great Meadow Park. At check-in you will receive your bib number and t-shirt. If you check-in on Thursday, you DO NOT need to check-in on Saturday.

Restrooms/Portajohns: Restroom facilities will be available at the pavilion and portajohns will be located near the pavilion. Please take your restroom break early when you arrive.

Pre-Race Brief: The pre-race brief will begin 10 minutes before your race start time and will take place at the race start near the pavilion (corner of Great Ridge Pkwy/Beacon Ridge Blvd).

Race Start: The 10 mile race will begin at 8am, the 5 mile at 8:30am, and the 2 mile at 9am.

Race Courses: Briar Chapel has over 20 miles of AWESOME single-track 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 mile, 5 mile, and 10 mile, one-loop race courses, starts with .3 miles of downhill pavement running, perfect for separating the field of runners. After that, runners hit the trails, and stay on the trails, except for a few road crossings and short paved sections. CLICK HERE to view course descriptions/ratings, maps, and elevation profiles.

Race Strategy/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. So, it is suggested that you factor this into your race strategy. At the beginning of the race, there is about .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. 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.

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

Split #1 @ .85M – 10M/5M runners go straight, 2M runners turn right
Split #2 @ 1.4M – 10M runners turn left and 5M runners turn right
Merge #1 @ 6.9M (10M) / 1.8M (5M) – 10M and 5M runners will merge back together
Merge #2 @ 9.7M (10M), 4.6M (5M), and 1.6M (2M) – 2M runners will merge back with 10M/5M runners with .5 miles left in the race

Road Crossings (USE CAUTION): There are several road crossings on these courses – PLEASE BE CAREFUL AT ROAD CROSSINGS AND LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING ANY ROAD. Before road crossings, you will see a CAUTION – ROAD CROSSING sign. Most road crossings will be staffed with Sheriff’s Deputies or Course Marshals, but some minor crossings will not.

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 STAY HYDRATED. Aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade. Use the cups provided or carry a camelback or handheld water bottle. The 10M course has six aid stations spaced 1.2-2.2 miles from each other. The 5M has three aid stations spaced 1.2-1.5 miles from each other. The 2M course has an aid station at the finish only. 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 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, 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 on the Course: We love our furry friends, but for the safety of all racers (and dogs), they are not permitted on the race course. Spectators are welcome to bring leashed and supervised dogs.

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: 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 available immediately after the race. For a link to the results, look for the QR code posted near the pavilion.

Medical: The Chatham County Fire Department and other medical pros 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 our medical and emergency response providers!

Post-Race Food/Beverages: Tasty post-race food such as sliders, bagels/peanut butter, hummus/veggies, fruit (bananas and watermelon), 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, and non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing Company – NICE! Food is complimentary for all racers and volunteers. Thank you to generous folks at the Food Lion Briar Chapel for providing many of the post-race food items!

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 9:45am, kids 2-11 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. We will match kids in age groups (2-3, 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!

Stretching with Explauren Movement: If the kids race is not on your agenda, at 9:45am in the grassy area near the medical tent, join yoga teacher/fitness trainer Lauren from Explauren Movement for a little post-race stretch of those tired muscles.

Awards: The awards ceremony will start at 10:15am. 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. 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. After all awards have been distributed, we will get a large group photo with all the overall and age group award winners.

Giveaways and Push-Up Contest (where all participants receive swag): We have some awesome stuff to giveaway at the race, including Goodr sunglasses, Cotopaxi bags, and Zen Squirrel swag (trucker hats, beanies, etc). 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 Carrboro/Durham for contributing gift certificates for the overall prizes and swag for giveaways. Bring your race bib into the Carrboro or Durham Fleet Feet on 5/4 or 5/5 (or at early check-in on 5/2) and take 10% off your purchase. Nice!

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 local chapter of Meals on Wheels to support its mission of providing meals and connection to homebound seniors in need. 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, Fleet Feet – Carrboro/Durham, and Food Lion.

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.

We are looking forward to an excellent day of trail running action 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

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