Race Day Information
Hello %FIRST_NAME%,
Welcome to the 19th Annual Run at the Rock coming up this Saturday, December 2nd at beautiful Cedarock Park in Burlington, NC! Prepare for an awesome day of trail running action as you and close to 350 fellow trail runners traverse fun and challenging single-track and flowing equestrian trails. Race Day is almost here - LET'S GO!
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, 11/30/23 (Optional Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up)
Fleet Feet Greensboro: 3731 Lawndale Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
- 4pm–6pm: Optional Early Check-in / Packet Pick-up at Fleet Feet Greensboro. 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 11/30 and on 12/2 and 12/3 by bringing in your race bib – NICE and thank you Fleet Feet!
Saturday, 12/2/23 (Race Day - WOOHOO!)
Cedarock Park: 4242 R. Dean Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215 (enter park and follow signs to race parking)
- 7:45am: Check-in / Packet Pick-up Opens (you do not need to check-in on race day if you checked in early on Thursday)
- 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 and Athletic Brewing Company non-alcoholic craft beer – YUM!)
- 10:45am: Awards / Giveaways (5K/10K)
- 11:15am: FREE Kids ‘Race for Treasure’ (Kids 11-U)
- 11:30am: Push-up Contest (Fun, fun, fun – all who participate receive swag)
- 12:00pm: Awards / Giveaways (Half Marathon
Race Day Weather and Course Conditions: The current race day forecast (as of 11/28) is calling for cloudy skies with a chance for showers, light winds, and temps ranging from the upper 40s in the morning to the low 60s in the afternoon. The forecast can always change as we get closer to race day, so please check the weather on Friday and come prepared for the elements. At our visit to the park yesterday (11/27), we discovered nicely drying single-track trails (after rain on Sunday night) and several soft and muddy sections on the equestrian trails (mostly at the perennially wet mud holes – of which there are a handful). Showers are in the forecast for Fri 12/1 as well as on race day, and if those are numerous and/or heavy, then buckle up and prepare for a wet and muddy adventure, similar to the conditions last year, which was really fun!
Volunteers: We could still use the help of a few more volunteers, mostly at aid stations. Volunteers have a front row seat to all the action, get a sweet race HOODIE, 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. When signing up, volunteers can choose their position and shift. THANK YOU!
Start List: CLICK HERE to view the list of registered racers.
Early Check-in/Packet Pick-up (Optional): Optional early check-in/packet pick-up will be available at the Fleet Feet Greensboro store on Thursday, 11/30 from 4pm-6pm. At check-in you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and your awesome Ice Blue hoodie. Fleet Feet is offering a 10% discount on any purchases during 11/30 check-in and on 12/2 and 12/3 if you bring in your bib. If you are checking-in on Thursday, you do not need to check-in on race day.
Check-in/Packet Pick-Up: Check-in/packet pick-up will open at 7:45am on race day, Sat, 12/2. If you check-in on Thursday, you DO NOT need to check-in on Saturday. At check-in you will receive your bib number (with timing chip) and your 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. If you are checking in on race day (did not check-in on Thurs), we recommend arriving at least 45 min before your start time and if you check-in on Thursday, we recommend arriving at least 30 min 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).
Portajohns: Portajohns will be located near the staging area, next to the race start.
Race Start Location (NEW): The race start location has changed from last year. We will now start 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 new start location will offer good access to the portajohns (for those last minute pit stops) and an extra .1 mile of wide paved / gravel road running to separate 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. The 5K will start at 9:20am.
New Race Start Rationale: If interested, here is our rationale for changing the start times from last year, which were 9am (HM), 9:20am (10K), and 9:40am (5K). While the field of runners will be larger this year for the half marathon and 10K, the major benefit to these new start times is that it will significantly reduce passing required of 2nd lap front running half marathoners with back of pack 5K/10K athletes, as well as with 10K front runners and HM back of packers. To adjust for the added number of starting half marathon/10K runners, we have added an extra .1 mile to the start to help separate the field of runners before hitting the single-track.
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette: With the above said, and 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 about .6 miles of wide paved and gravel road and paved trail 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.
Race Courses: Each of the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon courses start with .6 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, 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 camelback 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). 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 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. 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 race course. Spectators are welcome to bring leashed and supervised dogs.
Photos: Uber-talented professional photographer Mario Quivera 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 Mario 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-site and on runsignup.com following the conclusion of the event.
Finisher Medal: After you finish the race, grab your beautiful finisher medal, which doubles as a drink coaster – they are NICE!!!
Recovery and Medical: UNC Orthopeadics’ top-notch team of sports medicine and physical therapy professionals will be on-site at the race offering their expert medical care to our athletes. Stop by their tent after the race if you have any medical needs, want to talk about recovery, or just want to learn more about their services. Additionally, EMTs from EM Holt Fire Department will be on site assisting with any needed emergency response. Thank you, UNC Orthopaedics and UNC Sports Medicine Institute and EM Holt Fire Department!
Post-Race Food: Cheryl Carden and crew will be serving up their HOT SOUP on race day – woohoo! They offer potato, chicken noodle, and vegetarian vegetable soup - 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, and tasty non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing Company – NICE! 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! Also, take 10% off your first order of ABC beer when you order online using code RR10. Thank you and cheers to Athletic Brewing Company!
FREE Kids Race for Treasure: At 11:15am, kids 11-U 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 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!
Gift Certificates 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 Greensboro for contributing gift certificates for the overall prizes and discounts to all racers. Attend early check-in/packet pick up at the Greensboro store on Thursday 11/30 or bring your bib in on 12/2 or 12/3 and take 10% off your purchase. Nice!
Push-Up Contest from Brandon Jozwiak of Nest Realty: Local real estate pro, Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty, has provided some sweet swag for us to give away as prizes for the push up contest, which will take place at 11:30am. Prizes include nice items like Goodr sunglasses, foam rollers, Cotopaxi bags, etc. Anyone that participates in the contest will win an item of swag and the top two M/F participants who are left 'standing' at the end will win a prize. A big THANK YOU to Brandon for generously supplying these awesome prizes.
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 at all our events, 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, Brandon Jozwiak from Nest Realty, Coastal Credit Union, Fleet Feet – Greensboro, and UNC Orthopaedics and UNC Sports Medicine Institute.
Whew, I know that was a lot – thank you for taking the time to read this message and THANK YOU for participating in Run at the Rock. Prepare for an excellent 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
Roadlessraces.com
jim@roadlessraces.com
571-251-6034
