pwtr_logistics

Philosopher's Way Trail Runs

Number Pick-up

Race Day Sign-in

Race Day Logistics

Number Pick-up

Pick up your number, t-shirt (if you ordered one), and goodies at Fleet Feet Carrboro between 4pm and 6:30pm on Friday, May 30th. Note: there will be no "bags" so bring your own. Also, we will have handouts and other information, but it's entirely up to you to take only what you want. You can check in at the race site from 7:30 am to 8:40 am on race day.

Race Day Sign-in

You must sign in on race day. Give yourself time to do this. Sign-in will be in the staging area 150 yards from the race start. If you do not sign in we will not know you are on the course, and if you finish without signing in we will be foreced to put you on Double Secret Probation. Seriously, we want to know who is out there, and who did not show.

Race Day Logistics

Parking is limited - Carpool or ride your bike. There will be about 30 parking places for racers at the Trail Parking lot near the starting line. The other places in this site will be used by race volunteers, dignitaries, and CNN's satellite dish. These spots probably will all be taken by 7:45 and then the road to the Trail Parking will be closed. There is a monster parking lot near the Orange County Animal Shelter that will accommodate the majority of parking. That is where you will most likely park. This lot is one-half mile from the race start and a little further away from the portojons. Please figure this into your timing to be at the race meeting (more below) and race starting times.

NO PARKING ON THE SIDES OF THE GRAVEL ROAD IS ALLOWED - don't even think about it. If you arrive late and can't get to the start on time, don't grumble, don't complain; it's not our fault, it's yours...plan better next time! Park in the big lot, sign-in and run your race...it's ok, we all make mistakes. Please do not break the rules due to lack of planning!

PortoJons - ever lovely and fragrant, there will be four portos near the staging area and finish line. There will be lines: plan your biologicals accordingly.

RACE START

15K - 9:00 Sharp

7K - 9:20 Sharp

RACE FINISH - you will cross the finish line and a volunteer will tear your bib sheet. This is how we keep track of your finish. Do not pass someone after you've passed the finish line, unless you require medical attention.

RACE MEETING - a mandatory race meeting will begin at 8:45 a.m. This meeting is for runners of both events. There will NOT be a separate 7K meeting. So, 7K runners will have a little extra time to psyche up, revisit the portos, or contemplate whether a lone runner who falls in the forest actually makes a sound.

NATURAL ENCOUNTERS

Trail running is wonderful because you get to see and experience things you would normally miss or opt out of. As such, it's an exciting opportunity for personal growth.

In the event of thunder and lightening the race will be delayed in 20 minute increments after the last sounding of thunder. If a thunderstorm hits during the race, keep your head and follow the common sense strategies you learned in Kindergarten.

Snakes, turtles, insects and unicorns. Yes, there are snakes out there. If you see one, which is unlikely, admire its beauty and keep moving. If it lifts its head and coils that means it's unhappy to see you and may strike. If it's coppery with a triangular head, it's probably a copperhead. Please resist your impulse to pick it up and examine it more closely.

Turtles are quite abundant in the forest, and they love to hunt for worms in the middle of the trail after it rains. If you see one, holler "turtle!" This will alert the runners behind you and then there will be less chance of someone stepping on the reptile and turning an ankle. If you do turn your ankle, keep running (unless the bone's sticking out).

Ticks, biting flies, bees, and house-sized moths have been known to add brief discomfort to trail runs. Be prepared.

There may be some low-hanging branches (it's a forest, after all). If you need to duck, holler "head!" which will alert the runners behind you to do the same. There's also some poison ivy out there so don't grab anything with 3 leaves.

Unicorns are so-called mythical creatures. This affords an opportunity to reflect on the uses of enchantment in today's society. Is myth more real than ever or have we turned off our imaginings and rely more, instead, on contemporary news and conventional information and entertainment sources? Moreover, just because you haven't seen a unicorn, does that mean they do not exist?

PASSING ON SINGLE-TRACK TRAILS

It is very likely that you will encounter all sorts of creatures on the trail, namely, other runners. Parts of the race will be like a train. You will be in a line and your pace may depend on the pace of those around you, until you pass or are passed. Pass on the left and do not jeopardize the runner you are passing. An "on your left" whisper is enough to alert a runner that you're coming by. The universal rule of passing on single-track is to be considerate while passing and to be gracious while being passed.

Also, the course will be open to others who enjoy the forest. You may encounter bicyclists, walkers or a caravan of camels. Be happy when you see others enjoying the forest and say, "Hi there, friend!"

NO HEADPHONES OR iPODS

Some trail races allow the use of music players on the trail. These races are usually much longer and runners are spread out along the course, enabling more "me" time.

No iPods, music players, or headphones allowed on this course. This is for the safety of all the runners. Please feel free to run the trails on your own with your music device, but not during the race.

Puddles, Mud, Rocks

Philosopher's Way Trail Runs are technical with some tight twists and turns. If the trail has mud or a puddle, run through it. This keeps the trail from being pushed out onto the forest floor.

Sustainable trails are built to prevent this widening, and although the tendencvy when encountering mud or water is to go around it, go straight through it...flow where the water flows. You might get muddy, you might get wet, that's ok - it builds character.

Spectator's are certainly welcome to enjoy the race vibe! Bring a friend or two or four! Here's a map that shows where spectators can view the runners in the woods from a very accessible gravel fire road.

AID STATIONS - 15K runners will have aid stations at ~ mile 1.7, 4, 6.3, 7.5. 7K runners will have an aid station at ~mile 1.7 and the finish.

Mile Markers - yes, but please add "ish" after each mile marker you see.

Awards and Post Run Hanging Out

Bring a chair, blanket, whatever. At this time there are no picnic tables or chairs in the forest or near the finish. But feel free to enjoy a few tunes after the race and bask in the sun or pouring rain. We will streamline the awards ceremony for this race, but we'll still be on hand, along with forest management, to answers questions about the forest and receive race feedback. We're in no hurry to pack up and go away...and we look forward to welcoming the runner who enjoys the course to its fullest extent across the finish line.