Sent out Oct 2nd, 2008
Hello Blue Sky Runners!
It’s just a couple days until race day and we wanted to confirm a few last
minute details with you.
Race information is being updated on our website regularly so please make
sure you have taken the time to review all of the course info, rules, and
race day details. If you have questions or concerns, please email us back
at info@blueskymarathon.com or call Pete at 970-404-2073.
Current weather reports show that we may have some rain on Sunday so please
dress accordingly. The majority of this course will be out in the open with
zero shelter from the elements. If we get any severe lightning, runners
should seek shelter at any low point on the course and resume the race after
it passes. If the park officials or race organizers feel that the weather
conditions present a danger to the runners or may negatively impact trail
conditions, we will shut down the event and sweep the course early.
Here are a few key reminders for race day:
1) Don’t forget your own water bottle! In an effort to reduce trash and
eliminate potential litter on the course we will not have cups at any of the
aid stations. Every runner is required to carry at least one water bottle.
You can review the mileage between aid stations on our online course
description to decide if you might need 2 bottles or a camel bak.
2) All aid stations will be stocked with water, Succeed Ultra, and Succeed
S-Caps. For information about Succeed products, you can go online here:
http://www.succeedscaps.com/index.html If you choose to bring your own
drink mix or gels, please keep all wrappers with you until you can dispose
of them properly at an aid station. There will be no trash drop zones and
littering on the course will be grounds for immediate disqualification from
the race. Limited first aid supplies will be available at all stations.
Additional food and ice will be available at the start/finish and both
Indian Summer aid stations.
3) Parking and traffic. Parking will be in the boat parking lot at Inlet
Bay off of Shoreline drive. Detailed directions are posted on the Race Day
Information page. It is a short .5 mile walk up the trail to the Soderberg
trailhead start/finish area. ***Please be aware that the race course
crosses the entrance road to the parking area as well as the end of Minute
Man Drive next to the Soderberg trailhead. Please watch for runners if you
are entering or exiting the parking area after 7am or if you are dropping
anyone off at the start.***
4) Course cut off. The marathon time limit is 7 hours. In order to make
sure that all runners can finish in this timeframe and to allow our aid
station volunteers to pack up on time, we will enforce cut offs at the
Indian Summer aid stations. Marathon runners must reach the Indian Summer
South aid station (14.1 miles) by 10:30am (3.5 hours) and on the return from
Devil’s Backbone, marathon runners must reach this station (19 miles) by
Noon (5 hours). Half Marathon runners must make it to the second stop at
the Indian Summer North aid station (8.1 miles) by Noon. Runners who do not
make the cut off or decide to drop voluntarily may wait at the station for a
ride out and back to the start/finish. We would prefer to give runners a
ride home to ensure that no one is left on the course. But anyone who
decides to head back on their own or continue on must turn in their bib to
the aid station captain. We will not be responsible for anyone choosing to
continue on their own and will not provide aid or volunteer support. Course
markings will also be removed from the trail after the last official runner.
5) Check in and Bib numbers. Marathon runners must check in at the start
between 5:30am and 6:30am to receive their bib number. At 6:30am we will
assign no-show spots to wait list runners so if you are late, you may lose
your spot. The pre-race briefing will be at 6:45am and the gun goes off at
7am. Half Marathon runners must check in to receive their bib number
between 7:30am and 8:30am. No show spots will be given to wait list runners
at 8:30am, pre-race briefing will be held at 8:45am, and the race will start
at 9am.
6) Aid station check in. All runners are responsible for making sure their
number is noted and recorded by each aid station captain. If your number is
missed at any point, you will not receive an official finish. Any runner who
decides to drop out of the race must check in at the nearest aid station.
We do not want to start a search for someone who simply forgot to check in
with us.
7) Course Etiquette. The trail system will be open to the public during the
race. Pedestrians and Horses always have the right of way. Please be
courteous and respect other people on the trail system. Mountain bikers must
yield to runners but please watch for blind corners and be careful when
passing bikers. There will be several sections in the race that will have
two-way traffic. Please step aside and yield to faster oncoming runners.
Since the trail system is open to the public, family and friends can access
the course to meet and cheer on their runners. We just ask that anyone
involved in the race be courteous to other park users and please try to stay
out of the way of the participants. We highly discourage anyone from pacing
(on foot or by bike) or running as a bandit as this just adds to the trail
congestion.
8. Miscellaneous. No headphones. No dogs. No alcohol at the start/finish.
Please do not leave valuables at the start/finish or at any aid station. We
are not responsible for any items left behind or lost on the course. Please
stay on the trail at all times. We will have a port-o-potty set up at the
Indian Summer North aid station - there are no other facilities outside of
the start/finish area.
After the race, we will have food and beverages, awards presentations, and
some great raffle prizes to give away to any participants who are still
present.
And as a special bonus, all participants will receive a Smart Wool hat.
Goodie bags and hats will be handed out after the race.
We look forward to seeing everyone this Sunday.
Good Luck!
Your race committee
Pete, Shana, Dennis, Alex, Dan, Eric, Fran