Both races will be run as “wilderness trail runs.” What this means is that there will be no support during the race. All participants are on their own from start to finish and will need to carry their own water, food and other supplies they may require during the race. Any volunteers stationed on the course will be there to ensure runners take the designated trail. They will not be providing water, food, goo’s, moleskin, etc. It is absolutely critical that all racers respect the beautiful network of trails that they will be using. What this means is that if you drop an energy packet by accident, please stop and pick it up. Anyone failing to do this will be immediately disqualified.

Half-Marathon and a 10K Trail Runs

Basic information about the runs

There are two runs: A 13.1-mile strenuous half-marathon with 2,364 feet of elevation gain that includes a climb to the summit of Jenkins Mountain, and a shorter run of about 6 miles that does not include the Jenkins Mountain climb.

 

Half-Marathon - Variety is the best word to describe this course. It begins in front of the entrance to the VIC building and winds around the adjacent grounds for 0.5 miles. For the next 4.5 miles, the course follows a network of well-defined trails that are part of the VIC trail system. They include some mulched trails that are generally 6 to 7 feet wide. The next part is on a narrower single track and includes a short trail less section. The course then follows the shoreline of Black and Long ponds and climbs to the summit of Jenkins Mt. at the 10.5 mile mark. The mile-long descent is steep, uneven, trail less, and runs along a slope that was once the college’s alpine ski area in the early 1960s. From the bottom it’s a little less than 2 miles on the rolling terrain of the Jenkins Mountain Road to the finish.

 

10K - This course also starts at the entrance to the VIC building and continues for approximately 3.5 miles over gently rolling terrain on mulched trails. The next section is narrow single track and runs along the shoreline of Black and Long ponds until the intersection with the Jenkins Mountain Road. From this point it is 1.5 miles to the finish.