WILL YOU SERVE A SPORTS DRINK AT YOUR AID STATIONS? Yes, we will have Clif electrolyte replacement drinks at all Aid Stations. Additionally, all manned aid stations (not #2 and #6) will have a selection of soft drinks.
DO I NEED TO CARRY A WATER BOTTLE? No, but it is highly recommended. While the aid stations are relatively close distance wise, it is always better to hydrate continuously during long runs. You will be able to fill your bottle or hydration bladder at each station, if you choose.
WHAT FOOD WILL BE AT THE AID STATIONS? Not every station will stock all of the following, but you can expect to see some of the following at each: nuts, chips, bananas, pretzels, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and a variety of other snacks. In addition Aid Stations 5, 7 and 8 will have a selection of gels.
CAN I RUN WITH MUSIC/AN MP3 PLAYER? Yes, all runners are allowed to carry a personal music player with headphones, however, we ask that you keep the volume to a minimum so you are not startled if someone passes you or if someone needs to get your attention. Be particularly careful when crossing the streets.
WHERE DO I LEAVE MY DROP BAG(S)? Marathoners can leave a drop bag for AS #5. 50 milers can leave a drop bag for AS #5 and/or AS #8. Please mark bags with your name, bib # and AS (#5 or #8). We will collect those drop bags on race morning at the designated drop bag area near the start line. These drop bags will be returned to the finish line area after each AS is closed. They should be available for re-claiming at the designated area (near the finish line).
PACERS/CAN I HAVE A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER RUN SECTIONS OF THE COURSE WITH ME? This is called pacing and we will not be allowing pacers on the course for these races.
WHAT ARE THE CUT-OFF TIMES? Please see the Aid Station pages for exact time cut-offs for the ultras. The cut-offs for the Trail Marathon will follow the same cut-offs as the 50 Mile race.
GENERAL NOTES
POST RACE LUNCH (Details TBA)
RACE MORNING CHECK-IN
ALL RUNNERS MUST CHECK IN BEFORE THEIR RACE ON RACE MORNING. BIBS AND TIMING CHIPS WILL ONLY BE DISTRIBUTED AT THAT TIME. Please note, this step is necessary for us to verify who has started the race and is an important safety feature for the races. We will have a sign posted to direct you to the check-in location near the start line. So, if you do not check-in prior to starting your race, you will not receive an official time. A selection of bananas, coffee and bagels will be available as well as water and a Clif sports drink on Saturday morning.
RACE DAY REGISTRATION
We will offer Race Day Registration for all three races. Please arrive early if you plan on registering on race day.
COURSE
The course is in very good condition and we hope it will remain that way for Race day. Please remember the weather can change and have a significant impact on your choice of clothing and shoes. Plan and prepare accordingly.
LITTER
The DPR Trail Races are not like a big city marathon. They are held on Forest Preserve District trails which require a permit for activities. Part of our permit requirement is that no litter will be found on the trails during or after the event. We do not have street sweepers cleaning up after us. Trash boxes will be placed about 100 yards from each station (when possible) so please use them. Please do not leave cups, gel wrappers, clothing or other items anywhere on the trail. If you produce trash while away from an aid station, and have already passed the trash box, please carry the trash with you until the next aid station.
LITTER
Please, no littering anywhere on the course...at any time. Need we say more?
Average low: 40
Record high: 80 (2007)
Record low: 25 (1982)
Sunrise: 7:12 AM CDT
Sunset: 5:59 PM CDT