2009 Rock Creek 50K,  Half Marathon and 5K

Final Instructions and Trail Update 

Register here 

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION FOR ALL RUNNERS AND WALKERS

• The 50K and the Half Marathon are basically run on the same loop course and start with a short .1 mile stretch on asphalt followed by single track trail the rest of the way. The first mile of the course is on NOVICE terrain, while the balance is rocky, rooted and potentially covered with leaves, utilizing the entire trail system. 50K runners get to run two loops with a total elevation gain of 3,000 feet.
• The 5K in run entirely on Novice terrain.
•  REMEMBER: This is a TRAIL RACE, it runs through the woods. Although the trail is maintained by the Kansas Trails Council, poison Ivy, ticks, fallen leaves, rocks and roots are present and proper precautions should be taken.
• 50K and Half Marathon runners follow the PINK flagging.
• 5K runners follow PINK the first mile until you encounter YELLOW ribbons, then follow YELLOW to the finish.
• 50K runners will veer left at the finish area and into the aid station before beginning their second loop.
• THE OFFICIAL CUT OFF FOR THE 50K IS 10:00 OR 6:00 PM
• GETTING OFF COURSE: If by some chance you get off course, YOU MUST RETURN TO THE TRAIL AT THE SAME POINT YOU LEFT IT otherwise you will be disqualified.

BIB NUMBERS

• Bib numbers will be distributed at Runner Check-in on Saturday morning beginning at 6:45.

• Please wear your bib number on the front of your body.  It must be visible at all times.
• DO NOT pin through the lower portion of your race number (results tag).
• DO NOT detach the lower portion of your race number (results tag) until after you’ve crossed the finish line.

START LINE – FINISH LINE

• The finish line for all three races is near the kiosk near the registration area.

AID STATIONS/CUT OFFS

The Rock Creek Trail Series was developed for experienced Trail and Ultra Runners, as well as to introduce new runners to the sport. Our desire is to provide both a competitive environment that showcases some of the top runners in the region, as well as create the opportunity for someone to train for and complete their first UltraMarathon. It is our goal to do whatever we can to help that person get across the finish line. It is in this spirit we will allow any runner reaching the 25.9 mile aid station after 6 hours to have a pacer run with, and encourage them for the final 5 miles.

COURSE SAFETY

• The course is well marked. If you run for more then 3 minutes without seeing a flag…you are off the course.
• FALLEN LEAVES are a legitimate safety concern as they can cover up “un-yielding” obstacles.
• POISON IVY may be present. Walgreen’s carries a wide selection of pre and post exposure products.
• Practice good trail etiquette. Please, if you wear a headset, keep volume low so you can hear other runners that may be attempting to communicate with you. Announce when you need to pass, and allow faster runners to pass you.
• Please be courteous to our volunteers…they’re volunteers.

DIRECTIONS, PARKING AND PARK FEES

• Take K237 north off of Hwy 24. Follow K237 into Perry State Park and across the bridge. Your first right after the bridge is Kimberly Dr…Turn Right and proceed to the parking lot at the end.
• Don’t forget. You will need to purchase a Kansas State Park Day Pass for $3.70, unless you have an annual State Park pass,

AMENITIES

• NEW THIS YEAR – Podiatry Care with Dr Chris Brodine of Advanced Foot Care in Topeka
• NEW THIS YEAR –Stretching and Chiropractic Care with Dr

• We have four porta potties from Mather Rental in Topeka. Rumor is they will have hand sanitizer.
• Post race food includes Chili and fixing’s, Beer, Soda, Water, Etc…

• 50K runners will be able to leave a WATERPROOF DROP BAG at the halfway aid station, located near the start/finish area.

RESULTS and PHOTOS

• Race results will be posted on our website at www.runtough.com as soon as possible after the completion of the event. Probably Monday.
• Thanks to Dick Ross of See KC Run, photos will be available Saturday evening at www.seekcrun.com

PRESENTING SPONSORS

GREAT PLAINS RUNNING COMPANY

SALOMON

Lyle Riedy and the Kansas Trails Council, Larry Cadoret and Perry Lake State Park,

Matthew Beckman and the Army Corps of Engineers,

Kansas City Trail Nerds, Lawrence Trail Hawks, Topeka Trail Gators

Volunteer Coordinator – MK Thompson

Timing & Results – Norma Weiser

ROCK CREEK COURSE RECORDS

50K  OVERALL                           50K MASTERS  

Caleb Chatfield  4:14:45  2008                      Jeff Basti  4:55:37  2007

Deanna Stoppler  4:56:57  2007                   Theresa Wheeler  5:58:39  2007

   ROCK CREEK TRAIL LONG COURSE SERIES

 SCOREKEEPING 

Race #1…10K finishing time x 5 = Total adjusted finishing time

Race #2…10M finishing time x 3 = Total adjusted finishing time

Race #3…25K finishing time x 2 = Total adjusted finishing time

Race #4...50K finishing time is unadjusted