This year Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has come on board as our presenting sponsor.  Because of their involvement we will be offering

Long Sleeve shirts to all pre-registered runners. 

Mail-in Registration $25 until October 9th

     (Click above for link)        $30 after October 9th

Online registration  $25 (plus $2.50 processing fee) until October 9th

     (Click above for link)       $30 (plus $2.80 processing fee) after Oct 9th

About the race
This is the Roanoke Valley’s most unique running event.  The course will take you through 4 miles of the IMBA designed trails.  The course consists of 3 miles of twisty rolling single track and 1 mile of grass and asphalt roads.  These trails will be marked with reflective arrows, glow sticks, and the occasional surprise (trust me nothing scary, this event is for all ages).  Every effort will be taken so that you will easily be able to find your way and stay on course.  

This is an event that is perfect for the entire family.  Each year we have seen the number of kids and family participation increase.  What better way to enjoy the woods, nature, and a healthy activity than with this Halloween inspired event.  We love seeing kids battling it out with their parents at the finish line. 

A light source is mandatory; it is recommended that you have at least a headlamp or flashlight.  I personally think it is best to carry one of each.  A headlamp to see where you are going and a flashlight to cast shadows and give you depth perception (easier to see those sneaky roots and rocks).  We will leave this up to your personal preference.  It is recommended that you try your choice of light source under similar conditions prior to running the race. 

 PLEASE NOTE—Headlamps, flashlights, and any other light source will not be provided by race management.

Age brackets for the races include, for both male and female:

14 and under; 15-19, 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49;

50-54; 55-59; 60 and over

The top three finishers in each age group will receive a unique

Into the Darkness award recognizing their achievement.

 The top 3 overall male and female finishers will receive distinctive awards.

Packet Pick-up and Race Day Registration

10/21/10 - Gilbert Chiropractic - Packet Pick-up from 10-1 and 3-6;

                   375-3990

10/23/10 - Explore Park - Packet Pick-up and race day registration

                   from 5:30-6:45.

Race Day Itinerary

5:30-6:45pm - Race Registration and Check-in.

6:45-7:00pm - Race Briefing - Discussion of Race & Course details.

Post Race 

-     Spaghetti dinner (from Mamma Maria's in Salem) along with a lot

      of other food (of course pumpkin bread). 

-     Door Prizes will be given out while the results are being processed

-     Into the Darkness Awards Ceremony

-     RNUTS Awards Ceremony

Directions to the Explore Park

Once on the Blue Ridge Parkway go to milepost 115.  Take the road into the Explore Park.  Once in the gate you will park in the first lot on your right.  Race headquarters will be in the Visitor's Center.

Contact me at info@mountainjunkies.net

for any questions about this race.

Race Route

The race starts on the main road coming in from the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Due to the number of entrants, in 2009, we moved the start down to the bridge, so that runners could get separated before entering the first trail.   

From there you will run the Beginner Trail (.8 mile)  -  This section of trail is rolling.  About .5 mile into it there is a short moderate 3 switchback climb that leads you to the exit of the beginner trail and a road crossing.

This will lead you to the intermediate biking trails (.67 mile)  -  This starts with a fast .25 mile downhill with a sudden right hand turn halfway down and then, about 200 yards later, another sudden left hand turn..  From here it will roll for about .2 miles.  You will cross a bridge and start your climb up to the Endurance Loop.  This climb will get your heart rate up.  There are 5 or so switchbacks on the way up this .2 mile hill.

Next is the endurance loop to the fire road (1.26 miles)  -  This is a fast fun rolling twisty section of trail.  There are two short sections with some fist sized rocks (some are loose and some are embedded).   

Now, down the fire road to the road along the river (.11 mile)  -  This is just a quick steep downhill down to the river on a fire/jeep road. 

The end of the race takes along a gravel road along the river back to the Visitor's Center (1.18 miles)  -  The first half of this section is flat while along the river.  The 2nd half is on an  asphalt road that is not maintained.  This 2nd half will take you on a short steep section for .15 mile and then the remaining .4 miles to the finish line is not as steep, but still a good climb.  The finish is in front of the Visitor's Center on the sidewalk.