This Series has been in the works since 2007.  It may be hard to believe that with all the trails that we have in this area, it was very difficult to secure 5 different venues for these races.  2009 ended up being a great first year for the R NUTS series, and with a little fine tuning, I think we've created a better format for 2010.  Feel free to run any race that you choose, or register for the series and pick a minimum of 4 events to qualify for the series awards below.

What we have for you is a one of a kind experience.  Each of these races are held in beautiful locations, contain different types of trail, possess different levels of challenge, and have been picked to push your limits and provide you with a great trail running experience. 

In addition, this series has been set up so that you can comfortably increase your race mileage over the course of the year and/or from year to year.  I hope that many people will use this series as a springboard for taking on ultra events (events longer than 26.2 miles.  If interested check out a couple of my favorites www.eco-xsports.com & www.extremeultrarunning.com). 

The beginning of the year starts with a 10k that is a new race on a favorite trail of mine; the Chestnut Ridge Loop Trail, in Roanoke.  Then we head into the races that were on the schedule in 2009; a 5k or 10k at the Explore Park, runners can then increase their mileage to run a 5 or 10 miler at Montvale Park, then head onto the toughest course on the schedule at Mill Mountain for a mountainous up and down 10k, then onto a 10k or half marathon at at Falling Creek Park in Bedford, and then finishes with, my favorite, and one of the most unique running events around with the Into the Darkness Night Trail Run.   

You won’t regret the challenge we’ve created for you.

Each event in the series is a stand alone event.  You don't have to enter the series to enter our races.  The series was created as an added challenge and setup to help push you and keep you focused throughout the year.

Rules and Eligibility:

• There will be a fee to enter. 

  • $10 on and before 3/6/10 Explore Your Limits 5/10k

  • $15 from 3/7/10 until 3/27/10 at Montvale Park

  • $20 from 3/28/10 until the cutoff on the 4/17/10 at the Mill Mountain Mayhem. 

• Finishers Award:  You must complete at least 4 races to qualify for the series awards. 

  • All participants entered in the series and finish 4 races will receive, at a minimum, a screen printed Patagonia  Capilene 1 (or similar; $40 Value) long sleeve performance shirt;  (Men will get men’s fit and women will receive a women’s fit award.  We want everyone to get a shirt that fits well.  We will try to have samples at the races so that you can try on the shirts for a great fit).

    Awards will be given out following the Into the Darkness Night Trail Run on 10/23/10.  If an award winner is not present at this race they will need to make special arrangements to pick up their award. 

Points:

• Lowest points win.

• If you do more than 4 races, your best placement in 4 races will be used for tallying the points.

• In events with 2 different length races, there will not be a difference in points for running the longer distance race.

• Races with 2 different length races will get the same points. 

•               It will be up to you to determine which race will give you the best

•               result. 

Points will be tallied in two different categories, Overall and Age Group (Male overall and Female overall not the combined format).

          You will get the same points as your place in both of these categories.

                    A runner may get 40th place overall but be 1st in their age group. 

                    In this case, they would get 40 points in the overall category and 1 point in the age group category.

• Point Bonus: Participation in 5 events will give you a bonus of subtracting 5 points and if you run in all 6 events you will get a bonus of subtracting 10 points.

Awards:

• Additional awards will be given to the top 3 Overall Men and Women

-  A plaque recognizing their achievement.

-  Instead of the above long sleeve performance shirt these winners will receive a heavier weight zip performance shirt.

                        Men and Women will get a Patagonia Capilene 3 or 4 Zip-Neck (or

                        similar, a $55-85 value)

                        (Men will get men’s fit and women will receive a women’s fit award).

           Additional awards will be given to the Male and Female Winners of each Age

           Division

            -  Additional Awards may be added if more sponsorships are acquired.