Venue information, Des Moines Creek Park

Course information

There are three course options:

• 10.15 km (6.3 miles), with about 300 feet of elevation gain*
• 3-hour run: solo or relay; run as far as you can in 3 hours; 6.4k and 1.7k laps*
• 6-hour run: solo or relay; run as far as you can in 6 hours; 6.4k and 1.7k laps*

In the timed runs and relay (see below), runners will be directed to the 1.7k lap once there is not enough time remaining for an entire 6.4k lap. The timing of this will be at the discretion of event staff. Results will list distance and time of full laps completed within the time limit, but runners are welcome to (unofficially) complete any 1.7k laps in progress at the time limit.

All courses start and finish adjacent to the parking area. The course is flat to gently rolling, with a few short, steep climbs or drops (~30 feet). This venue is on the flat side by trail running standards.

All courses will use the same basic 4-mile loop, but the 10k runners will cut the loop short at the beginning and end of the second time around, and the short loop for the timed runs is also a variation of part of this main loop. The trails are mainly narrow, single track, but some are wider and many of the narrow tread trails have a wide margin, making passing easy. There are many turns but fewer very sharp turns. The trail surface is mostly very smooth, allowing fast running, but there are a few rough spots and drops. This course would be a very good introduction for a newcomer to trail running.

* Distances were measured using a bicycle odometer, and climb was measured using the altimeter function of a Polar watch. Because of noise in the altimeter measurements, climb will likely be a bit more or less than advertised.

Relay

Relay teams may have two or more runners, and the results will reflect team size and times for each lap. Relay team members take turns running laps. Exchange from one runner to the next is by tagging off (touch).

Aid station

There will be an aid station at the end of each 6.4k (4 mile) loop. This is in the same location as the start and finish. The course passes very close to the start/finish/aid point at about 4.4k (2.75 miles), and there will be a refreshment drop; in other words, you can put some of your own food or drink at this point, if you'd like.

The aid station will have at least water and some sort of carbohydrate-rich food, such as pieces of Clif Bar, bagel, pretzels, fig bars, fruity candy, and/or bananas. Several food choices are usually available, along with Gookinaid Hydralyte electrolyte-replacement drink.

Schedule

Safety and Trail Etiquette

The trails will be open to other users during the event, including pedestrians and mountain bikers. Please be courteous. This is a popular mountain biking area, but the amount of trail traffic will depend on the weather.

In places, the trails have sharp turns, bumps (rocks or tree roots), and holes, and it pays to pay attention to where you put your feet in such sections. However, none of the trails are treacherous or demand any special skills or experience to navigate them. Anyone who is fit enough to hike or run the distance should be able to get through the course fine with a bit of care in the rough spots.

Participants are responsible for their own safety while participating, and the organizers are neither qualified nor equipped to render medical care in the event of a serious injury. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. You are encouraged to bring a cell phone with you as a safety precaution, if you wish.

Where the trails are narrow, please let other participants pass you if they want to get by. It is a passing runner's job to tell the person in front that they wish to pass.