Venue information, Squak Mtn. State Park

Course information

There are two course options:

• "10km" (9.9km, 6.1 miles), with about 1800 feet of elevation gain*
• Half Marathon (21.1 km, 13.1 miles), with about 3300 feet of elevation gain*

Both courses start and finish adjacent to the main parking lot off SE May Valley Road. Both courses are hilly, with some steep uphill and downhill grades and will feel significantly longer than a flatter run of the same distance. The trails are mostly fairly well-groomed, so runners should have very little problem with vegetation encroaching on the trail, however if there is severe weather shortly before the event, branches and logs may be on the trails in places. There are some sections of trail that have had some water erosion, leaving palm- to fist-sized loose rocks sitting on the trail, so those with sensitive ankles should be careful in those sections.

The 9.9 km course goes up to the top of the mountain then down. There is an aid station just before the top, at 4.6 km (2.8 miles).

The Half Marathon course follows the 9.9 km route but has an additional loop around the North side of the mountain that includes some additional ups and downs. Half Marathon runners will pass the aid station twice, at 4.6 km (2.8 mi) and again at 15.3 km (9.5 mi).

* Distances were measured using a measuring wheel, and climb was measured using the altimeter function of a Polar watch. Climb could be a bit more or less than stated, due to noise in the altimeter readings.

Aid station

There will be an aid station at about 2.8 miles (4.6k) into the course. The Half Marathon route will loop around and visit the aid station again at 9.5 miles (15.3k).

The aid station will have at least water and some sort of carbohydrate-rich food, such as pieces of Clif Bar, bagel, fig bars, cookies, fruity candy, and/or bananas. There will likely be a few choices of these foods, along with electrolyte-replacement drink (usually Vitalyte).

Schedule

Safety and Trail Etiquette

The trails will be open to other users during the event, including pedestrians and equestrians (horseback riders). Please be courteous. Horses have the right of way, and if you encounter a horse in your path, stop running and talk to the rider; you will probably need to step to the side of the trail to let the horse past, but sometimes the rider will tell you it is okay to walk past. It is unlikely that there will be much trail traffic, but if the weather is nice, you will probably encounter some hikers.

In places, the trails have steep sections, sharp turns, loose rocks, slippery rocks or logs, down trees or limbs and holes, and it pays to pay attention to where you put your feet in such sections. There are many wide or smooth, easy running stretches, but there are also several sections that require attention to navigate them without slipping, tripping or turning an ankle. This run is on the rugged side of the scale, as trail runs go, so pace yourself, bring enough food, water and clothing, and take your time in the rougher sections.

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.