Event Details

Topeka Trail UnRun
5 K to 50 K Trail Run
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Kaw River State Park
Topeka, KS
1st Ever
A loop course on rocky, rooty, and hilly trails & single-track.
Time limit: Apx. 8 hours of daylight for the 9:00 AM starters.
Start Times:
9:00 AM early start for those running far or needing more daylight.
10:30 AM Late start for anyone not needing 8 hours of daylight.

Course:
Loops of apx. 7+ miles (GPS says 6.7 miles/loop, but it's lying). Each full loop consists of two half-loops, one on the Kaw River Park side, and one on the Ceder Crest trails. Each half loop has two 'ears', making is possible to add distance or bail in 1-2 mile chunks. There will also be marked short-cuts to allow slower runners to keep pace with a faster group, and increase the mental challenge for those running far.
Download the course map (PDF file):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3CeKTEkAmvfbkxvM3hxdW9zY0k/edit?usp=sharing

If you want an editable version, here's the inkscape svg file:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3CeKTEkAmvfOFYtZm9DR2oxeGc/edit?usp=sharing

Location:
Kaw River State Park and Ceder Crest (MacLennan Park). Park in the Kaw River State Park parking lot, the start/finish/aid-station is where the trail crosses the paved access road at the bottom of the hill.

Date:
Saturday, November 16, 2013

Start times:
9:00 AM Early Start for those running far or needing more daylight.
10:30 AM Late Start for anyone not needing 8 hours of daylight for their planned distance.

I will be starting at 9:00 AM and leading the early group on one full loop around the course.  This should take about 1:10 or so, depending on how slow everyone is wanting to go.  I will try not to drop anyone on the first loop, but if you start at 9:00, you'll need to keep pace so we can finish the first loop by apx. 10:20 AM.  After the first loop, I will meet in the parking lot with the late starters and will start the second loop.  If you want to run slow, or only want to run a few miles, you should start at 10:30.  I will really try to not drop anyone on the second loop, but please remember this is a run and not a walk in the woods.  Walking is OK (especially up hills...I'll be walking a lot myself), but please try to keep up a brisk pace.  Anyone wanting to go particularly slow is also free make use of the marked short-cuts.

Shirts:
Please wear one, this is a family event. If you would like an event shirt, feel free to make and bring your own.

Finishers' Medals: 
All event finishers will receive the satisfaction that comes from a good run. Isn't that really all you need?

Food & Aid:
Water will be supplied at the aid station, which you will encounter apx. every 3-1/2 miles. I will probably bring some salty carbs (potato chips or pretzels), but if you expect to eat or drink anything other than water you should bring it yourself.

There will be NO PORTA-POTTIES at this event. There are, however, full working rest-rooms apx. 1 mile from the start/finish at the Phillips 66 on 6th and Fairlawn.

Results:
I will post official results sometime prior to the next event. As this event is not officially timed, results will be based primarily on your cheerful attitude during the event, and the quality/quantity of craft beer donated as thanks to your event organizer.  :-)

Post-Event Food:
Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in the Kaw River State Park, but I'm up for a beer and pizza after the run if anyone wants to head to Via's (good pizza and real beer on tap).