A message from Torsten Heycke (Chief race mucky muck - pictured above):
We're just a week and a half away from the Mt Ashland Hillclimb Run (Sat, Aug 6). Below is some important information that might help you and us:
1. Reminder: This is an extremely challenging event.
You already signed a waiver telling us that you acknowledge this. You can't plead insanity, because that is already assumed. Seriously, though, if you are not physically able, you should not participate. It could be extremely cold and/or hot. Additionally it could be windy or completely still. There are unmarked hazards including loose rocks, holes, and branches. There may be wild animals on the course. Speaking of, there may be mountain bikers riding on various roads and trails (though we have asked local shops to inform riders to please refrain).
2. If you know you're not going to make it to the event, please tell us as soon as possible. Race directors are reporting 20-25% no-shows at their events. No-tell no-shows result in a huge waste of resources, including food and drink, and people's time. It also messes with the random draw prizes. We know that stuff comes up: forgot to train, root canal scheduled for that day, have to clean the garage, etc. Just tell us: there is no embarrassment in that. The consequences of "no-tell, no show" are likely to be most heinous: I haven't decided whether to pass the list on to other race directors or feed the information to a tele-sales organization.
By the way, if you pick up your race packet, we are assuming you will show up at the race. Please notify us if you are not going to participate. It hurts our feelers if we go searching for you on the course and find out you didn't start.
3. There are no refunds, exchanges, credits, etc.
Check the FAQ for more on this.
4. Pre-Race Training.
Run up Mt Ashland from town and get a ride back. You can do this by arranging with the Ashland Mountain Adventure folks for a shuttle ride from Mt Ashland down to town. You will want to coordinate with their existing shuttle schedule . 541.499.2298
5. Friday Packet Pickup is at Rogue Valley Runners, 161 E. Main St, from 12- 6pm.
Great place to pick up some stuff while you're there. You can also pick up your packet on race day at the race start (at the bottom of Lithia Park, on Winburn Way near "the plaza") after 6:15am and before 7:15am. Please don't show up at 7:20.
6. Race numbers. Wear them where finish line people can see them. If you wear your number on your butt, make sure you go through the finish line butt first. We'd prefer that you wore your number in front, but that's your prerogative. We apologize if this messes with your fashion statement. If we can see your number, we will give you a race time. The corollary to this is: we will give you a time when we see your number--even if it's several minutes after you finished. Also, please make sure you're wearing your number and not your spouse's, friend's, grandmother's, etc. It really messes with the results when a 21-year old guy wins the women's 60-69 division.
7. Race Day: Dropping out and aid station cut-off times.
If you drop out, please notify someone at an aid station. Make sure they write down your number (or better yet, give them your number). If you are asked to stop, please do so. Many people stop at the lodge and that's a good choice (food, drink, beer maybe).
-- Four Corners (~6.6 miles) by 10:30am
-- Bull Gap (~10.5 miles) by 11:30am
-- The Lodge (~12.8 miles) by 12:15pm.
IMPORTANT: the summit aid station will close at 1pm and there will be no transportation down after that time. If you continue past the lodge at 12:14 and decide to linger to marvel at the extraordinary wildflowers on the way up to the summit, you just might miss the aid station. Great wildflowers, though.
8. Race Day: Getting Down from Mt Ashland Summit to the Lodge
We will have vehicles driving down from the summit on a narrow, bumpy, dusty road. You may find that you are faster if you just walk down. We appreciate if you can do this.
9. Race Day: Spectators
The best place for spectators is at the Mt Ashland lodge. Please do not drive the narrow, bumpy, dusty road to the summit. Spectators who drive to the summit delay our shuttle vehicles, which also delays results, emergency care, and water and food delivery. There is nothing worse than delaying water and food to thirsty and hungry runners. Please tell your spouses, significant others, fan club, etc that you (the participant) risk disqualification, or worse: public humiliation, by their driving up to the summit. Spectators can walk to the summit if they want (but please don't walk up the road!)
10. Race Day: The Course
No one has gotten lost yet; well at least, everyone has eventually shown up. Please read the website course directions. Look at the maps there. We do minimal course marking (mainly at the locations where you might be confused... but, really, who are we to know when you will get confused? Sometimes I can't remember why I went into the garage, so confusion might arise at any time and anywhere.) Be responsible, read the course description. www.mtashlandrun.com/course.
Also, Mt Ashland still has snow in places, but not on our course. So, if you're walking in the snow, you're off course.
11. Race Day: Awards and Random Draw Prizes
Race day awards will be shortly after 11. If you arrive at the lodge parking lot after that, you can still collect your prize. (These are first place prizes for age groups and overall men's and women's winners).
Random prize winners can pick up their item(s) at the lodge parking lot. Must be present to win. Hmm, words to live by.
Thanks for reading,
Torsten Heycke
Chief race mucky muck
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