Join us at the Cacapon 12 Hour Challenge Trail Run! Start time is 7:00 am, last loop must be started by 6:00 pm. You can stop after a lap or two, but why?! Challenge yourself to complete as many circuits as you can in 12 hours! The run will be held on the Central Trail, a challenging, mostly runnable (at least for the first few hours!) five mile loop. Trail is entirely single-track with a couple of road crossings. This is a great place for beginners to see what trail running is all about, and experienced trail runners will enjoy testing their limits on this beautiful course. Runners must check in upon completion of each loop. All pre-registered runners will receive a custom shirt. There will be awards for top individuals and relay team(s) based on number of entries, special awards to all who complete 50 miles, and a post-race party for runners, volunteers and crew. There will be one fully-stocked aid station at the start/finish area, plus an unmanned water and gel station approximately halfway around the loop. We are dedicated to responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the trails and the outdoors, so please do not leave any trash on the course! We hope to see you there!
Cacapon State Park is less than 90 minutes from Frederick, two hours from Baltimore/DC, and three hours from Pittsburgh. Get out of the city and get your trail fix with us! While you’re here, enjoy the attractions in nearby Berkeley Springs, WV!
Course: Scenic, five mile single-track trail loop, moderately to very technical. This is a TOUGH trail, some trips, stumbles and falls are likely! A few road crossings on lightly-traveled park, with a short dirt road out and back section leading to the secondary aid station.. Some stream crossings are possible, depending on recent rainfall. Trail is very well-marked and maintained. Final loop must be started prior to 5:45 pm. New for 2017! Turnaround markers will be placed on trail for runners to do a short out-and-back after your fifth or sixth (or, gulp 12th!) loop to achieve a marathon, 50K or 100K(?!) distance finish. Only ONE out-and-back can be done as a final segment if you choose not to attempt a full loop.
Facilities: Porta-pots and hand sanitizer will be at the start/finish area (Batt Shelter). The park will allow runners to shower at the beach bathhouse (less than a mile away) free of charge (must pay $3.00 if you want to swim) but it does close at 5:45 pm for those planning to hang in there the full 12 hours.
Awards: Custom awards will be given to top male and female runners, and top team(s) based on number of entries. Special awards for individual runners who finish 50 miles (10 loops).
Relays: Relay teams are welcome, but not eligible for any awards. Relays runners should register on Ultrasignup, then contact race director with relay info (team name and members). with paper entries mailed in, cost is same per runner as individual. No awards for relays, although runners are still eligible for individual awards.
Parking, crew, spectators, pacers: Follow signs to Batt Picnic Area. Personal items can be easily accessed at start/finish of each loop. Spectators can access the course at various other locations (see course map), but please be courteous to other vehicles and park and trail users, and do not leave any trash behind! Pacers will be allowed after the 6 hour mark (1:00 pm). Pacers must yield to registered runners, and must not act as mules for their runners. Violations of these policies will render the runner being paced ineligible for awards.
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