The Cow Bone Trail Run course is a 1.5 mile loop that has 198′ of elevation gain per loop and is on the private property of Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministries. This is not a technical course with little to no rocks and almost entirely under the canopy or shade of trees. Each loop has only 18′ of pavement. No stream crossings nor is there any threat of being rained out. The course is varied so runners will not be subject to constant repetitive motion. An actual course map will not be posted.
Good Stuff
- Want your own things close by? You’ll be able to set up your command center next to, or very near, a good portion of the course.
- If you don’t want to use our very hip and happening aid station then you’ll be able to take aid anywhere you set up .
- We’re encouraging you to bring your canopies, chairs, coolers, friends and well mannered dogs, cats & other pets.
- You want a bed and a shower? We’ve got you covered. The cabin village is right next to the Start/Finish and the Pavilion (Aid Station). See “Accommodations”.
- You wanna decorate with lights… no problem. Just make sure your generator isn’t loud.
- This is about fun during and after you finish. We’re not kicking out the 6 and 12 hour runners when they’re done. The 24 hour runners need to feel the “love” throughout the night.
- Finishing 100 miles within 24 hours will get you a coveted sub 24 hour belt buckle.
Why?
There’s a funny story how we got here… but to net it out… we’re creating a race where runners, volunteers and crews will have fun supporting, inspiring, heckling and hanging out with each other.
Random Items to Cut Down on Questions
- Bib Pickup starts at 6:00 a.m. at the Pavilion.
- The Pavilion is the only aid station and will provide both cold/hot drink and food throughout.
- SWAG – Each participant will receive a short-sleeved cotton tee shirt.
- Awards: No. However you’ll get a hardy congratulations and perhaps some applause at the finish line.
- Drop Bags: Sure… you can leave them at the Pavilion or you can aid out of your car or tent.
- Pacers: Hmmmm… no. It’s a short loop with lot’s of inspiration. Do you really need one? However… if not having a pacer for you 24 hour runners is a concern or a reason for you to not run then contact me. We’re inclusive and want to see you reach your goal(s).
- Cut Offs: No! It’s a timed event. As long as you make it one loop then you’re not a DNF or have to worry about getting pulled.
- The final stopping point will be measured at the aid station. If you run out of the aid station and don’t make it back to the aid station by the “bell” then that partial distance will not be measured.
- Crew, family, friends: Absolutely! All are welcome either at the Pavilion or along the course. Aid station supplies are for runners only. There are no rules on where a runner can be aided.
- The course will be adequately marked for day and night time running. However, if you get lost on a repetitive “short” loop course you may want to reevaluate and perhaps pursue another “hobby”.
- Medical: We provide rubbing alcohol and band aids that you put on yourself. Anything else you’re on your own… especially foot repair!
- Dietary needs are crazy these days so no meal is provided the night before.
- Pets? See “Good Stuff”
- Showers for campers? We have a bucket with holes in it and the Potomac river is close by.
- It’s on private property so there’s no chance to view, assess or run the course before hand. You’ll just have to trust us.
LESS
Good course and organization
This race course is accurately described on the web site—1.5 mile loop, 198 feet of elevation gain, not too technical but still have to pay attention, mostly shade. I likes … MORE
This race course is accurately described on the web site—1.5 mile loop, 198 feet of elevation gain, not too technical but still have to pay attention, mostly shade.
I likes the shirt, array of snacks and drinks at the aid station, and layout of the course. Each lap ended with uphill section followed by a chute with flags; they called your number and gave compliments. The uphill allowed for planning what to get at the aid station (or to take off water pack and prepare to fill it). Then nice down hill and past your car —and another porta potty—then up into woods . I personally like short loops like this because the aid station is a fun place and you get to see it a lot!
Like other loop events there was a nice range of abilities out on the course—old guys talking about their urologist , middle aged moms training for fifty milers, people reminiscing about their 100 miler, walkers, people with trekking poles, and the fast young dudes sprinting up the hills. Good positive energy!!
The race director made sure to start on time, take photos of each runner!