Run for Raptors will start at Lake Lodge at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park, and the run will take place on the Swope Trails. The entrance to the Lodge is located off of Oldham Rd just SE of Hillcrest Rd. Signs will be in place to help …
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Run for Raptors will start at Lake Lodge at Camp Lake of the Woods in Swope Park, and the run will take place on the Swope Trails. The entrance to the Lodge is located off of Oldham Rd just SE of Hillcrest Rd. Signs will be in place to help navigate you to the right place.
TRAIL TIPS: For those that may be new to trail running… you will love it! It is much better on your joints and being surrounded by so much natural beauty makes the time just fly by. However, you do have to watch your footing. Twisted ankles are the most common injury. You will encounter many exposed roots, rocks and even fallen logs. Be sure to pay attention to the obstacles ahead and don’t hesitate to slow your speed just a tad when going downhill. Most falls happen when fatigue sets in and your feet trip up on something sticking up on the trail. If there is any moisture that morning, the rocks will be slippery, so take heed. The 11K run has more rocky stretches than the 5K. And keep an eye open for wildlife, there are lots of cool critters up there!
RAPTOR SHOW: Lakeside Staff and Volunteers will be on hand to handle several of our educational raptors (owls, falcons, hawk and vulture). We may have one or two walking around before the race, but by the time most runners have crossed the finish line, they will all be out so you can view them up close and ask the naturalist questions. Pictures are welcome!
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Great trail race for a great cause
I like it when my race money can benefit a cause I believe in, and the local raptor rehab center was hosting this event, as well as a nice raffle … MORE
I like it when my race money can benefit a cause I believe in, and the local raptor rehab center was hosting this event, as well as a nice raffle beforehand.
For the most part the difficult parts of this trail (more technical at least) were early on, though all of it was easier than the trail race we did the night before. It was an 11k, but mine measured a little over 7.2 miles, so your mileage may vary. It was a great course with some really pretty cut out rock formations early on, and basic hilly woodland along the insides of hills later in the course. The production was top notch, with some of the rehab guests coming out to strut their feathers. The medal was a colored, embossed wooden medal. I’m normally not a fan of wooden medals, but this one really, really worked well. The tshirt was a very soft cotton, and honestly, I’ll probably keep it in the car for a dry shirt after a race or something so I have an excuse to wear it around town.
Unfortunately this race fell on the same day as another very popular race, the Spencer C. Duncan Make it Count 5k honoring the victims of the EXTORTION 17 incident. As a vet of multiple tours, it’s very hard for me to miss that race, but the Raptors did not disappoint at all. I can see myself alternating between these every year, but I do so greatly hope they deconflict in the future.