Run as much as you like in 10 hours. OR stop when you want… Half Marathon, Marathon, it’s your decision.
1/2 mile lighted oval consisting of a dirt track covered with finely crushed limestone. This is a horse track that is used to pull those little buggies.
This is a night time run. Run, jog, walk, rest, stop and start as much as you’d like.
The objective is to see how far you can go; however, you can stop at any time if you’ve reached your goal or if you’ve had enough.
COURSE
Carson Park Horse Track, Paducah, KY, is a certified 1/2 mile track composed of dirt and finely crushed limestone. It is groomed daily and will be set up with a 1/2 inch cushion to make it easy on your legs. The track drains well and does not get sloppy, even in the event of rain. However, heavy rains may necessitate parking cars in the parking lot outside of the track fence instead of on the grass infield. Don’t need a lot of cars stuck. This lighted jewel is flat, and contains no trip hazards.
HIGHLIGHTS
CHIP TIMING SYSTEM will keep your distance recorded. We will display your distance continually at the timing tent. Check the monitor as you run by.
No traffic, no hills, no roots, no hard running surface.
NO HOT SUN BEATING DOWN ON YOU.
LARGE AID STATION on the track. SWORD is the official hydration drink of R.U.T.S. We have a fully stocked station, containing the normal snacks, and fruit including watermelon, cantaloupe, and bananas, plus salty items such as peanut butter pretzels, and chips. Soda, ginger ale, and coffee are available. PB&J sandwiches are a staple. We order Pizza at 10pm, bring out Grilled Cheese sandwiches around midnight, and then around 1 or 2 am, chocolate chip pancakes and bacon. Lots of bacon. Terri is the best!
Bring your own fluids containers. We try hard to not use any cups. You can leave your container at your course-side table, or if you don’t have a table, at the table by the aid station (be sure to put your name on it).
AMENITIES and AWARDS
Each runner (including those on relay teams) will receive a shirt, cap, drawstring bag, and a custom medal where you can indicate your mileage. The number of top finishers awards is based on the number of entrants. This year, the top 7 m/f individuals receive a special award.
SPECIAL 100 MILE BELT BUCKLE
Anyone running 100 miles or more in the RUTS Series for 2023, (includes Oak Ridge, Paducah, and Corydon), will receive a special belt buckle.
$500 Cash Award M/F for Course Record
The male record is 72 miles set by Scott Breeden, and tied by Eric Hunziker. Female record is 66 miles set by Denise Bourassa.
REASONS FOR RUNNING RUTS
Great training venue for practice at running at night… calibrate your nighttime nutrition needs, get used to be up all night for that upcoming 100 miler (Tunnel Hill) or 24 hour race. Perfect social running event with serious results. You can feel safe due to all the runners around you. Unlike marathons, and non-loop events, you see your friends the entire time, giving you opportunities to run or walk with some runners you’d never get to run with.
This could possibly be the course you’ll set a personal best for whatever distance you run. Knowing that your vehicle is close by, you have the confidence to keep going.
On Site Parking, either in the huge parking lot, or right on the grass infield. No hotel needed.
SET UP
Beginning any time after 2pm on Saturday, you can set up a tent under the large shade trees in the grass infield, or alongside the course. There is plenty of room. This is a good one to bring the family to. You can stop and see them as much as you like. Encourage them to run or walk a few laps with you. They love it, and so do we. We only ask that you carry your trash out with you if at all possible.
RELAY TEAMS
A team will consist of UP TO 4 people; so you can have 2, 3, or 4.
The Team is given a special bib number on a quick change belt. Every member of the team also receives their own bib number. Whoever is accumulating mileage for the team must wear the Team belt with the bib on it, in addition to their individual bib number (meaning you’ll wear two bibs when accumulating for the Team). Team members are allowed to run extra mileage even when not wearing the Team belt, however runners on a Team are NOT eligible for individual awards.
Team Awards are given to the Top 5 Teams.
LESS
Round and round, and round…and round
Overall Rating: Not my jam, but ok! Course Difficulty: Easy squeezy. This course is run on a 1/2 mile horse racing track. Crushed limestone fines that were pretty soft after … MORE
Overall Rating: Not my jam, but ok!
Course Difficulty: Easy squeezy. This course is run on a 1/2 mile horse racing track. Crushed limestone fines that were pretty soft after a massive run.
Course scenery: Basically none. It was in a fairgrounds with typical fencing and grass infield.
Race Production: Very good. Everything was where it was supposed to be and when it was supposed to be there. Pre-race communication email had all necessary information. One aid station with most things you could want.
Race Swag: Ok. T-shirt, finisher medal was not great, hat, draw string bag.
My Performance: Ok. Had a race that cancelled and opted for this one as a replacement. Was tired and achy from the 50 miler last week, and decided to call it at 40 miles and live to fight another day. Walked the last 5 miles.
Final notes: I needed to get some night miles in during a low key event and this fit the bill. A person would really have to love this format to do these races on a continual basis, I don’t like this format that much. As far as a venue to get some chip timed miles in, it gets the job done; as far a being highly enjoyable – not my thing.