The Potato Creek Trail runs will be an event for all skill levels and age groups. The course will have varying distances that will cater not only to the hardened ultra runner but also to the first timers who are new to the sport. Theses races will not only serve to expose athletes to the joys and excitement of trail running but will also expose an entire new, and diverse group of people to the natural beauty that exists at Potato Creek. The intent is to slowly and carefully grow the race each year; making certain the athlete has a quality experience regardless of number of entrants.
The areas of the park we would like to use for these races include, but not all, of these trail segments. We propose the following:
The course is a 13.1 mile loop starting at the Orchard Shores shelter heading south until you reach the lake. The runners will turn west and run along the shore of the lake until they reach the beach area and the start of the mountain bike course. The course will then head north following the mountain bike trail running it in reverse direction allowing those who still wish to use the mountain bike course to do so. On the backside of the property manager’s house the mountain bike trail intersects trail # 1. Runners will then turn east and run trail # 1 until they reach the intersection of trail #1 and #2. At which time the runner will turn onto trail #2 and continue east allowing them the opportunity to enjoy running up Vargo hill. The runners will continue east until they run (or fall) down Steamboat hill; shortly after this the course will loop back to the old Orange road. Once to the road runners will head south on Orange to the start of the #4 trail. The runners will then run a full loop of #4 terminating back at Orange road. Once to the roadway the runners will head north until they reach the south end of trail # 2. Runners will pick up trail #2 and head west along trail # 2 until it hooks up to the south end of trail #1. The trail will continue to use #1 trail to run back to the nature center and then ultimately the start finish area.
The half marathoners will finish with only one loop, the full marathoners will finish with two and the 60k runners will finish with three full loops. We are intending to set up a 10 hour time limit to complete the course; with this in place, it will allow the slowest of runners ( or walkers!) to complete either a 10 hour marathon or a 10 hour half marathon. We will establish time cut-offs at each aid station for the 10 hour limit. These cut-offs will keep the runners from being out on the course for a time greater than 10 hours. Aid stations would be set up at the property manager’s access road, on a section of Orange rd., and the start finish area at Orchard shores. Making the interval between the stations 3-4 miles in length.
The park's site can be found here: Potato Creek . Camping either in park provided cabins, or campsites will be available before, during and after the event. The cabins are very nice and will fill up quickly. We suggest that reservations be made prior to arriving at the park. The park itself has very nice bathroom and shower facilities that will be available for all participants in the trail run.
We are currently working on national, regional, and local sponsorship in order to help with great race swag, race awards, and assist in providing products at the three aid stations.
More info will be added to this blog as it becomes available. Volunteer opportunities, possible sponsorship, and other questions regarding the race can be directed to pctrailinfo@gmail.com
