May 13, 2015 -- Use Code

1
Welcome to the Grand Canyon
Meet the Team
Event Schedule
Race Information
The Course
Parking
Finish Line
Spectator Info
Expo Info
Area Info
Park Info
Park Map
Skeleton Club
Grand Canyon Trifecta
Dinner Hosts
Connect Online (social media)
Runner Demographics
Race check list
Post-Race Information
Bib Info
Cup-Free Info
Photography
Timing Specifics
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WELCOME TO
THE GRAND CANYON
Welcome to Grand Canyon National Park! This is only our second year hosting this race, so for
many of you this will be your first time running the Grand Canyon Half Marathon. We’re so
excited to have you! To those who ran it last year, thank you for coming back! We intend to do
even better than our inaugural race, and we hope to exceed your expectations.
A lot of research goes into choosing which locations to add to our national parks running series.
Even so, this one was on the list from the start. How could we not include America’s natural
wonder of the world? People come from all over the world just to see our Grand Canyon!
Many of you may have heard the common statistic that, after traveling for days to get here, the
average amount of time spent looking at the Grand canyon is around 20 minutes. This is because
most people don’t step below the rim.
Don’t let that be you this trip, even with your sore legs! While looking down into the vast, endless beauty of the Grand Canyon from the top is enough to make you tear up (with Ron Swanson’s approval of course), there’s a new perspective and appreciation to be had with every step
you take into the canyon. Whether it’s to the Colorado River, or just the short hike to Ooh Aah
Point, go beyond the edge this weekend. Let the Grand Canyon surround you.
We’re so excited to be a part of your trip! We’ll see you in the canyon.
“In the Grand Canyon, Arizona has a natural wonder which is in kind absolutely unparalleled
throughout the rest of the world. I want to ask you to keep this great wonder of nature as it now is.
I hope you will not have a building of any kind, not a summer cottage, a hotel or anything else, to
mar the wonderful grandeur, the sublimity, the great loneliness and beauty of the canyon. Leave it as
it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”
- Theodore Roosevelt
Happy Exploring!
Salem, Dehn, Lyle, Cherie, Megan S, Robin, Megan W
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SALEM STANLEY -
Founder
Salem Stanley is the President and Founder of Vacation Races. He loves the
personal growth that comes from athletics and physical challenges. He also
is in love with National Parks. He received a BA in Business from Southern
Virginia University where he was an All-American track athlete. He recently
graduated with an MBA from BYU.
DEHN CRAIG -
Customer Experience - Marketing
Dehn ran track in high school and was the high school hurdle coach while
still a student. After working in video production and getting an Engineering
degree followed by an MBA (where he and Salem met), Dehn has finally
found a home as our Marketing and Creative Director. He loves exploring the
national parks with his beautiful wife and four Junior Rangers.
LYLE ANDERSON -
Race Operations
Lyle was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on his 30th birthday and was
told that in 5 to 10 years he could be in a wheelchair. Lyle, now 37, has ran
9 Marathons, about 43 – 1/2 Marathons and has completed 8 – 1/2 Ironman
distance races and 2 – full distance Ironman events. One of them being the
Ironman World Championship in 2013 in Kona, HI.
CHERIE SANTIAGO -
Customer Service
Cherie may live in Southern Utah but her soul still lives in Southern California where she grew up surfing and sailing in the sun. She can be spotted
running or biking around the trails or biking through Zion National Park to
find more trails to run on. Cherie has been working with us on our race crew
since our inaugural run in Zion. You can’t spell customer service with out CS!
MEGAN WHEELER -
Sponsorship and Expo
Megan began swimming at the age of 5. At the age of 16, Megan’s swimming
career was cut short just before she attended Olympic Trials. Megan went on
to swim at University of Southern California for two years before transferring
to Eastern Washington University and graduating with a degree in Recreation
Management. Even after Megan’s fourth shoulder surgery her passion for athletics has only grown, and she still enjoys a number of challenging activities
including running, triathlons, and exploring the outdoors around the world.
MEGAN STANLEY -
Merchandise
Megan has been running since middle school and ran track and cross country
in high school and college. She studied Physical Education and Recreation
Administration at SVU and went on to coach high school cross country and
track. She loves the outdoors and staying active with her family.
ROBIN RODGERS -
Communications
Robin is an Army Brat who graduated from BYU with a degree in Communications. She’s a recreational runner and a recent fan of half-marathons.
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Friday
11:00 AM
Saturday
Packet pickup and Race
Expo start.
6:00 PM
Race Expo ends.
7:00 PM
Packet pickup closes.
RACE EXPO - The expo will be held at the Grand
Canyon IMAX Theater (450 Arizona 64, Tusayan,
AZ 86023). The expo will be small. You can pick
up your bib and gear, but plan to stay and check
out our awesome vendors!
*we suggest coming early! Most people wait until
later in the day. Our busiest time is from 3pm 6pm. If you come during that time-frame, expect
a longer wait.
PARKING - There will be plenty of parking at the
start line, but please get there early. If you are
staying in Tusayan, all hotels are a short walk
from the start. Please plan to walk if you stay
in town. *
5:00 AM
Open starting line parking.
5:28 AM
Sunrise
5:30 AM
First prize raffle (every 5
minutes).
6:15 AM
Cars parking should be in
start line parking lot (overflow parking at IMAX will
still be open).
6:30 AM
Last prize raffle.
Start line parking lot
closes. Hard cutoff. Pacers
line up.
6:45 AM
Runners line up / Last call
for gear check.
6:55 AM
National Anthem
7:00 AM
Race starts! All divisions.
10:00 AM
Awards Ceremony
*see page 8 for parking map
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THE COURSE
AID STATIONS - We will have aid
stations near miles 3, 5, 7, 9, 11,
and 12. All aid stations will have
bath-rooms (but they will be limited at miles 7, 9, and 11), water
+ Nuun, Honey Stinger energy
gels. Mile 7 and 11 will also have
oranges and bananas.
TIMING - All masters and overall
awards will be based on gun time.
If you plan to compete for these
top spots you will need to line up at the front of the line. All age divisions and team awards will be
based on chip time. The first mile of the trail is about 10 ft wide. If you are standing towards the back,
it may be a few minutes before you cross the start line. Your time does not officially start until you
cross the starting line (unless you are competing for an overall top finisher spot), so please be courteous to others as we start the race.
ELEVATION (ft) - You can see the elevation map below. The elevation change on the course is marginal. A lot of people are surprised to see how high in elevation the rim of Grand Canyon is. You will
feel the elevation and dryness on this tough course. Drink lots of water the days leading up to the race.
The most challenging part of the course is between miles 7-11.
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PACERS - Pacers will line up at the start line
around 6:30 am. There will be a pacer pacing the
race in 10 minute intervals starting at a 1h40m
pace up to 2h30m. We will also have a 2h45m,
3h, and 3h30m pacer. Please seat yourself near
the time you expect to finish.
GEAR CHECK - You will be given a Gear Check
bag at the starting line if you wish. It will be a
white garbage bag that you can fill with anything
you want transported to the finish line. There
will be permanent markers you can use to write
your name and bib number. Avoid putting valuables in your bag.
*gear check bags will be available at the finish line
as soon as the first person finishes.
CLOTHING ON COURSE - We will have a clothing bin to dump items in at mile 3. Anything else
found along the course will be treated as trash.
*clothing dropped off at mile 3 won’t be picked up
until the last runner has passed mile 3 - so you
may have to wait for your clothing.
OTHER COURSE INFO - This is a trail course.
Although not very technical, there are some areas that you need to be extra careful (miles 8-12
has lots of rocks and uneven ground).
TIME LIMIT - All runners need to be off the fire service road at the 4 hour mark (just past mile 12).
Any runners still on the fire road at that time will be removed from the course. Failure to comply will
result in being banned from future events.
ABSOLUTELY NO LITTERING
Recovery Box - At the finish line we will have a Recovery Box (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and
chocolate milk (as well as water and Nuun hydration). Please help yourself to one box, chocolate milk,
and banana per runner.
In an attempt to reduce waste, we will provide a place to trade/leave any unwanted snack items.
=
+
+
COURSE RECORD - Our course record holders receive a FREE RACE ENTRY every year that their time
remains the course record! Our course records were set at our inaugural race in 2014. Tommy Lunetta
holds the record for the men and Breanna Dumke holds the record for the women.
Tommy Lunetta
Queen Creek, AZ
1:37:41 Breanna Dumke 1:38:36
Salt Lake City, UT
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PARKING
AND
DROP OFF
All the hotels are a short walk
from the start line. We will have
enough parking to accommodate all of our runners, but if
you are staying in the town
of Tusayan, please plan on
walking to the start line to
avoid unnecessary congestion
and traffic.
We have start line parking and
overflow parking will be at the
IMAX Theater.
All runner drop-offs must go
to the overflow parking. If you
are dropping off a runner
you can drop them off in the
overflow parking by the IMAX
theater. Any vehicles that try to
enter the start line parking to
drop-off a runner will be turned
away.
It is just a short walk from the
overflow parking and drop-off
area to the start line (yellow).
There will be extra overflow
parking across the street from
the Red Feather Hotel.
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FINISH LINE STAGING
Spectators and runners are welcome around
the finish line to cheer on runners.
If you weren’t able to make it to the expo we
will be selling merchandise at the finish line!
We will have our merchandise as well as some
awesome shirts from Meridian Line!
The awards ceremony will take place at the
stage just north of the finish line and will begin
at 10:00 AM.
You will need to return your timing chip at the
end of the race. We will have buckets and clippers all over the finish area so you can remove
them and drop them in the bucket when you
are ready.
If you checked gear at the start of the race, you
will be able to pick it up just north of the finish
line.
Lucid Images (our event photographers) will
have a designated spot in the finish line staging
area to take photos of runners. These photos
are separate from those they will take of runners crossing the finish line and will be made
available FOR FREE!
The finish line will have restrooms and water
as well as a recovery food box, chocolate milk,
and bananas for runners.
There will be water at the finish line, but no
cups. Please use your Hydrapouch or water
bottle to fill up at the finish line.
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SPECTATOR INFORMATION
EXPO INFORMATION
Because the course is mostly off the main road, it
isn’t a very spectator friendly course. Spectators
are welcome at the starting line, and the finish
line.
The expo will be held at the Grand Canyon IMAX
Theater (450 Arizona 64, Tusayan, AZ 86023).
The expo will be small. You can pick up your
bib and gear, but plan to stay and check out our
awesome vendors!
The fire road the course will be on will not technically be closed, but please do not drive on it!
Any cars on the course will cause a lot of dust in
the air and will be a hazard to our runners.
The expo will be from 11:00 AM - 6:00PM (you
can pick up your bib until 7:00 PM). We will
have some great vendors and race merchandise!
Spectators are encouraged to be at the finish line
to cheer on all our runners. Parking will be available at the start line and at the IMAX Theater
parking lot. We should have enough parking to
accommodate everyone, but if you are staying
in Tusayan then please plan on walking to the
finish line. It is a short walk to the finish line
from any of the hotels in town.
We want you to be there to cheer on your runner,
but please recognize that the runner area is for
runners only! Please do not enter the runner area
or partake of runner’s food and recovery supplies.
When you pick up your packet at the expo this
year, we’re encouraging you to Bring Your Own
Bag! To keep in line with our tradition of waste
elimination and conservation of the land, we’re
going completely bag-less at the expo this year!
If you would like to purchase a reusable, foldable
bag, we’ll have them available at our merch store.
Got time to kill? If you find yourself with spare
time while waiting for your runner to finish, grab
breakfast or coffee at RP’s Stage Stop (open at
7:30 am)! RP’s is just down from the finish line.
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PARK INFO
Grand Canyon National Park
All visitors are required to purchase a pass in order to enter Grand Canyon
National Park. Park shuttles will be running.
Private Vehicle:
Per Person:
Annual Pass:
$25 (valid for 7 days)
$12 (valid for 7 days)
$80 (grants entrance to every
National Park in the country)
Seniors over 62 can purchase a lifetime pass for just $10. Active members of the U.S. Military are
eligible for a free pass as well as U.S. citizens with permanent disabilities.
Village Route
Kaibab / Rim Route
Provides transportation between Grand Canyon
Visitor Center, hotels, restaurants, and campgrounds. This is not a scenic route, but canyon
views are a short walk from some stops.
Route stops at five scenic viewpoints, Grand
Canyon Visitor Center and Yavapai Geology
Museum. This route and the morning Hiker’s Express shuttle bus offer the only access to South
Kaibab Trailhead.
50 MINUTES ROUND TRIP
50 MINUTES ROUND TRIP
Buses run every:
• 30 minutes 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.
• 15 minutes 6:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• 30 minutes 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Buses run every:
• 30 minutes 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.
• 15 minutes 6:00 a.m. to one hour after sunset
Hermit Road Route
Tusayan Route
80 MINUTES ROUND TRIP
40 MINUTES ROUND TRIP
Shuttle bus service on Hermit Road provides
transportation between the Village Route Transfer
Station and Hermits Rest (7 miles/ 11 km) with
stops at nine scenic overlooks. The road is closed
to private vehicles.
A “park & ride” shuttle bus service is provided
between the gateway community of Tusayan
and the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor
Center.
Buses run every:
• 30 minutes 4:30–6:30 am
• 15 minutes 6:30 am to sunset
• 30 minutes sunset to an hour after sunset
• Buses will run at 20 minute intervals between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. daily.
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Getting Around Grand Canyon
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Arrows indicate direction of travel
Shuttle bus gate
Picnic area
Paved Rim Trail
Unpaved Rim Trail
Paved Greenway Trail
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Reducing air pollution and taking nearly a half-million vehicles off park roads each year, shuttle buses offer hassle-free transportation.
HERMITS REST RouTE—
RED on MAP ABoVE
VILL AGE RouTE—
BLuE on MAP ABoVE
K AIBAB/RIM RouTE—
oR AnGE on MAP ABoVE
HIKER’S ExPRESS
noT SHoWn on MAP ABoVE
• 80 minutes round-trip
• Nine overlooks
• Toilets at Hopi Point
• Water, snack bar, toilets, and gift
shop at Hermits Rest
• Buses run every:
• 30 minutes 4:30–6:30 am
• 15 minutes 6:30 am to sunset
• 30 minutes sunset to an hour after
sunset
• Visitors should be at a bus stop no
later than 30 minutes after sunset.
• 50-minutes round-trip
• Scenic canyon views are a short walk
from some stops
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center, hotels,
restaurants, campgrounds
• Buses run every:
• 30 minutes 4:30–6 am
• 15 minutes 6 am–8:30 pm
• 30 minutes 8:30–10 pm; visitors
should be at a bus stop no later than
9:30 pm.
• 50-minutes round-trip
• Five viewpoints
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center and
Yavapai Geology Museum.
• Access to South Kaibab Trailhead
• Buses run every:
• 30 minutes 4:30–6 am
• 15 minutes 6 am to one hour after
sunset; visitors should be at a bus
stop no later then 30 minutes after
sunset.
Service to South Kaibab Trailhead. Bus
begins at Bright Angel Lodge, then stops
at Backcountry Information Center,
Grand Canyon Visitor Center, and
South Kaibab Trailhead.
Shuttle Bus FAQ
How do the shuttle buses work?
Running like a city bus system, three
shuttle bus routes stop at shops, visitor
centers, and popular viewpoints
around the South Rim. Just wait at any
bus stop and enjoy the ride.
Will my wheelchair fit on the bus?
Buses are equipped with ramps to
accommodate passengers in
wheelchairs smaller than 30 inches
wide by 48 inches long (76 by 122 cm).
Most motorized scooters will not fit
on buses.
How can I tell the difference between
shuttle bus routes?
All National Park Service shuttle buses
are white and green, but the front of the
bus will show the route color and name.
What are the shuttle bus rules?
1. No eating or open drink containers.
2. No pets. Service animals permitted.
3. Collapse strollers before entering the
bus. No oversized or jogging strollers.
Remove baby-back carriers when
seated.
4. Shuttle buses can accommodate
two or three bicycles, but not
tag alongs, baby trailers, or children's
bicycles with wheels less than 16 inches
(41 cm). Riders must load and unload
their bicycles.
5. Shuttle buses only stop at designated
bus stops.
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Are the shuttle buses free?
Yes, park entrance fees include shuttle
bus transportation.
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• 6 am, 7 am, and 8 am in April
• 5 am, 6 am, and 7 am in May
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Shrine of
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Market Plaza
Westbound
A
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Yavapai Lodge
Market Plaza
Eastbound
To Market Plaza
Chase Bank
one way
one way
Center
Road
Maswik
Lodge
Kennel
Post Office
Canyon Village Market
“General Store”
Village
East
Mule
Barn
C
Train
Depot
Community
Library
Ce
nt
D
Garage
B
Zuni Way
Village
Route
Transfer
er
Camper
Services
Trailer
Village
Mather
Campground
Sage Loop
Campfire
Circle
Ro
ad
North
Backcountry Information Center
0
1000 Feet
300 Meters
RV Parking
To Clinic
To Park Exit
North
0
1000 Feet
300 Meters
To Park Exit
Driving and Parking FAQ
Where can I drive my car?
You can drive anywhere there is a solid
black line on the maps in this Guide.
Yaki Point Road and Hermit Road are
closed to private vehicles; ride the free
shuttle bus to access.
The Scenic Drive Accessibility Permit
allows visitors with mobility issues entry
to some areas closed to public traffic.
This permit is available at entrance
gates, visitor centers, and hotel lobbies.
Where can I park?
All parking lots in Grand Canyon Village
are located near free shuttle bus stops.
• Parkinglots1–4 Grand Canyon
Visitor Center. Lot 1 includes auto,
RV, and trailer parking.
• ParkingLotA Park Headquarters
• ParkingLotB Market Plaza
• ParkingLotC near Center Road in
Grand Canyon Village
• ParkingLotD Backcountry
Information Center. Includes auto
parking in the north end and RV and
trailer parking in the south end.
Where can I learn about road
conditions?
Check at visitor centers or call 938638-7496. Even during spring, snow
and ice present potentially hazardous
driving conditions and can temporarily
close park roads. Please slow down and
drive carefully while exploring Grand
Canyon.
What else do I need to know about
driving?
Do not stop or park along the roadside,
except where signs or lines on the road
indicate it is permissible. Use pull-outs
and overlooks to take pictures and
view wildlife. Please do not block other
people's enjoyment of the park by
stopping in the road or blocking traffic.
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The Guide•Spring20145
SKELETON CLUB
The Skeleton Club is a salute the hardcore among us. We want to reward
anyone who hikes to Skeleton Point after the race. To join the Skeleton Club,
submit a picture of yourself at Skeleton Point within 72 hours of the end of the
race which includes:
1) A clear view of your face
2) Your bib with bib numbers clearly visible
3) Your finisher medal in plain view
Skeleton Point - The trail to Skeleton Point is 3 miles long
(6 round trip) along the South Kaibab Trail. There is parking near the trailhead, but you would be better off taking
the park shuttle to the South Kaibab trail head. There are
restrooms at Cedar Ridge (about half way to Skeleton
Point) but there is no water along the trail. Please pack in
plenty of hydration. Most of the path is sunny with little
shade. This is a good early morning hike, just after the sun
has come up and before the heat sets in. The first 1.5 miles
to Cedar Ridge are fairly steep. After Cedar Ridge it levels
off a little bit into a gradual decline to Skeleton Point.
There is about a 2,000 ft elevation change (almost half of
the total elevation change from rim to river which is
4,860 ft). Be careful of loose footing and avoid standing near the edge. Do not hike the trail when it is
wet, storming, or when high winds are present. Oh, and BRING WATER!
*This hike is challenging and dangerous. People die every year in the canyon. Please take the hike
seriously, and do not act irresponsibly if you decide to attempt the hike. It is not intended to be
accessible to everyone. Also, bring way more water than you think you need.
All runners that join the Skeleton Club will receive 50% OFF next year’s race entry!
After the race there will be a submission form
online where you can upload your photo(s) and
send them to us. We have a hard cutoff of 72
hours! If you don’t get it to us before Tuesday at
11 AM (MST) then we will only give you a virtual
hi-five.
This picture is a submission from last year’s Skeleton Club and is just an example of what yours
should look like (for both the Skeleton Club AND
the Trifecta).
SKELETON CLUB SUBMISSION FORM
www.grandcanyonhalfmarathon.com/skeletonclub
GRAND CANYON TRIFECTA SUBMISSION FORM
www.grandcanyonhalfmarathon.com/gctrifecta
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GRAND CANYON TRIFECTA
The Grand Canyon Trifecta is comprised of 3 different activities. You must complete all 3 in order
to complete the Trifecta. Same rules as the Skeleton Club apply: take your picture at each of the 3
with your bib and finisher medal and send them to us 72 hours after finishing the race. The Trifecta is
meant to be challenging, but less strenuous. These are iconic activities inside the park that should be
experienced, but are doable with children. The 3 activities that makeup the Trifecta are:
1 Ooh Aah Point - Ooh Aah Point is the first
stop on the South Kaibab Trail. This is a short
hike (1.5 miles round-trip) that lets you get
down below the rim and into the canyon a
little bit. Once down you are treated to some
pretty awesome panoramic views. This is
a great spot to catch a sunrise (though not
required to complete the trifecta, extra high
fives if you do). Remember, hiking down is
easy, but hiking back out can be tough.
2 The Watchtower (Desert View Drive) Desert View Drive is a scenic route to the east
of Grand Canyon Village. It follows the rim
for 25 miles out to the Desert View Watchtower and East Entrance. The entire drive has
several developed lookout and picnic spots.
These spots tend to be a little less crowded
but offer some stunning views! Climb to
the top of the tower and look out over the
observation deck and enjoy some more of the
culture and history of the Grand Canyon.
3 Hermit’s Rest - Hermit’s Rest is the last stop along Hermit Road. Hermits Rest is the westernmost
point on the canyon’s south rim that is accessible by paved road. It is a cool historical spot that also
offers a unique view of the canyon. It is not accessible by private vehicles but travelers can take a free
shuttle bus to see the rock building and outpost.
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Make your voice heard to protect this Irreplaceable National Treasure!!
The Grand Canyon is threatened from all sides by people who wish to profit from its magnificence,
sheer beauty, and cultural relevance. Help us speak out for the canyon, and demand protections
for this amazing place.
The Grand Canyon is an Irreplaceable National Treasure. As one of our nation’s most iconic National
Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, people
from around the globe travel the world to experience this amazing landscape and expect the park to
be one of the most protected parcels of real estate in the country – but in fact it is not. There are three
significant threats to the experience and health of the Grand Canyon, and the Colorado River itself.
1-COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION - On the East Rim,
an approximately 2-million square foot resort
complex is proposed, along with another, smaller
construction project near river level below the
East Rim. These two project areas would be
connected by a gondola system that could ferry
up to 10,000 people per day from the rim down
to river level. This development would irreparably damage the experience of the Grand Canyon,
both from above the rim as well as at river level,
not to mention the crowds, trash, and sewage
that would need to be dealt with literally feet
from the Colorado River.
www.AmericanRivers.org/GrandCanyon
American Rivers
@AmericanRivers
#WeAreGrand
“Leave it as it is.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
2-GROUNDWATER DRILLING - The second project
is a proposed expansion of groundwater drilling
and extraction on the South Rim, where foreign
investors are proposing a dramatic expansion of
the village of Tusayan. The increased requirements for water to support the expanded town
could have direct impacts on the water supply
within the canyon itself, and potentially some of
the features (seeps, springs, waterfalls) that eventually flow to the river.
3-URANIUM MINING -Lastly, an increase in uranium mining activity on the north and south rims
of the park could increase the likelihood of air
and water contamination from radioactive mining activity around the park again.
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Pre-Race
DINNER HOSTS
We have three dinner hosts this year, each offering a discount for our runners and their entire party!
All a party needs to do is have their runner show their bib to get the discount (does not include
drinks). These are some of the best spots to eat while you’re in Tusayan. Expect these places to be busy,
so try to plan accordingly (call ahead and check availability and wait times) and maybe have a backup
plan in case they’re full.
Big E Steakhouse & Saloon (10% off) - Steak, fish,
chicken, pasta, salads, there is something for everybody at the Big E Steakhouse & Saloon. This restaurant is fairly family friendly and includes a kids menu.
Big E often has live entertainment!
365 State Highway 64, Tusayan, AZ
(928) 638-0333 · bigesteakhouse.com
Plaza Bonita (15% off) - Plaza Bonita is a family
friendly restaurant with fresh Mexican cuisine! They
stay open a little later and have a happy hour 3pm to
6pm daily. From burritos to salads all the way down
to deep fried ice cream, this place has a variety of
wonderful options.
352 State Highway 64, Tusayan, AZ
(928) 638-8900 · casabonitaaz.com
RP’s Stage Shop (10% off) - RP’s offers specialty
coffees, smoothies, pastries, sandwiches and salads
to satisfy any appetite. Their gift shop features Grand
Canyon souvenirs and a diverse selection of original
handmade Native American jewelry not found anywhere else.
400 State Highway 64, Tusayan, AZ
(928) 638-3115 · rpstagestop.com
Food Tips - There is a small market in town, but if you are planning to buy and prepare your own food
your options are a little limited (and expensive). If you are coming from the south I would recommend
stopping in Flagstaff, which has anything you might need. Purchase some snacks and food for your
weekend here and bring them with you.
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We will be making a slide show video using all the pictures YOU post! Be sure to follow us and use the
official race hashtag #GChalf
We will be giving out prizes from our store (t-shirts and other merchandise)
to our favorite photos.
Look for places to take a picture at the expo, volunteering, on the course, at the finish line, exploring
the park, having a recovery meal/drink, celebrating with friends, camping, driving to or from the
race... we want to share the weekend with you!
@VACATIONRACES
#GCHALF
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44States
8Countries
UNITED STATES | CANADA | BRAZIL | DENMARK |
UNITED KINGDOM | IRELAND | MEXICO | NETHERLANDS
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TEAMS
#AZstrong | #SwiftLees | Baby Got Track | Fit Trip Miami |Happy Feet | High Desert Runners | Pretty Ladies | Rad in Plaid |
Red Hot Chili Steppers | Slap n Tickle | Surprise Awesome Sauce | Team RWB | Team RWB El Paso | Texaz | The Guardians |
Will Run For Food
Age Divisions
BOYS/MEN
<11 12-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75<
2
3
5
15
49
61
51
61
49
42
26
10
3
1
1
GIRLS/WOMEN
<11 12-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-74 75<
1
1
9
43
117
177
215
148
102
75
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19
12
-
All runners will receive a finisher medal. Place medals will be given to the top 5 male and female runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group. Additionally, the top 5 in each age group and the top 5
teams will also receive a place medal.
*If you qualify for a place medal but are not present at the awards ceremony to receive it we will happily ship it to you. Go to our website and request your medal and pay the cost of shipping (about $8).
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-
There are 84 million acres
of cherished landscapes,
ecosystems, and historic sites
in America’s over 400 national
parks – and they all belong to
you. From Yellowstone to the
Grand Canyon, Gettysburg
to Golden Gate, our national
parks would not exist without
the dedication, foresight,
and generosity of Americans
throughout history.
M ar id av/S h utte rstoc k
This is your land. Join us.
nationalparks.org
Make your next national park experience
unforgettable. Download the National Park
Foundation’s FREE Owner’s Guide and
more at nationalparks.org/ownersguide.
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RACE DAY CHECK LIST
PRE-RACE
X
Train
RACE DAY
Bib and timing chip
Directions to hotel/campsite
Cup Free Hydration (Hydrapouch, hand
held, water bottle, pack, etc.)
Directions to race expo
Running Shoes
Directions to race start/finish
Socks
Photo ID
Sunglasses
Valid Military ID (if you registered with a
Military Discount)
Hat/Visor
Study the race course
Recovery plan
Enjoy the park!
POST-RACE INFORMATION
COMPETITOR RESPONSIBILITIES
RACE PHOTOGRAPHY
• Be courteous to other runners. Practice good
etiquette.
• Headphones are allowed on the course, though
we encourage you to enjoy the peaceful sounds
of nature and make friends with other runners.
Do not play your music without headphones for all
to hear.
• Each runner will receive a timing chip. This
timing chip should be securely attached to your
shoe and should be returned after the race.
NO CHIP = NO TIME.
• Food is not for spectators. Please be courteous
and limit yourself to one recovery box, one
banana, and one chocolate milk. Thank you!
• Lucid Images will be taking photos at the start
line, on the course, and at the finish line.
• To be sure you can find your picture later, wear
your bib with the numbers clearly visible at all
times. If the photographers cannot identify you
by your bib then your photo will end up in an
“unidentified runner” folder on their website.
• Photos are usually available on Lucid Images
website the Wednesday or Thursday following
the race. We will send out an email to notify all
runners and post it on Facebook
• Smile!
LOST & FOUND
• Results will be available later the morning of
the race. We will post them on Facebook and also
send them in a post-race email the day or two
after the race. They will also be available on our
website.
• There is no official lost & found. If we find
lost items we will hold onto them and you can
contact us at info@vacationraces.com
• There will be gear check at the start line.
• There will be a bin to dump extra clothing at
mile 3. Anything found littered on the course
elsewhere will be considered trash and either
thrown away or donated.
MEDICAL TENT
• The medical tent at the finish line is for athletes
only; family members are not allowed. Overcrowding in the medical tent prevents medical
staff from doing their job. For information on an
athlete receiving medical attention please wait
outside the tent for updates.
RACE RESULTS
POST-RACE SURVEY
• Within a week of race day we will be sending
out a post-race survey. We would really appreciate it if you took the 5-10 minutes to complete
the survey for us. The survey provides us with
information that allows us to better work with
the local community and gain more support for
future races, but more importantly it provides us
with valuable insight into what we are doing well
and what we need to improve. We love our runners and couldn’t improve our race series without
your feedback. Please watch for the email.
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BIB DETAILS
Indicates if you are Military
Skeleton Club Member
Your bib number.
Team name (if you’re on a team)
Your race shirt size
Indicates if you requested a
Hydrapouch when registering.
Turn this in at the start line race morning.
We will have a raffle from 5:30-6:30 AM
CUP-FREE RACING
Having our races so close to the national parks, unnecessary waste and trash is something we are
strongly against. We are dedicated to maintaining a clean race and preserving the beauty of the area
we run in. There is nothing that will ruin a view more than seeing a piece a trash in plain view from a
breathtaking landscape.
That being said, one of the most important things in a half marathon is ensuring that aid stations
are plentiful and efficient. Hydration will make or break a race. What we do is offer a Hydrapouch
for every runner that indicated they wanted one as part of their registration. Other options include
running with a water bottle, fuel belt, camelbak or other hydration backpack, etc. Every runner prefers
something different. Just make sure you have some way to stay hydrated!
Although we don’t have cups on the course, we have plenty of aid stations with water and Nuun! At all aid stations
we will have blue coolers with water and red coolers with
Nuun (electrolyte drink). Both will have the same speed
valves attached. So at each aid station you will have your
choice of water or Nuun.
At some places, the water will be hooked up to a system
like the one pictured on the left. Each of these pipes will
provide water from the several speed valves we have
attached. Feel free to practice at the expo!
There will be water at the finish line but no cups!
The aid station will have a few cups in case of an
emergency, do not plan on using them. Also, under no
circumstances should you put your head under the valve
to get a drink. Not only does this waste water, it is pretty
inconsiderate of other runners.
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RACE PHOTOGRAPHY
from Lucid Images
PHOTOS ON COURSE
• Lucid Images will be taking photos at the start
line, on the course, and at the finish line. They
will be at the expo so be sure to stop by and say
hello!
• To be sure you can find your picture later, wear
your bib with the numbers clearly visible at all
times. If the photographers cannot identify you
by your bib then your photo will end up in an
“unidentified runner” folder on their website.
• Photos are usually available on Lucid Images
website the Wednesday or Thursday following
the race. We will send out an email to notify all
runners and post it on Facebook
• Smile!
• As a heads up to runners, there will be signs on
the course to let runners know they are coming
up on photographers. Ya know, just in case you
wanted to freshen up your makeup or pick up the
pace or otherwise pose for the photo :)
FREE PHOTO
• In addition to photos of runners on the course
and crossing the finish line, Lucid Images will
have a designated area near the awards ceremony stage where runners can pose for a finsher
photo. This photo will be made available FOR
FREE to runners!
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TIMING SPECIFICS
What to do with your shoe chip
BEFORE THE RACE
TIMING
AFTER THE RACE
top spots you will need to line up at the front of
the line. All age divisions and team awards will
be based on chip time. The first mile of the trail
is about 10 ft wide. If you are standing towards
the back, it may be a few minutes before you
cross the start line. Your time does not officially
start until you cross the starting line (unless you
are competing for an overall top finisher spot),
so please be courteous to others as we start the
• You will receive your shoe chip with your bib.
• Follow the image by image instructions above
and zip-tie the timing chip to your shoe on race
morning.
• NO CHIP = NO TIME!
• All timing chips must be returned after the
race.
• We will have buckets along with clippers to
remove the timing chip from your shoe all over
the finish area (near the food, before you leave
the runners area, before you enter the parking
lot, etc.)
• Please remove the chip from your shoe and
drop it in one of the buckets. This will be selfserve. Please do it as soon as you’ve got your legs
and feel comfortable to do so (but before you
leave the race and go back to your hotel!).
All masters and overall awards will be based
on gun time. If you plan to compete for these
-Fashion Friendly
-The Hip/Waist Wrap’s Patent Approved Design With
Zipper on the Side
-Two Seven Inch Pockets For All Your Needy Items
-Wraps are made of spandex/micropoly fabric
-Fashionable colors/patterns/sizes
-Comfortable and Durable
-Mix and Match to color coordinate with your wardrobe!
100% American Made! Shop at our online store.
http://www.stylishfashionwraps.com
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Training Camps, Running
Vacations, Endurance
Coaching & Mental Training
One of top 10 adult running camps in the USA Daily Burn, March 2015
A once-in-a-lifetime fitness retreat for women Shape Magazine, March 2015
Use code VR1002015 to save $100 on women's camps
& code VR50Trail2015 to save $50 on our trail camps!
Women's Running Camps - May, July, & September
Trail Running Camps - May & September
Running Vacations - all year round!
Official Training Partner for Vacation Races!
Details at Vacation Races Training Blog on our website - sign up for our free training programs
Contact Camp Director Terry Chiplin for any questions on our camps, coaching,
and training! terry@activeataltitude.com
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www.activeataltitude.com
/ 303-304-9159
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Promo code valid at shop.nuun.com through 12/31/15.
Some items cannot be discounted.
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Details on website
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SHOP LOCAL
Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters |
34
12 E Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
35
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Asheville Marathon (Full and Half) - March 13 and 14, 2016
Use Code: 10%APPALACHIANDISTANCESERIES
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Secret City Half Marathon - November 21, 2015 -- Use Code: SECRETDISCOUNT10
National Fitness Center -Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Series Prizes for Racers who complete
all events in 12 month period.
(free registration for series36required at series website)
Grand Canyon National Park
POINTS OF INTEREST
3
4
2
0
1
1
FINISH LINE / EXPO
2 DESERT VIEW TOWER
3 SOUTH KAIBAB TRAILHEAD (TO OOH AAH POINT AND SKELETON POINT)
4 HERMIT’S REST
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Steakhouse & Saloon
The Canyon Star Steakhouse & Saloon is located inside the
lobby of the premier
inMaster
Tusayan
- The Grand Hotel at
Canyon hotel
Star Logo
Art (3 color)
logo canyon: PMS 4635C (solid coated)
the Grand Canyon.
We serve up the best Southwestern fare
logo star: PMS 266C (solid coated)
Type: Black nightly, and feature 19 beers on tap
with live entertainment
and live sports on big screen TVs in the Saloon.
The Canyon Star Steakhouse & Saloon
Highway 64 in Tusayan | 1-928-638-3333
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GRAND CANYON HALF MARATHON
MAY 9, 2015
www.grandcanyonhalfmarathon.com
#GChalf
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