Race Instructions - Race To The Top Of Vermont

RACE INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
WELCOME TO THE NORTH FACE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT
AND MVP HEALTH CARE RUN FOR FUN
Thank you for registering for the North Face Race To The Top Of Vermont and for supporting the Catamount Trail Association.
This is our largest fundraiser of the year and we are very appreciative of your participation and hope that you have an amazing
day! In an effort to help ensure that your day moves along with as few hitches as possible we compiled a list of instructions and
tips. There are a few changes this year, so please read through the information below - before you arrive - so you’re prepared
for the amazing day we have planned. Thanks!
NOTICE: This year we are unable to use the Midway Mountain Lodge due to construction. Packet Pickup & Late
Registration will take place at the Toll House Conference Center located at the base of the Toll Road, and the
MVP Health Care Run For Run, BBQ, Awards, and Raffle will all take place at the Rusty Nail in the town of Stowe.
RACE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Saturday, August 23
4:00-6:00pm
Packet Pickup & Late Registration at the Toll House Conference Center located at
the base of the Toll Road.
Sunday, August 24 - RACE DAY
7:30-8:30am Packet Pickup & Late Registration at the Toll House Conference Center located at
the base of the Toll Road.
8:30-9:30am
Pre-registered Packet Pickup, NO LATE REGISTRATION
9:00am
RUN/HIKE START
10:00am
BIKE START
11:30am
BBQ @ Rusty Nail
9:30-11:45am Registration for the MVP Health Care Run For Fun @ Rusty Nail
12:00pm
START MVP Health Care Run For Fun @ Rusty Nail
12:30pm
Awards and Raffle @ Rusty Nail (see award schedule pg 4)
2:00pm
Estimated Finish Time
THE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THESE GENEROUS SPONSORS:
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NORTH FACE RACE TO THE TOP OF VT - USEFUL INFORMATION
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LATE REGISTRATION AND BIB PICKUP
All late registration will take place at the Toll House Conference Center at Stowe Mountain Resort located directly across from
the base of the Toll Road. Follow signs on Route 108 (mountain road) to registration. On Saturday feel free to park in front of
the conference center. On Sunday you will be required to park at the Mt. Mansfield Nordic Center and then walk – 5 to 10 min – up to the conference center and starting area.
If there is space left… there will be no late registrations after 8:30am. So, please arrive early if you are planning on
registering the day of the race.
RACE DAY PARKING
All competitors and spectators must park at the Mt Mansfield Nordic Center parking area located 1/3 mile below the start
of the race on route 108 (mountain road). Signs will direct you to this site. Please give yourself 5-10 minutes to walk from the
parking area to the race start. Please walk single file on left hand side of traffic cones on Route 108 (mountain road) to start
area.
WARM UP CLOTHING FOR THE SUMMIT
There is no protection from the elements at the summit parking lot (finish area), and temperatures may be as much as 20
degrees cooler than the start area. Hikers may want to consider carrying a water bottle and waterproof jacket with them for
protection, while runners and bikers can send stuff ahead. An official vehicle will transport additional warm up clothing to the
summit finish area 15 minutes prior to each start. We will provide clear trash bags and tags for your gear… or you can provide
your own bag.
ELECTRONIC TIMING AND BIB PLACEMENT
This year the race will be chip timed using RFID tags on the bibs and under-seat bicycle flags. The antennas in these devices
can be very delicate. Please do not bend, fold, or crumple your bibs or bike tags as you may damage the device.
Runners... Pin bib number on front of shirt or front of right leg. Bikers... You will receive a timing flag that wraps around your
seat post. You will also receive helmet number stickers. DO NOT BEND, FOLD, or CRUMPLE!
DOGS, HEADPHONES, AND TREKKING POLES
Dogs, Headphones, and Trekking Poles will not be allowed during the Run or Mountain Bike competition. Hikers may have
dogs (on leash at all times) and poles for walking. Emergency vehicles may approach from behind at anytime and you need to
be able to hear them coming.
WATER & AID STATIONS
There will be a single water stop on the course roughly 2.3 miles up the Toll Road, and water at the finish. We urge everyone
to put an extra water bottle and some food or a snack in your warm-up kit which will be shuttled to the top.
Please use water only for drinking… not for bathing.
This year we will be working with the Vermont Peanut Butter Company & Squirrel Nut Stash to provide a few small treats
at the summit to help stave off your hunger until you can make it to the Rusty Nail for the BBQ. If you feel like you will need
something a little more substantial after the race, please pack that something extra in your summit warm-up kit.
THE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THESE GENEROUS SPONSORS:
NORTH FACE RACE TO THE TOP OF VT - USEFUL INFORMATION
GETTING BACK DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
Runners & Hikers
The expectation is that all runners and hikers will return to the base of the mountain under their own power by walking or
running down the Toll Road. There will be very limited transportation down the mountain after all racers have finished. We
have two shuttles returning to the base of the mountain at approximately 11:45am (subject to change based on race delays).
When running or hiking down the mountain please be aware of mountain bikers coming up the course and please stay
out of their way. Uphill travelers have the right-of-way. Be especially mindful on some of the steep switchbacks and
please do not interrupt the mountain bikers progress.
Mountain Bikers
Mountain bikers will be allowed to ride down the mountain single file behind the official lead mountain bike pacer in an
orange vest. It is imperative that you stay to the right hand side of the Toll Road to avoid interfering with the uphill racers. A
mountain bike pacer will leave the summit every 20 minutes. Anyone who does not stay behind lead bike pacer is subject to
disqualification. PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DOWN THE MOUNTAIN
Due to a lack of space in the summit parking lots, only 25 personal vehicles will be allowed up the mountain. To be allowed
to drive up the mountain, drivers must acquire an Auto Pass. There are two ways to acquire said pass. You can collect 3 or
more auto pass stubs from race participants (the stub will be attached to their bib), or a driver can pay $25.00.
The Auto Passes will be sold at the Toll Road Gate House next to the starting line. Vehicles will be allowed to drive up the
mountain between 8:00-8:45am. The gate will close at 8:45am sharp and no other vehicles will be allowed to ascend the Toll
Road. All support vehicles must go directly to Summit Parking Lot B or the Finish Area Parking Lot A prior to the start of the
race (lot indicated on pass). All vehicles must wait until every participant has finished the course before descending. Typically,
vehicles can begin descending between 11:45-12:00pm, however this is dependent upon many factors and is subject to
change.
THE SUMMIT, SUMMIT PARKING LOT AND SURROUNDING AREA
The summit area of Mt Mansfield is the home to many species of Arctic vegetation, which are very fragile and susceptible to
disturbance. Please respect this precious resource and stay off any and all vegetation. Please walk only on designated trails.
BBQ / AWARDS / RAFFLE
Overall and age category awards will begin at 12:30 and will be followed by our raffle. During the raffle participants must be
present to win. Each participant will receive one raffle ticket at registration. However, everyone may purchase additional raffle
tickets to increase their chances of winning. Additional tickets will cost... 2 for $5, 5 for $10, or 15 for $20. Anyone present
may purchase additional raffle tickets. Also, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the
post race activities at the Rusty Nail.
FOLLOW US ON THE FACEBOOK ---> WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RACETOTHETOPOFVERMONT
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE RACE AND VIEW OTHERS ON INSTAGRAM ---> #RACETOTHETOPVT
COME TWITTER WITH US ---> @RACETOTHETOPVT
THE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THESE GENEROUS SPONSORS:
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NORTH FACE RACE TO THE TOP OF VT - USEFUL INFORMATION
AWARDS/ RAFFLE SCHEDULE
The awards ceremony will start around 12:30 directly after the MVP Health Care Fun Run. It will be held inside the Rusty Nail
on the stage. The raffle will take place directly after the awards. In an effort to help you schedule your time more efficiently
we’ve provided a detailed schedule of the awards ceremony below.
Jim Fredericks Award Presentation
The Jim Fredericks Award goes to the fastest man and the fastest woman of the day. It doesn’t matter if you run or bike. The
only thing that matters is who made it to the top first.
Overall Finisher Awards
We will announce the top 3 men and women finishers in both the run and bike categories. These are cash awards.
3 Person Team Awards
We will announce the top performing 3-person men’s and women’s teams in each category.
Clydesdale & Athena Awards
We will announce the top performing clydesdale and athena competitors in each category
Sterling College Junior Skyrunner Awards
These awards are made possible by Sterling College in Craftsbury, VT. We will be honoring all of our 14 and under
competitors that participated in either the bike or run up Mt Mansfield. It’s a significant accomplishment and we will be
honoring everyone in this category by bringing them up on the stage and presenting them all with a special award.
Age Category Awards
We will announce the top 3 finishers in each category for both genders... starting with ages 15-19 and moving on to 20-29,
30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. For example we will do ages 15-19... men’s run, men’s bike, women’s run, women’s bike...
and then move onto the next age category.
Race Raffle
After the age category awards we will be raffling off all of the great prizes our generous sponsors have provided. Individuals
must be present to win. Please have your tickets ready as we are going to be moving quickly!
NOTICE: The awards and raffle process is long and we will do everything we can to make sure it moves along as fast and
efficiently as possible. During the awards please listen for your name and, if called, move quickly up onto the stage to
collect your prize and have your picture taken. During the raffle have your tickets ready and if called... let us know with
a hoot or a hollar so that we can keep things rolling. This is a long process... there is no way around that. But this year
we hope it’s a little more bearable.
THANK YOU EVERYONE! DON’T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT YEAR...
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015
FOLLOW US ON THE FACEBOOK ---> WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RACETOTHETOPOFVERMONT
SHARE YOUR FAVORITE MOMENTS FROM THE RACE AND VIEW OTHERS ON INSTAGRAM ---> #RACETOTHETOPVT
COME TWITTER WITH US ---> @RACETOTHETOPVT
THE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THESE GENEROUS SPONSORS:
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NORTH FACE RACE TO THE TOP OF VT - USEFUL INFORMATION
PARKING DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION
This year with our move to the Rusty Nail for our post race activities parking is definitely a concern. At the mountain we have
always had plenty of space, but this year things will be a little tighter. We are requesting that race participants carpool as much as
possibly to reduce congestion in the Rusty Nail parking areas after the race.
Everything that happens before the race (check-in/packet pickup, tech shirts, race day registration, etc...) happens at the Toll
Road/Toll House. Everything that happens after the race (BBQ/MVP Fun Run/Awards/Raffle) happens at the Rusty Nail. There is
no reason for anyone to go to the Rusty Nail until after the race.
CHECK-IN & RACE DAY PARKING
Saturday Check-In
Saturday Check-In will take place at the Toll House Conference Center which is located at the base of the Toll Road in the
same area as the race starting line. On Saturday you will be allowed to park in this lot, or across the road in the dirt lot.
Race Day (Sunday) Check-In & Race Parking
On Race Day all participants must park at the Mt Mansfield Nordic Center located slightly south of the Toll Road/Toll House
on 108 (~1/3 mile). From here you will walk a designated route along 108 to the starting and check-in area. Please give
yourself 5-10 minutes to make the walk and make sure to bring anything you may need for the race with you.
POST RACE PARKING FOR EVENTS AT THE RUSTY NAIL
Rusty Nail
Parking at the Rusty Nail will be limited. Please carpool and fill your car as much as possible to help reduce congestion in the
Rusty Nail parking areas.
West Branch Gallery
We have made arrangements to use most of the space typically reserved for gallery patrons on race day. However, there will
still be a handful of spaces reserved for their use. Please respect these areas.
Sushi Yoshi
We have also arranged to use the Sushi Yoshi parking area which is next door to the Rusty Nail. Feel free to park here, but
please stay off the grass and only park in desginated spots.
Mayo Field Overflow Parking
We have also reserved one of the Mayo Rec Fields off of Weeks Hill Road. This area is located about 3/4 mile from the Rusty
Nail and should provide plenty of space for vehicles we cannot accommodate at the other areas. You can walk on the Stowe
Rec Path to get from Mayo Field to the Rusty Nail, or utilize the sidewalk along 108 (slightly shorter).
Other Parking
We are currently talking with a couple of other property owners that may have additional parking space nearer the Rusty Nail.
Currently we are waiting on the weather. These areas are grass covered and we are worried about damaging the terrain if the
ground is too soft or too wet. The property owners will make the call closer to the day of the race. Please stay tuned for more
information...
THE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THESE GENEROUS SPONSORS:
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NORTH FACE RACE TO THE TOP OF VT - USEFUL INFORMATION
PARKING DIRECTIONS AND INFORMATION
THE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THESE GENEROUS SPONSORS:
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NORTH FACE RACE TO THE TOP OF VT - USEFUL INFORMATION
MVP HEALTH CARE RUN FOR FUN
Parents... Here is some important information concerning the MVP Health Care Run For Fun:
Check-in & Registration
On Sunday, August 25th at the Rusty Nail in Stowe parents and children can check-in and/or register for the MVP Health
Care Run For Fun. The cost is $10 and registration at the Rusty Nail will be open from 8:30am until 11:30am.
MVP Fun Run Start Time
The run officially starts at 12:00pm. However, we will start to gather at the starting line 10-15 minutes before the start for
some stretching and warm up exercises. At 12pm kids ages 4-7 will start, followed by kids ages 8-11 one minute later,
and kids ages 12-14 one minute after that. Everyone should be on the course by 12:04pm.
Course
This year the MVP Health Care Run For Fun course will start in front of the Rusty Nail in Stowe and will head west along
the Stowe Rec Path for ~1/2 kilometer. The course will cross a bridge over a river before looping around in a large grass
field in front of the Phoenix Table & Bar. The kids will then return along the rec path and finish where they started. The
course this year is ~1k in length and everyone will do (1) lap. The MVP Health Care Run For Fun is not timed.
Prizes & Goodies
Every participant will receive a custom MVP Health Care Run For Fun finisher medal and raffle ticket. During registration
we will also be giving out previous year’s Race To The Top Tech Shirts. The shirts are first come first serve and we cannot
guarantee sizes, colors, or availability. Shirt are for the participating child. Sorry... but they are not for parents or siblings.
Spectators
Parents with children between the ages 4-7 are allowed to accompany their children during the run. The course is very
spectator friendly and there will be hundreds of participants from The North Face Race to the Top of Vermont cheering
the young racers along the course.
BBQ Tickets
BBQ tickets are not included in this event. Tickets must be ordered by August 20 by visiting the Race Website, clicking
on one of our registration buttons, and then choosing the Extra BBQ Ticket Option. BBQ tickets are $10.00.
THE RACE TO THE TOP OF VERMONT IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THESE GENEROUS SPONSORS:
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