Test The Watters

09/16/2020

Dear Test The Watters runners, followers, and fans:

While we're still 55 days away from our Nov. 7 Test The Watters Trail Run, it's become increasingly clear over the past few weeks that we'll not be able to hold this race due to the State Park's coronavirus event size restrictions (currently 25 people max, including event staff). There's no relaxation of this limit in sight as our State COVID19 numbers continue to rise.

I know this is a big disappointment to all. Runners have been training hard and our Event Staff has worked over the past year to expand the race, build a new ultra-distance course, and develop a new 501c3 non-profit. As a fellow ultrarunner who enjoys the thrill of racing, it's been a major bummer to watch event after event get cancelled in 2020.

NOT ALL IS LOST! To lessen the sting a bit, I would like to offer runners a chance (and challenge) to continue in a ‘virtual’ format. Life is better when you have a Big Goal in front of us. Perhaps keeping this Virtual Race on the schedule can even provide some much needed covid-coping.

Here’s how things would work:

· If you have already registered, you should have received details about the 30 Sep deadline to request a refund.

· The 50K/25K registration fee will be reduced to $40, which will cover the cost of the T-Shirt (plus shipping) plus a $20 donation that will be directed to United Way. 10K/5K race entry fee will remain the same.

· After 30 Sep you’re committed! There will be no further refunds after that date for any reasons.

· The Virtual Run: you will need to pick your own route and complete your 50K/25K distance over the weekend of 7-8 Nov. You’re also free to run the course at Watters Smith State Park. The Park will be open that weekend and the course will be well marked, including the start/finish lines. The course passes by the parking lot so you can use your vehicle as an aid station.

· There will be a self-reporting feature for your time on the Ultrasignup site (I will email more details about a week out). Once you complete that it will trigger me to send out your finishers t-shirt. Remember – everything about this virtual race is ‘unofficial’. Your time may mean something personal to you, so it will be in the records for posterity’s sake. However, we will not assign places (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and the results will clearly state this run was held in a virtual format.

· Lastly, if you chose to go the virtual path, remember that you do so on your own and at your own risk. Just have a great time with your running partners, challenge yourself for a new goal/PR, and walk away with a small victory and some good memories

Thank you for everyone's support and patience, and let's plan on doing the 'real' version in 2021!

Tom Rhine
Race Director

07/11/2020

Second, Mark Bonamico of Bonamico Construction has been a big supporter of our events for the past several years. Mark is not only a faithful community member, he uses his influence to find solutions for homelessness, substance abuse, and better education for our kids. He offers employment opportunities for those in recovery, and plays an important role in helping small business take hold in our community.

Thank you again for being a true 'Live United' role model!

07/11/2020

A big shout out to two local companies who've been big supporters of United Way of the years.

First, Matt Jenkins of Jenkins Subaru-Hyundai, a former United Way Board Member, has made 'community impact' a central part of his business model. Every year his 'Share the Love' campaign raises many thousands of dollars for local causes. (Also, as an owner of two Subarus I can attest to their excellent quality!)

07/11/2020

For those reflecting on my last post and the decision to move the race to Nov. 7, here's the WV 5-day avg for new cases, complements of Jon Griffith of Bridgeport WV. Our Event Team is totally dedicated to making this a SAFE race.

There is significant planning involved to ensure we have every risk identified and accounted for as per WV State, CDC, USATF, and local public health guidelines. All Event Staff, participants, and spectators must pass screening (questionnaire) and temp check upon arrival at the Park. More detailed instructions and safety protocols will be posted here and on our website in the weeks leading up to the race.

2020 is a crazy year, but if we hang together we can overcome and learn to 'Live United'. Take care!

07/11/2020

*** Important Update ***

Due to the recent, sudden rise in new COVID19 cases, we've decided to push the race out to November 7. Please check out our website at www.testthewatters.com for more details. Registration for all races remains open at www.ultrasignup.com.

For those following the daily increases, in just 4 weeks our new daily cases have gone from a 7-day avg of 17 to 125. WV is now home to the highest R factor in the country, indicating we have an aggressive spread rate at this time. Hopefully we'll get this under control over the next few month and hold this awesome race! Nov. 7 is the last available weekend in 2020 to use the Park, and if gathering restrictions remain we will need to cancel.

If you've already signed up you should have received a notification email earlier today. Remember, if the race is cancelled we will issue refunds (minus any admin fee from Ultrasignup.com).

Please stay safe out there and do your part to beat back this virus!!!

thank you

Tom Rhine
Race Director

06/19/2020

Our Event Team is highly committed to making this the safest event possible. We have four medical professionals on our Team who are experienced in screening and social distancing measures. All participants and spectators will be screened (including temperature checks) at the West park entrance before being allowing into the start/finish area at the East entrance. In the weeks leading up to the race, we will be posting and sending via email detailed safety guidance, including the screening protocols. Please pay close attention to the screening questions and be sure you can 'pass' before leaving home. For more information on our safety protocols, please visit

Test The Watters Trail Run offers 50K/25K/10K/5K race options in the gorgeous Watters Smith Memorial State Park in Lost Creek, West Virginia. The park is home to some of the North Central WV's top single track trails for running and mountain biking. Race date: August 22, 2020.

06/19/2020

COVID19 Update - TOTAL PARTICIPANTS CAPPED AT 90: North Central WV has maintained a relatively low positive test rate over the past 4 months, and the State is gradually progressing through its conservative re-opening plan. Currently we are permitted to have events up to 100 people (including staff), with social distance restrictions. We are not anticipating an increase in this number, so we are having to cap this year's participants at 90 (all four races combined).

Since this is our inaugural year with the 25K/50K distances, we are giving preference to these races. To do so, we will close registration on 15 August for 25K/50K, and online registration for the 5K/10K will close 19 August. Same-day registration will still be available for the 5K/10K, ONLY if slots are available! If you are considering any of these races, please do not wait until the last minute! If the race is cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, registration fees will be refunded (minus an admin fee).

Test The Watters Trail Run offers 50K/25K/10K/5K race options in the gorgeous Watters Smith Memorial State Park in Lost Creek, West Virginia. The park is home to some of the North Central WV's top single track trails for running and mountain biking. Race date: August 22, 2020.

05/29/2020

Premier Bank has been a great supporter and major sponsor of Test The Watters from the beginning. They're on board again this year as our Major Sponsor. All event proceeds benefit United Way of Harrison County. Thank you Michael Malfregeot and Jason Turner for your work in the community and your 'Living United' leadership!

05/29/2020

Pleased to announce we're teaming up with Endurance Headquarters this year as our hydration supplier (Endure Fuel). Check out https://enduranceheadquarters.com/ehq-home to learn more about their products. Thank you Mark Sutyak for both your innovation and inspiration!

05/29/2020

Here are the revised 25K and 50K course and profile maps. Check out www.testthewatters.com for the .pdf files and more course details.

05/28/2020

05/28/2020

Hello runners and lovers of Watters Smith State Park -

I wanted to provide an update on our local COVID19 situation and the outlook for the race. The short version is "we're still a go". West Virginia took some early and aggressive steps to curb the spread, and it appears that strategy is paying off as confirmed cases have remained relatively low, and we've had very few new cases here locally over the past month. State Parks are beginning to loosen restrictions and allow smaller gatherings, but I'm hearing the larger events remain on hold until the phased 're-opening' plan is deemed effective. Hopefully if all continues to go well we'll be in the clear by mid-Summer.

If the race does get cancelled, rest assured we will refund your online registration minus any administrative fees incurred through the Ultrasignup hosting site.

Our Course Team has been working hard on a new, virgin section of single track trail. This is some of the nicest trail dirt I’ve seen over the years! Dark, loamy, packed soil …. winding through verdant forests...a trail runners dream lol. I'll be posting the new 25K/50K course map in the next few days so stay tuned. If you're a local runner and would like to run any of the courses, I’d recommend you print out the map and take it with you.

Keep training, stay safe, and feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you in August!