04/11/2022
Got your "final" race info for 2022 right here. Runners should read the long final instructions with links below. Here is a short summary:
By Wednesday, 8 pm:
Fill out the runner confirmation form
Don’t forget on race day
your aid drop or food/drink for the aid table (assignments below)
- course maps
- drop bag clearly labeled with your name (strongly suggested!)
-contribution for the trailside museum (encouraged)
----------2022 "Final" instructions-----
Greetings DRB Runners!
It’s time! “Final” DRB instructions. (Start lists to be sent in a separate email in a couple minutes)
Sorry these are so long… I tend to be a detail person. Please read (at least scan) everything including #13- there are several things you must do to run. Slower runners need to be aware of cutoffs or aid station closing. If there is something missing let me know and I can make this briefing even longer next year. The race website has all the info as well.
1) Drops before the race: email me as soon as you can. At this point I will expect you to contribute to the Trailside Museum to get back on a start list for a future year.
2) Runner tracking during the race / Emergencies: Check in before the race and at the aid station each time you visit. If you drop during the race, report this to the volunteer at the aid station. I will send out phone contacts for emergencies via email this week and you will get a sticker with the numbers when you check in. You are encouraged to carry a phone with these contact numbers. 50-milers see special instructions in #9 & #10 below!
3) Check-in: Please fill out this emergency info Google form ASAP, deadline by Wed (April 13) midnight to expedite check-in. Arrive early with your waiver to check in and verify all information. Here is the link for the form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/13QYTWKYZxTD9-gTnasVFrNVgZ5mnSkr5rFrcIKWN_GU/viewform
Don’t be late: there will be an official race timepiece. The 8 am start will be exactly 2 hours after the 50 miler goes off.
4) Race Etiquette: Please no audible music on the course. I am not sure if anyone uses voice-guided GPS but that would also be a no-no. Please try to turn off your audible stats each mile on your GPS as well.
And let’s all clean up after ourselves 105%!
5) Aid drops / Aid station / drop bag : There will be a manned aid station at miles 13/16/26 across from the stable / cross walk until 4:30 if needed. It is about a quarter mile from the start/finish parking lot. No runner parking here! Expect basic medical and friendly faces. Water, soda, and Tailwind will be available. Items will be crowd-sourced as described below ( #8). If you would like a drop bag please have it clearly labeled with your name (suggest duct tape and black marker) and drop it off yourself or give it to a volunteer at the start. Do not expect volunteers to transport anything larger than a backpack. At the end of the day you can return to the aid station to pick up your bag. If the aid station is closed drop bags will be brought back to the parking lot in the check-in area. We are trying to make this a cupless race. Please plan on filling your collapsible cup, bottle or hydration system from pitchers or coolers.
Water (and maybe a bit more) will be dropped in the woods at miles 5/11/28 (available until 5:00 pm); 20 (available until 2:30 pm); and 23 (available until 3:30 pm). (And 42 & 47 for 50 milers, until 7:00 pm) Again, NO CUPS!
If you expect to take more than 10 hours to complete the course you should probably start at 6 am or expect to carry more aid! We will try to leave at least water on the course past the above times, but there may not be any goodies left.
6) Course Maps: Print the maps and course description from the race website (https://sites.google.com/site/tarcdrbdontrunbostonraces/maps-and-course-guides) and bring them with you!
NOTE on GPS: A good 50K Strava is posted on the website. Last 19 miles should be posted shortly.
7) Bring an item for aid: Some of you have volunteered for the aid drops or told me what you are bringing… you are all set. Everyone else we ask for an “item” for the manned aid station. We don’t need a lot- you don’t need to spend more than about $8. Please consult the list below (if you have something special you want to bring instead, email me). Try to drop aid station items off directly at the aid station location. If you are unsure or running late, bring it to the start.
Last name starts with Please bring about $8 worth
C Bread for sandwiches
B lunch meat (for aid station or finish line sandwiches)
G sliced cheese (for sandwiches)
D Boiled Potatoes (2 lbs)
R Bars, Cracker sandwiches, or other food
O,P,T,W Fresh fruit
M,N Baked goods
S Candy
H Salty (chips or pretzels)
L Peanut butter+Jelly
A,K,Z Backup people….you will fill in for cancellations or if not instructed, bring anything!
8) Fundraiser for Trailside museum. Going back to our roots in the 1990’s we took up a small collection to support the Mass Audubon/DCR Center passed at mile 20. We would appreciate any donations in lieu of entry fee in the form of a check made out to “Blue Hills Trailside Museum.” We will collect during check-in (or after the run.) We have typically been raising about $700/year!
9) 50 mile on-course sign-in: To aid in runner tracking and aid removal, 50 mile runners should sign in at miles 42 and 47 with their name, mileage, and time of day (“i.e. Howie B 42 3:30). A note pad will be provided.
10) 50 mile cutoff: Our permit goes to 7:30 pm, so a 13-1/2 hour cutoff will be enforced. If you do not complete 31 in 8:40 or 37 miles in 9:55 you are unlikely to finish, if over 10:15 at 37 miles it is VERY unlikely. If you slow to a pace such that you cannot finish by 7:30 pm please return to the finish by walking along Chickatawbut Road and Hillside Street so race management can locate you.
11) Facilities Notes: (not confirmed… I’ll let you know if I know more)
Houghton’s Pond Bathrooms (S/F): open by 8 (hopefully at 5:30!)
HQ Bathrooms (Across from aid station): CLOSED… portapotty outside
Trailside Museum Bathrooms (Mile 20): Should be open around 10 am.
12) Post race
This event does not lend itself to “official” gatherings due to the slow trickle of finishers. We will place some sandwiches and other goodies at the finish so you can relish in your finish and enjoy a snack. Sorry… NO ALCOHOL allowed!
13) What to bring summary:
(Fill out the confirmation and waiver form linked above RIGHT NOW)
- course maps
- drop bag clearly labeled with your name (optional)
- your aid drop or an item for aid station or finish
-contribution for the trailside museum (optional)
Final notes:
- Expect one or two very short final reminder emails.
See everyone on Saturday the 16th!
Howie
Official course as of 2018 is shown here. GPS: 50K link here to Greg Pearson's STRAVA entry. And here is the All-Trails link. Final 19 miles for the 50 miler: Jacob Varekamp's Strava or All-Trails link Real maps: See below. Click on each icon for lager versions. Here is a link to the
