Time: Both the 5k and the 10k runs will start at 9:00 a.m. We currently have 34 runners and expect a few more to join us. If the group becomes too large we may need to stagger the start.
Directions: The run begins on Western Avenue near the intersection of South Pearl Street and heads in the direction of City Lake. The easiest way to get to the start is to Take Sunset Avenue to South Franklin Street and turn right. The very next street is Western Avenue.
Parking: There is normally ample parking for this race on the streets. If you avoid parking on Western (past the start) that would be helpful so we do not take up the course. Poyner and Spruill was kind enough to offer parking in their lot as well. This is right behind the tall beige bldg (130 S. Franklin Street). This used to be Peoples Bank HQ, and is located right beside the grass field where we will finish.
Bathrooms: There will be no port-o-pots at the start or on the course. Poyner and Spruill has offered the use of their rest rooms for runners. Only the restrooms should be visited in the building. They are located on the 2nd floor and will be open from 8:00 am until 10:30 am. Please leave the facilities in the condition that you find them.
Checking In: I will have race numbers and safety pins to pass out prior to the race. Please arrive early so we do not have a backup when doing this. Your numbers are listed below under participants.
5k Course Map
10k Course Map
Course Markings: We will have arrows and mile markers on the course, however please review the maps linked above and become familiar with where you are running. We will not have intersections manned with volunteers telling you where to go. If you have any uncertainty of the course route, look for signs and also look for arrows painted on the road (navy blue for 10k and white for 5k)
10k Bike Escort: Carol Dickens has offered to ride her bike through the 10k route and lead the runners on the correct roads. She will stay in front of the lead runners, and will not double back for others, so pay attention as to what is going on in front of you and watch other runners.
Safety: This event is a timed run, but the roads are not closed. This means we will be sharing the road with vehicles. Do not assume cars will stop for you, just because they stopped for the runner in front of you. Your safety is your responsibility. Pay attention to cars and runners around you at all times.
Two portions of this course are on busy roads, where extra care should be taken.
Sunset Avenue – At roughly mile 1.1, both courses will run down Sunset for 200 yards. Please do not run more than two abreast on this portion of the course. If you must pass a runner, pass with great care, and pass in the grass if needed.
Hammond Street – At roughly miles 2.8 and again at 4.1 the 10k runners will be on Hammond. Although this road is not as busy as Sunset, please also take extra care on this portion of the course. At mile 2.8 you will turn left on Hammond for approximately 200 yards before turning right on Westwood Dr. At mile 4.1 you will turn left on Hammond again from the other direction. This time you will run approximately a quarter of a mile before turning right on Piedmont.
Remember, anyone who chooses to run this Saturday will be running at their own risk.
Water: We will have only one water stop during the run. It will be when runners come out of Sunset Park at about mile 1.5. Please try not to carry your cups a long way past the water stop. We will most likely only have one volunteer at the water table (which is still needed by the way).
5k/10k Split: The first 1.6 miles of the 5k and 10k share the same course. After coming out of the park, all runners turn right on Piedmont Ave. Immediately after crossing the train tracks, 5k runners turn left onto Lafayette, and 10k runners turn right. This will be marked, and we hope to have a volunteer to direct you.
Location: Both races finish back where they started on Western Avenue. Please run all the way through the finish and move to the right so we do not block traffic. We will mark the finish line in some method. Maybe a few balloons and a tape line, so you will know when to stop.
Timing: Someone (most likely me) will be shouting out your times as you cross the finish. We do not have a race clock, as that exceeded our budget of $0.00. Once you finish immediately, report to the table, and tear off the bottom of your race number. We will write your “official-unofficial” time on the bottom.
Results: We will have a poster board to publish the results. To keep this simple, I will take the torn off portion of your race numbers and tape them to the poster board. It is nothing flashy, but it is quick and easy. It will also let you see how everyone did. Next week I will email out the results as well.
Food and Water: I will have donuts and bottled water at the finish for anyone who is interested at the finish. Please keep control of any trash.
Cheering: I know that weekends are busy and we all have things to take care of. If you have time to stick around after your race and cheer on the others behind you, please do. Running is about a community. The fact that 30+ people are showing up to run an unofficial race shows you care, so try to spare a few extra minutes and cheer in your fellow runners.
Cleaning Up: Because this event is such a simplified run, the setup and clean up is pretty small. Before you leave, see if there is anything you can pick up.
Charity: We have tried to find a local organization for the shoes we are collecting. So far we have been unsuccessful, but we have not given up yet. If we do not find a group locally, I will ship the shoes to one of the many national charities that helps to get people running without the means to buy their own proper running shoes.
Cleaning: You are not required to bring an old pair of shoes. This was just a way we thought we could turn this into something positive. If you do bring used shoes to donate, please clean them first. Many of the charities have strict rules about the quality and cleanliness of the shoes they collect.
Collection: If you have a pick-up truck, I may need your help regarding the shoes. My van will likely be filled with course signs, water, coolers, and tables. If you can help with transporting the shoes back to my house it would be very appreciated.
Waiver:
This may seem silly, but I do not want to take any chances with this run. This is not a formal race, and I cannot stop anyone from running on the roads with us. This is public property after all. That being said, I would request that everyone print and bring a signed waiver below. I will also have copies Saturday, but it would be very helpful if you brought your own.
WAIVER: (Must be signed)
By participating in this Chase of Champions group run on 04/21/2007 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, you agree, warrant and covenant as follows:
I know that running is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not participate in the run unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to comply with all pedestrian traffic laws, and acknowledge and accept this run is not on a "closed course" and therefore I will be running with vehicle traffic. I agree to yield to all vehicular traffic at the start, during, and after my run. I acknowledge and accept that this is a group run, and no medical staff is present.
I assume all risks associated with participating in this run including, but not limited to, falls, contact with other runners, the effects of weather, including high heat and/or humidity, the conditions of the road and traffic on the course, all such risks being known and appreciated by me.
Having read this waiver and knowing these facts, and in consideration of your acceptance to join in this group run, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the City of Rocky Mount, the Rocky Mount Police Department, Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation, the Rocky Mount Endurance Club, Michael Forrester, any volunteers, and any other runner participants, of any kind arising out of my participation in this run even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons named in this waiver.
__________________________________________ ______________
Name/Date
__________________________________________ ______________
Parent or Guardian (if a minor)/Date
I had three doughnuts left in my box and a half in my hand. I said out loud, "I can't do this." I then turned to look at Richard next to me. Richard still had seven doughnuts in his box. . . I suddenly felt better. After what I think was about 14 minutes I wished Richard luck, and took my empty box to the race officials to prove my task was complete.
I plan to run in Raleigh for the race on Saturday. I am posting an RSVP in case others want to still gather for a run. I put Ford's Colony again, but feel free to recommend another route, and I can update the details. Saturday will be cold. I put 8:30, but it will still be very chilly. Also, if anyone is interested in a long run on Sunday, I may join you.
