Dash and Deciduous 5k trail run

Saturday, June 10th 2017, 10 AM Start

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The Uptown Gentlefriends present the Dash and Deciduous 5k trail run at Clayton Park. This is a FREE timed 5k group run. Despite the fact that this is a FREE 5k, registration is required due to the field size being limited to 40 runners. Once the field limit is reached additional runners will go on a waiting list in the order they registered.

Handmade awards will be given to the top male and female. The awards will be handmade using objects found around the farmlands at Clayton Park. “Easter eggs” will be hidden throughout the course for runners to find which can be returned for prizes.

Do not expect to get a 5k PR at this course. This is a fun timed group run. I would consider the course to be an entry level course for a trail runner. Beginners may find the course challenging with over 310ft of combined elevation climb with some sections loaded with ankle twisting roots that appear to come out of nowhere. Veteran trail runners will find the course to be fast and fun with a few short very runnable sections that will allow you to gain a lot of ground on the leader (or keep the lead). The course will be well-marked and no one well get lost. There will be a self-serve water station at mile 1.1 and again at mile 2.6. This may be an unmanned water station so runners will need to stop to get their own water.

The course is very spectator friendly. Cheer on your friends and family at the start and then again at mile .75 before the runners enter the woods. You’ll have the chance to cheer them on again by taking a short walk to the 2.2 mile mark (see course map) just after they complete a difficult uphill section and need your cheers to lift their spirits for the rest of the run. Be sure to congratulate them at the finish line!

Refreshments will be served post-run at the picnic area near the parking lot.

Post-run party will be held down the street at Screamin’ Hill Brewery starting at 12 noon. The brewery is located on a small farm and has an excellent selection of hand crafted beers. They do not have any dining options, however visitors are allowed to bring their own food. I suggest Phil’s Take-Out which is located 6 minutes in the opposite direction but has some great sandwiches and entrees at low prices (they open at 11). Parking is very limited at the brewery, I suggest making friends at the 5k and carpooling the 3 minutes down the road.

Thank you for participating in the first Uptown Gentlefriends 5k. Keep in mind this is a group trail run and NOT a race. You are responsible for your own safety. Clayton Park is a wonderful place to run but can be challenging, never underestimate the course and the dangers that come from trail running there. I would consider myself a veteran trail runner and Clayton Park is the ONLY park where I have tripped on roots and rocks. Not just once, but many times. Give Clayton Park respect and it will respect you!

– John Beck

Run Organizer

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