Date: January 7, 2012
Start times:
5 mile and the 50k start at 9:00 a.m.
Marathon and half marathon start at 9:30 a.m.
The cut-off time for all races will be 7:00 p.m.
Start/finish location:
Long Lake Outdoor Center
10370 Gun Lake Road
Middleville, MI 49333
Click here for a map.
Course: The winter course will start at Long Lake Outdoor Center and follow the two track road and a spur trail up to the mountain bike trail. The major part of the course uses the mountain bike trail.
We have mapped out a 5 mile loop and a 13.1 mile loop. Marathon runners will do the 13.1 mile loop twice. 50k runners will run the 5 mile loop first and then do the 13.1 mile loop twice.
Be aware that we may make slight changes in the course depending on the weather. If there is not enough snow for cross country skiing, then we have permission to use the Hall Lake Trail, which is a more scenic route, instead of the two track road.
Aid stations: We will have 2 minor aid stations and 2 major aid stations on the 13.1 mile loop plus the start/finish aid station. Runners will pass one of the minor aid stations twice. The 5 mile loop includes one minor aid station that the runners will pass twice. The major aid stations will serve water, gatorade, and a variety of food including some hot food. The minor aid stations will have water, gatorade, and simpler selection of snack foods. There will be some Hammer Gel available at the start/finish, but if you regularly use gels we recommend you bring your own supply to be sure that you have your favorite flavor and enough to meet your needs.
Parking: Parking on race day will be at the Long Lake Outdoor Center. There will be additional parking at the winter sports staging area just east of the Long Lake Outdoor Center on Gun Lake Road. Please note that we do have a limited amount of parking, especially if we get snow, so we encourage runners and volunteers to carpool.
Packet Pick-up: Packets can be picked up at the new Striders Eastown store on Friday afternoon or at the race start/finish on Saturday morning.
Friday 4:00-8:00 p.m.
Striders new Eastown location map
1551 Wealthy Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Saturday 7:00-9:00 a.m.
Long Lake Outdoor Center map
10370 Gun Lake Road
Middleville, MI 49333
Lodging: For those who signed up for rustic cabin lodging at the Long Lake Outdoor Center, check in time starts at 3:00 pm Friday. Check out time is 1:00 pm Sunday. Bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. We will have race packets for those who are staying at the outdoor center there on Friday afternoon.
Michigan Recreation Passport: Michigan residents need the Recreation Passport on their license tabs. The Recreation Passport is $10 per year and is sold at the Secretary of State office with your car registration. It is also available at the park. Out-of-state residents need a day pass for $8 or an annual pass for $29, which are also available at the park. Click here for more information for more information about the Recreation Passport.
