MCRRC
Greenway Trail
Marathon
March 1, 2008
Damascus, MD

Runner Information

Instructions for Runners

We want everyone to be safe, have fun and finish. Here are the rules.

1. Littering: No littering of any kind. This especially means throwing paper cups on the ground but also includes littering of any kind-at all- anywhere. Aide station volunteers are not here to pick up runner’s trash. There will be trash bags at each aide station for runners to use. Remember that this race is different than most road or cross country races.
2. Safety: Be extremely safe. The number one goal of the race is for everyone to be safe. There will be first aide at the aide stations and finish line. A safety plan has been developed and will be in force. In addition, a network of cell phone coverage is provided so that volunteers and runners can use the 911 system if needed. Montgomery County EMS and Fire and Rescue are on notice and will be monitoring the race. However, for all of this to work everyone must cooperate.
3. Road Crossings: Runners must take great caution in crossing all roads, all of which will be open to traffic during the race. Volunteers will assist runners in crossing the road but will not be stopping traffic. They might be stopping runners. Please cooperate with this.
4. Runner Accountability: There is a 100% runner accountability system in place. The trail sweeping group (almost a mob now) and designated aide stations will reconcile the entire roster of runners at several checkpoints along the course. This will ensure that that we know where all runners are during the race. To make this work, runners must make sure they show and/or call out their bib number and last name to the aide station personnel when they come through. Please cooperate with this. If we think you are lost that means a group of us will start to look for you. If you need to drop you must let the aide station volunteers know clearly and give them your bib.
5. Helping other runners: If a runner encounters another runner that needs aide, he or she is expected to stop and render assistance as needed. You may need to determine if immediate help is needed and leave the runner until the next runner comes along or you may need to stay until another runner comes along and then go and get additional help. Runners needing help must go to the NEAREST aide station or road crossing paying attention to what time certain aide stations and crossings might close. In the case of emergencies, volunteers will err on the side of alerting the 911 system. They will call 911 first and then let me or some other volunteer know what is going on. If an emergency occurs in the formal Seneca Creek State Park area, it may be quickest to get to a ranger or the ranger station.
6. Mandatory Water Bottle Rule: All runners must have a water bottle or hydration system at the start in order to run the race. I may have a few extra in my trunk but only a few. This rule will be enforced.
7. Race Day Check In: Please be at the start no later than 7:30. We have a lot to take care of. We will be registering 250 runners. There is only one Jiffy John for men and one for the women (sorry they are expensive). Runners are encouraged to drive to the finish and take advantage or the shuttling system and bus transportation that is being provided. This way you can have your car at the finish when you are done. It will really help if you show up with a completed application. Please also have your check or cash ready to give to the volunteers at the start. When you get to Riley’s to park there are several Jiffy Johns there that can be used. When you get to Damascus please register quickly.
8. Drop Bags: No promises but most likely we will have bags and magic markers so that runners can stow a very few items and have them sent to the finish line. Please understand that all runners do this at their own risk entirely. I have way too many running clothes in my trunk as it is now.
9. Working with the Volunteers: Follow the directions of the volunteers. Most are runners. Some are your friends. Quite a few are trail volunteers who helped build and constantly maintain the trail we are getting to use. Some are park staff and rangers. All are there to help you have a good time.
10. Other Trail Users: Be very sensitive to other trail uses. The trail is not closed for the race. Runners might encounter dogs, bikers, hikers, sometimes horses, kids, photographers, and various other trail users. Please remember that we are guests. Please share the trail and be courteous. A nice ‘good morning’ to the trail users would not hurt our cause. We do want to do this again next year. If you encounter a horse and rider, slow down, avoid startling them and stop. Most times, the rider will take charge and either tell you to keep coming and pass them, or thank you and go on by you. If they do not, ask them if it is OK for you to pass and run. Most times this is dependant upon the horse and rider’s experience. There have not been too many out lately but come race day they could be out.
11. Cut Offs: Runners must abide by the cut offs and by the trail sweeper’s directions. Do not argue with them. Argue with me.
12. Cutting the Trail: Do not cut the trail. This is not a USATF event, the prize money is not that great and we are not really checking to see that you run every inch of the trail exactly on course. Cutting the trail can harm the sensitive nature of a trail that is mainly in a stream valley. You could also get hurt or lost. You will probably finish faster if you follow the marked trail.
13. Working with Park Officials: This may seem obvious but follow all directions of any park authority. Some will be park managers, some may be park rangers, and some may be volunteer rangers. Some may be out there helping us out as volunteers. They could stop you or tell you to go in another direction. Just do it. I believe you will find them all very supportive but sometimes the ‘policing’ part of things has to take priority.
14. Working with Park Officials: This may seem obvious but follow all directions of any park authority. Some will be park managers, some may be park rangers, and some may be volunteer rangers. Some may be out there helping us out as volunteers. They could stop you or tell you to go in another direction. Just do it. I believe you will find them all very supportive but sometimes the ‘policing’ part of things has to take priority.
15. Have some Fun: Have a ball!!! Try to set a record. Be sure to introduce yourself to one another, each year we have a good many out of town guests and first timers, new to the trails and new to trail racing.
16. You Runners: are awesome.

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