Athlete Guide & Information |
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It's certainly been an intense and trying time for all of us so far in 2020. Most of us are eager to get back to the old normal and more importantly we could all use a touch of community which is why we're still planning to host the in-person 10/3 Kings Mountain Running Festival.
We have a number of changes to be compliant with social distancing and sanitation guidance - please review the following 8 major changes below.
Before I outline the upcoming changes I want you to know that if you are not comfortable with the changes just let me know and I will switch you to the virtual event and will mail out your race swag bag. If you do not show up on race day, I will switch you to the virtual event and mail your stuff out the following week. I've extended the virtual race time submission for two weeks past Oct 3rd.
New local/state/fed government regulations and/or a local cluster outbreak could force us to shut down and go all virtual before race day.
On to the updates!
1 - (Obviously) Mask/face covering must be worn inside the park when not able to maintain 6ft from a non-family member. Wear them while in the starting line and check-in packet pick up line. We will have buffs/gators in every race packet if that's what you want to wear. You must have one on while in the packet pick up line and starting time trial line but you do not have to wear them while out running. If you need to stop at a water station to top off your bottle/hydration pack, face coverings must be up. This is not a political statement or stance. These rules were part of the plan that helped us get approval for the event so we're sticking to them.
2 - Staggered Arrival and Race Start Times
We're going to have a staggered start time for each event so that athletes can also stagger their arrival times. Since we're time trial starting the race, your race doesn't start until you cross the starting line so we don't have to stress about getting everyone ready at the same time for a gun-start. There will likely be runners on the road as other are still driving in to check in. Please be alert and patient. There is no rush to get to the starting line - you will not miss out.
3 - We have added a Friday drive through packet pick up. Yes we still have a race-day Saturday packet pick up.
4 - Socially Distant Time Trial Start and Packet Pick Up.
I'll spray chalk on the left row closest to the woods marks every 8 feet so you can jump into that line on those marks and move up as folks get closer to and start their race at the starting line mat. Your race doesn't start until you cross the starting mat - so don't stress about missing the mass gun-start time or being at the front of the line.
I'll use the right side of the far left lane in the grass to use survey flags to make out 8 feet spots for the Saturday packet pick up line to start and follow.
5 - Porta-Potties
We're still planning to have porta potties brought in as to not overwhelm the park's bathrooms by the playground. I'll put disinfectant in spray bottles on a string inside and outside of each porta pot. Use them both before and after your potty break! I'll also have a table out in front of them with tons of hand sanitizer.
6 - Water Stations - Bring Your Own Water Bottles
We're going to collapse the number of water stations we have on the course to 4 so we'll have 5 total. We'll have a dedicated person with a mask and gloves pouring water or Gatorade into athletes cups that the athlete opens and holds down from the spigot.
We will not have cups - BYOB...bottles, hydration backpacks, or hydration packs that we will refill if they need it.
Visit your local running store to get help picking out what type would work best for you.
We'll add PowerBar gel or GU gel to each race packet but we're not providing nutrition at any of the water stops or at the finish line this year.
7 - No post-race cookout or Awards Ceremony
We have to cut the opportunity for a crowd to hang out and not socially be distanced.
On behalf of the KMSP Staff, YMCA Camp Cherokee, and my crew, thank you for your support, grace, and patience with us and the event. I know it's not the event experience any of us wanted but it's the best we can do this year.
We have a number of changes to be compliant with social distancing and sanitation guidance - please review the following 8 major changes below.
Before I outline the upcoming changes I want you to know that if you are not comfortable with the changes just let me know and I will switch you to the virtual event and will mail out your race swag bag. If you do not show up on race day, I will switch you to the virtual event and mail your stuff out the following week. I've extended the virtual race time submission for two weeks past Oct 3rd.
New local/state/fed government regulations and/or a local cluster outbreak could force us to shut down and go all virtual before race day.
On to the updates!
1 - (Obviously) Mask/face covering must be worn inside the park when not able to maintain 6ft from a non-family member. Wear them while in the starting line and check-in packet pick up line. We will have buffs/gators in every race packet if that's what you want to wear. You must have one on while in the packet pick up line and starting time trial line but you do not have to wear them while out running. If you need to stop at a water station to top off your bottle/hydration pack, face coverings must be up. This is not a political statement or stance. These rules were part of the plan that helped us get approval for the event so we're sticking to them.
2 - Staggered Arrival and Race Start Times
We're going to have a staggered start time for each event so that athletes can also stagger their arrival times. Since we're time trial starting the race, your race doesn't start until you cross the starting line so we don't have to stress about getting everyone ready at the same time for a gun-start. There will likely be runners on the road as other are still driving in to check in. Please be alert and patient. There is no rush to get to the starting line - you will not miss out.
3 - We have added a Friday drive through packet pick up. Yes we still have a race-day Saturday packet pick up.
4 - Socially Distant Time Trial Start and Packet Pick Up.
I'll spray chalk on the left row closest to the woods marks every 8 feet so you can jump into that line on those marks and move up as folks get closer to and start their race at the starting line mat. Your race doesn't start until you cross the starting mat - so don't stress about missing the mass gun-start time or being at the front of the line.
I'll use the right side of the far left lane in the grass to use survey flags to make out 8 feet spots for the Saturday packet pick up line to start and follow.
5 - Porta-Potties
We're still planning to have porta potties brought in as to not overwhelm the park's bathrooms by the playground. I'll put disinfectant in spray bottles on a string inside and outside of each porta pot. Use them both before and after your potty break! I'll also have a table out in front of them with tons of hand sanitizer.
6 - Water Stations - Bring Your Own Water Bottles
We're going to collapse the number of water stations we have on the course to 4 so we'll have 5 total. We'll have a dedicated person with a mask and gloves pouring water or Gatorade into athletes cups that the athlete opens and holds down from the spigot.
We will not have cups - BYOB...bottles, hydration backpacks, or hydration packs that we will refill if they need it.
Visit your local running store to get help picking out what type would work best for you.
We'll add PowerBar gel or GU gel to each race packet but we're not providing nutrition at any of the water stops or at the finish line this year.
7 - No post-race cookout or Awards Ceremony
We have to cut the opportunity for a crowd to hang out and not socially be distanced.
On behalf of the KMSP Staff, YMCA Camp Cherokee, and my crew, thank you for your support, grace, and patience with us and the event. I know it's not the event experience any of us wanted but it's the best we can do this year.
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The Event Time-line
Friday
Pre-Race and Race Day Packet Pick Up
A Pre-Race packet pickup will be available on Friday 10/2 at the Lake Crawford Parking Lot from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm. We'll be exactly where the starting line will be. Pre-Race packet pickup is not mandatory but is strongly suggested.
Race Day Packet Pick Up and Race Day Registration will be available at the start/finish area on Saturday morning starting at 6:30am.
Address / Directions
Kings Mountain State Park
Lake Crawford Rd
Clover, SC 29710
35.150857, -81.3451996
Friday
- Drive Through Packet Pickup 3:30pm - 6:30pm @ the start/finish location on Lake Crawford Rd.
- 6:00am - Park Gates Open
- 6:30am - Registration/Check-in Opens
- Marathon: 7:30am- 8:10am
- Half Marathon: 7:45 - 8:20
- 10k: 8:00-8:30
- 5k: 8:20-8:45
- Kids Runs: 10am
Pre-Race and Race Day Packet Pick Up
A Pre-Race packet pickup will be available on Friday 10/2 at the Lake Crawford Parking Lot from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm. We'll be exactly where the starting line will be. Pre-Race packet pickup is not mandatory but is strongly suggested.
Race Day Packet Pick Up and Race Day Registration will be available at the start/finish area on Saturday morning starting at 6:30am.
Address / Directions
Kings Mountain State Park
Lake Crawford Rd
Clover, SC 29710
35.150857, -81.3451996
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The Courses
The courses plotted out on MapMyRun.com provide awesome resources like a 3D Fly Over, turn by turn directions, and course elevation information. We encourage you to check them out before race-day. All turns on the course will be marked with signs and colored duck tap arrows on the ground (unless it’s on the gravel road then look for just signs). The Half Marathon/Marathon Course will be marked with [BRIGHT PINK] arrows. The Marathon is the 13.1 x2 The 10k Course will be marked with [BRIGHT GREEN] arrows. The 5k Course will be marked with BLUE arrows. |
Directional Signage
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THESE COURSES ARE NOT CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
Though these courses are not closed to traffic the most vehicle traffic you will see will be from folks involved with the event and from regular park visitors on the main state park road. The course runs OPPOSITE (on the left) the flow of traffic.
We cannot stress it enough that you have to stay to the left, on the shoulder and never run in the middle of the road. Do not be runner that ruins the event for everyone when you force the ranger service to shut the event down.
Water Stations & Bathrooms
There will be 3 water stations on the course for 2020. To limit touch points we will not have cups. Bring your own bottles/hydration packs. Our volunteers will press the spigot as you hold your bottle down if you need a top off.
There will be 1 porta-potty on the course and the half marathon turn around at the end of Whitewolf Rd. There is also a restroom at the equine trailer parking lot at the beginning of Apple Rd.
Though these courses are not closed to traffic the most vehicle traffic you will see will be from folks involved with the event and from regular park visitors on the main state park road. The course runs OPPOSITE (on the left) the flow of traffic.
We cannot stress it enough that you have to stay to the left, on the shoulder and never run in the middle of the road. Do not be runner that ruins the event for everyone when you force the ranger service to shut the event down.
Water Stations & Bathrooms
There will be 3 water stations on the course for 2020. To limit touch points we will not have cups. Bring your own bottles/hydration packs. Our volunteers will press the spigot as you hold your bottle down if you need a top off.
There will be 1 porta-potty on the course and the half marathon turn around at the end of Whitewolf Rd. There is also a restroom at the equine trailer parking lot at the beginning of Apple Rd.
Kids Run!
The kids run is a run, not a race. We'll be leading the kiddos through some great warm-ups, running drills, and then a follow the leader run from the start, up around the playgrounds, then back through the finish. Sprinting through the finish will be encouraged!
The time for that is 10am but we'll happily lead some small family groups before and after that so no kiddos miss out.
They'll get a medal and a shirt (tech running shirt from previous events).
The kids run is a run, not a race. We'll be leading the kiddos through some great warm-ups, running drills, and then a follow the leader run from the start, up around the playgrounds, then back through the finish. Sprinting through the finish will be encouraged!
The time for that is 10am but we'll happily lead some small family groups before and after that so no kiddos miss out.
They'll get a medal and a shirt (tech running shirt from previous events).
Race Timing
Race Bib numbers must clearly visible on your upper body. Even though the race will be chip timed this year it helps our timers out by following bib placement guidelines. Do not cut or fold your race bib. Damaging the timing chip creates a waterfall of hassle for everyone. If you don’t follow these directions you risk the chance of not having an accurate time recorded or no time at all.
Race Bib numbers must clearly visible on your upper body. Even though the race will be chip timed this year it helps our timers out by following bib placement guidelines. Do not cut or fold your race bib. Damaging the timing chip creates a waterfall of hassle for everyone. If you don’t follow these directions you risk the chance of not having an accurate time recorded or no time at all.
Volunteers Needed
There is no I in team, but there is a U in Volunteer, and we need you!
If you're part of a group or organization looking for a fundraising opportunity and some additional community exposure then come lend a hand during this year’s Kings Mountain Running Festival and we'll let everyone know who you're with and what you’re up to within the community.
Every finisher will receive a unique finisher medal!
This year we handmade the 5k, 10k, 13.1, and 26.2 finisher medals.
There is no I in team, but there is a U in Volunteer, and we need you!
If you're part of a group or organization looking for a fundraising opportunity and some additional community exposure then come lend a hand during this year’s Kings Mountain Running Festival and we'll let everyone know who you're with and what you’re up to within the community.
Every finisher will receive a unique finisher medal!
This year we handmade the 5k, 10k, 13.1, and 26.2 finisher medals.
Lodging
https://www.visityorkcounty.com/hotels/
Google search hotels close by
Event Registration Cancellation Insurance (Refund Policy)
In lieu of a refund policy we're offering Registration Protector for the 5k, and Registration Protector with Required to Work for the 10k, 13.1, and 26.2. These plans offers you peace of mind when you register for an event by insuring you against unforeseen circumstances. If a covered injury, illness, injury or other covered reasons prevent you from attending your event, Allianz Global Assistance can pay you 100% of the non-refundable registration cost, including fees and additional costs.
https://www.visityorkcounty.com/hotels/
Google search hotels close by
Event Registration Cancellation Insurance (Refund Policy)
In lieu of a refund policy we're offering Registration Protector for the 5k, and Registration Protector with Required to Work for the 10k, 13.1, and 26.2. These plans offers you peace of mind when you register for an event by insuring you against unforeseen circumstances. If a covered injury, illness, injury or other covered reasons prevent you from attending your event, Allianz Global Assistance can pay you 100% of the non-refundable registration cost, including fees and additional costs.
FAQ's
Q: Is there a cut of time for the Kings Mountain Marathon or Half Marathon?
A: Marathon runners must complete the first loop in 4 hours. If you come through after 4 hours, we'll score you in the half marathon.
Q: What is the participant cap/max?
A: Only 300! Our focus is on you the runner and we want everyone to feel like we hosted this event just for them. We may expand the cap as the community becomes more and more involved.
Q: Is this course USATF Certified/ Boston Qualifier?
A: No
Q: Can I run with my dog, wear headphones, run with traffic, run backwards in the middle of the road?
A: No!
Q: Is there a prize purse for elite runners?
A: No.
A: Marathon runners must complete the first loop in 4 hours. If you come through after 4 hours, we'll score you in the half marathon.
Q: What is the participant cap/max?
A: Only 300! Our focus is on you the runner and we want everyone to feel like we hosted this event just for them. We may expand the cap as the community becomes more and more involved.
Q: Is this course USATF Certified/ Boston Qualifier?
A: No
Q: Can I run with my dog, wear headphones, run with traffic, run backwards in the middle of the road?
A: No!
Q: Is there a prize purse for elite runners?
A: No.