Hello participants!
We have a few updates and items of interest to share, so please take a look at the list below. Some are more important than others, and all are worth noting, so please review this email in its entirety!
Before we get into the crunchy race-day details, we wanted to call attention to our Golden Rules. They can be read here at our website. These guide what we do and are non-negotiable.
Also, make sure youāre familiar with where to go to get to the race start. Save these instructions to your phone since cell signal is limited: https://firetowertrailraces.com/race-details/race-hq-camping/
1) As mentioned in the course description on the website, some of your time will be spent on a gravel road. During peak tourist-times, it may be dusty as visitors drive past. We recommend having a buff or neck gaiter handy, just in case you’d like to cover your face.
2) The Fire Tower Trail Races are cupless, to reduce waste. We’ll have reusable cups for sale at the race for $5 each. Cell signal is very poor, so we prefer cash if possible, but Venmo will be available (if it works). We also make every effort to compost when weāre able, so keep an eye out for these bins!
3) Current forecast suggests daytime temps in the mid 70s with a slight chance of rain. Parts of the course are beautifully wooded, while others are quite exposed and sunny. Lows will most likely dip into the upper 40s, which will make for a chilly night for those camping. PLAN ACCORDINGLY! You can drop extra layers at any aid station in the drop bag pile and it will eventually end up back at Start/Finish. Keep an eye on the forecast throughout the week as well for any changes.
4) Drop bags must be marked with your name, bib number, and distance. You can find your bib number on Ultrasignup here: https://ultrasignup.com/entrants_event.aspx?did=119887. They must be brought to the Start/Finish area by 7am. There will be a sign for each aid station where you can put your bags to be delivered to that location. For more info on drop bags, read the section in our Race Details page. (Important: Do not put valuables in your drop bag! This includes keys and wallet.)
5) This is a BIG park, and the far corners are accessed by gravel roads. It takes a while to get places! Parking spots are extremely limited, especially during tourist-times, and crew (100K only) and spectators are encouraged to car-pool when traveling through the park. Allow enough time to arrive without feeling rushed! All people in attendance are expected to drive with safety in mind. Rude or reckless behavior in the park can and will impact your runnerās standing.
6) Aid stations are the ONLY place where aid may be rendered by crew (100K only). Volunteers may assist throughout, and runners/pacers should always feel empowered to help one another. Do not meet crew or spectators at roads or crossings to accept aid. If you do, you will be disqualified.
**If you experience an emergency, do what you need to do. Do not let this rule keep you from getting help.**
7) Our aid stations have porta-potties! Please do your best to limit your business to the bathrooms provided. If you need to use the woods, please step far off the trail and pack out any toilet paper you may have brought for just such an occasion. Do not, under any circumstances, leave this in the woods. Plan ahead.
8) St. Croix State Park, like most of the upper midwest, has black bears. They are reclusive, shy animals and you are unlikely to see them. Chances are good you’ve been sharing nature with bears for as long as you’ve been trail running (whether you knew it or not!), and if you’d like a refresher on what to do just in case you see one during your race, check out this handy rundown from the MN DNR: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/encounters.html
And if you find yourself alone on the trail for long periods of time and feel a little spooked, please feel free to play music or a podcast out-loud, to provide some noise. There is little/no cell signal in the park, so you’ll want to download something ahead of time. Only do this if you’re alone; please allow other trail users to enjoy the space in peace.
9) Park passes are required. Remember to stop at the Visitor’s Center when you enter and purchase a pass, if you don’t already have one! Day passes are $7.
10) ENJOY the park! If you’ve brought family or friends, they’re welcome to explore all that St. Croix State Park has to offer. The park has a really neat history and some gorgeous natural features that are worth checking out! (Note: Please don’t confuse the Group Camp and Trail Center [where we have Race HQ] with the regular campgrounds [near the river]. They’re a couple miles apart!) There are various parking lots around the park where people can spectate parts of the race; however, this is a public park and we are guests, so do not crowd out the public from also using the park.
11) For participants and 100K crew alike, we highly recommend downloading the AVENZA MAPS app. This GPS app works with countless State Park maps and will show you on the map itself where you’re located, even if you don’t have cell signal. This can help you and your crew to re-orient yourselves in the event you go off-course – or just want to double-check! For more information, check out the MN DNR guide here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mobile/geopdf/index.html
12) Finally, weāre having a cookout! Our friends from NOLOās Kitchen are providing food at the finish with the grill fired up, cooking burgers (regular and veggie) and other awesome food. Youāre also welcome to bring your own food as well. Water will be provided, and there will probably be some pop, N/A beer, and tasty electrolyte drink on-hand. If youād like something else to drink, please feel free to bring it! (Reminder: Our State Parks have a rule prohibiting alcohol. Weāre not the boss of you, but be smart and be responsible. Our future success relies on our relationship with the MN State Parks!)
One last note: Youāll discover, on your way to the park, that itās a bit of a drive from any stores or gas stations. Especially if you think you might be driving around the park a bunch, youāll want to keep your car filled up with gas. Itās a 30-minute round-trip to the nearest gas station, and 1.5 hours to Walmart and back for an extra blanket.
That just about does it! If you have any burning questions, please donāt hesitate to ask. Weāll do our best to come up with a great answer.
Weāre so excited to see you all Saturday and canāt wait to watch you all kick some trail!
Until then,
Jamison & Lisa
Fire Tower Trail Races 