2009 PRE-RACE UPDATES

GREETINGS EVERYONE,
Thank you for entering the 16^th annual Afton Trail Run.  For the second year in a row we have reached the field limit of 450 runners and registration is now closed.  In 2008 we allowed race-day registration and by the time the race started it was full – this year the field limit was reached 1 week prior to the race.  The overwhelming interest in both distances will once again ensure that the Afton Trail Run(s) are the premier 25K and 50K trail-races in the Midwest.

Listed below are a few things to keep in mind as the race draws near.

TIMES
The 50K starts at 6:30 a.m. and the 25K starts at 7:30 a.m. SHARP.

PACKET PICKUP
Packet pickup will be held on race morning only. You can pick up your number, race packet, timing-chip and t-shirt at the Interpretive Center at AftonState Park, starting at 5:00 a.m. (the Interpretive Center is adjacent from the start finish area.)  Click HERE to view a map of the start finish area.  Packet pickup for the 50K ends at 6:00 a.m. and at 7:00 a.m. for the 25K.  Arrive Early!  This is the only opportunity for packet pickup there is no packet pick the night before the race.

RACE-DAY REGISTRATION
There will be no race-day registration - Pass the word. 

CHIP-TIMING (NEW FOR 2009!)
We will be using chip timing this year.  Your chip will be assigned to you when you pick up your race number. Secure your chip well and do not loose it!  Your chip will be taken from you when you cross the finish line.

T-SHIRTS
We ordered you the size t-shirt that you ordered.  Please do not ask to switch sizes on race morning. 

PARKING
Please carpool!  We cannot stress this enough…. Reduce the races carbon footprint, save money and help reduce congestion in the parking lot, parking resources will be strained as there is limited parking.  When you arrive, drive all the way to the end of the road to the far parking lot and start parking there, do not fill the lots by the start / finish area first. Park close to the car next to you. Do not park on the road.  There will be race volunteers helping to point you in the right direction.

PARKING PERMITS (PLEASE READ THIS!!!)
If you do not already have one, we strongly encourage you to purchase anAnnual State Park entry / parking permit prior to race day.  An annual pass can also be purchased on your way out of the park after the race, please tell the park official that you ran the race. This is an excellent way to support our wonderful state park system.  More information can be found athttp://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html  If you choose not to purchase an annual pass or at a minimum a day pass (shame on you) we will cover the expense for your parking, but this just takes away from our overall donation to Afton State Park.  You can tell a hardcore Minnesota trail runner by the state park sticker on their windshield!

PARKING
Please carpool!  We cannot stress this enough…. Reduce the races carbon footprint, save money and help reduce congestion in the parking lot, parking resources will be strained as there is limited parking.  When you arrive, drive all the way to the end of the road to the far parking lot and start parking there, do not fill the lots by the start / finish area first.  Park close to the car next to you. Do not park on the road.  There will be race volunteers helping to point you in the right direction.

PACERS
Pacers (as in non-registered runners) are not allowed under any circumstance – any pacers who are not registered will be asked to leave the course along with the runner that they are pacing.

WORST CASE
If you need to drop out of the race, let a volunteer know that you are doing so, this way you will be accounted for and we will know that we don’t need to send out the bloodhounds.  If you go off course or get lost, be honest, let someone know, try to correct your mistake and try to finish, but let the timing official know when you cross the line.  The course map can be found HERE - study the course and follow the flags - you'll be fine!

As always, more information can be found at on our site, click here to view the 

ATR HOMEPAGE

THE ATR IS HARDCORE, YOU ARE HARDCORE.  GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, PUSH YOURSELF, THANK THE VOLUNTEERS AND BE SAFE.

Thanks Again,

John Storkamp / Alicia Gordon and the Entire ATR Crew