PUNXSY ROAD RUNNERS CLUB GROUNDHOG FALL 50K SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008
The Punxsutawney Road Runners Club welcomes you to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This is the ninth year of the Groundhog Fall 50K and we are looking forward to having a great time. The following instructions are important so please read them:
Friday Packet Pick-up and Spaghetti Dinner Packet Pick-up will begin at the Community Center on Friday evening between 5:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. The Community Center is located on 220 N. Jefferson Street, behind National City Bank. There will be signs downtown. Please make us aware of any medical problems you may have that may create a problem for you during the race and potentially require medical intervention. Any problems should be written on the back of your race number. EMT personnel and an ambulance will be on the course during the event and responsive to medical emergencies as well as injuries. Please let someone affiliated with the race or at a support station know of any need that may arise requiring medical attention. Support crews are trained to identify situations in which the runner's health may be seriously jeopardized. Please be prepared for their intervention if you are in trouble. Dinner will be at 6:00 P.M. Spaghetti dinner tickets are included for participants and in your race packet. If you need extra tickets please note this on your entry form. Noted ultra runner guest speakers have been invited to share stories during the dinner. Last minute instructions for the race and time for questions will follow the dinner. Punxsy Phil (our famous groundhog) will be on hand during the pre-race spaghetti dinner. Bring your camera for photo ops. Saturday's Race We will start the race at 7:00 A.M. sharp from downtown Punxsutawney, at the Community Center. All runners must check in by 6:45 A.M. Come early for coffee and a good time. There will be only a short time for packet pick-up race day morning from 6:15 A.M. until 6:45 A.M. No head-set radios, please. No pets, please. No accompanying bicylists. Course markings consist of white ground markings and signs. Fluorescent cones will be used for major directional changes on the course. It is a well marked course and fairly easy to follow, but this is a trail run and it is the responsibility of the runner to pay attention to the markings. "Support Stations" are manned with family, friends, community organizations, and other Running Club members. These support stations will have sports drinks, Hammer Gel pouches, water, snacks, food, fruit, first aid supplies, EMT and moral support. IMPORTANT: PLEASE GO THROUGH SINGLE FILE TO MAKE SURE YOUR RACE NUMBER IS REGISTERED AT EACH STATION AND THE FINISH LINE!!! Your crew is welcome on the course. See Handlers' Map for access. However, no pacing by vehicles is allowed. Beyer Avenue Extension through the first two miles of the race will be closed to all traffic. There are no bag drop points. You won't need them. Everything you need will be found at all the Support Stations. The finish line will be at the Community Center. There is plenty of free parking for your family and friends. Showers are available at the Community Center at no cost. Bring your own towel. The time limit is 10 hours or until 5:00 P.M. Pizza and drinks will be available immediately following the race. Please don't litter the course. Awards for Team Champions will be made at 1:00 P.M. at the finish line. Stick around until then, shower up, and enjoy the pizza, the comaraderie, and pleasant Punxsy atmosphere. Have a wonderful and safe time on the trail. We hope you enjoy the scenery and the great people of Punxsutanwey who make this race possible. Race Caveats - PLEASE READ DRINK LOTS OF WATERAnyone participating in the Groundhog Fall 5Ok endurance run should be aware of the potential dangers to life and limb in such an endeavor. A race of this type places tremendous demands on the body, even one in excellent physical condition. This course is tough due to variations of terrain, footing, humidity and temperature. One of the most serious risks in ultra sports is dehydration. Dehydration, combined with exertion and extremes of temperature, can lead to severe medical problems with even a fatal outcome. These medical problems include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and renal shut-down (complete shut-down of kidney function). Permanent damage to the brain, muscles and kidneys can occur. On a cool or damp day there is also a danger of hypothermia and the inability of the brain to think clearly in a rational manner. Various orthopedic problems such as tendinitis, and knee and ankle strains are frequently encountered. Temporary paralysis of thigh muscles has been noted by many ultra participants. The problems noted above are only a short and incomplete list; there are innumerable other problems which may occur. One of the important factors in preparing oneself for any endurance event is to know your own capabilities and how your body feels under stress. You must be psychologically prepared (before the race) to drop out if your body tells you that you are getting into serious trouble. Don't over-estimate your capabilites and don't place pride above your overall health. Because ultra marathoning may be seriously compromising to your health, remain aware of the potential serious dangers involved and let someone know if you need help.