Course Route:
Course Elevation:
Finisher Certificate:
RESULTS:
This is the third year in a row that I've participated in the Charlotte Running Company Trail Race(s). They offer three distances - 4 mile, 9 mile, 13 mile - and this year I stepped up and did the 9 mile race. What a challenge!
1091 persons registered
984 Finishers (107 no-show or DNF)
566 4 Mile Runners
160 9 Mile Runners
258 13 Mile Runners
It was 30° when I got up Saturday morning. There was frost and ice throughout most of the course right up until the finish. Trail shoes aren't much help on icy terrain. I only fell once - that was because of a very sharp, very muddy 4 foot decline just before the Finish Line. Since the 9/13 mile racers start at 9AM I got to see many of the 4 mile runners as they passed me after their start at 9:30AM. Lots of slips and slides. The course is filled with rocks, steep climbs and some flat areas. Not too rough but enough of a challenge to exercise caution which is verified by finish times in all three distances.
This race has shown a continual increase in participation since its inception. Charlotte Running Company partnered with Start2Finish to organize the event and it is quite successful. They offer a "hoodie" for the race shirt and it's a local favorite. I can wear it at other races (even out of state) and will always get comments about the race itself and how others love their hoodies.
I'll openly admit, I sign up mostly for the shirts.. no lie. I waited until last minute this year to register (Thursday before race) and discovered lots of others did the same. So many so that the race organizers (Start2Finish) ran out of hoodies on Wednesday before the race. Major applause to Start2Finish for following up and placing a second order of shirts for all that did not receive one at packet pick up, especially given the hoodies are collectibles and not inexpensive to reprint. *applause* They sent out an email on Sunday to let runners know how to request their hoodie and where it can be picked up. If you registered late, check your email for the link.
I'll openly admit, I sign up mostly for the shirts.. no lie. I waited until last minute this year to register (Thursday before race) and discovered lots of others did the same. So many so that the race organizers (Start2Finish) ran out of hoodies on Wednesday before the race. Major applause to Start2Finish for following up and placing a second order of shirts for all that did not receive one at packet pick up, especially given the hoodies are collectibles and not inexpensive to reprint. *applause* They sent out an email on Sunday to let runners know how to request their hoodie and where it can be picked up. If you registered late, check your email for the link.
I timed this course with both my watch (Garmin) and my cellphone (Runkeeper) hoping to not get timed out or battery-ed out (freezing temps drain batteries very quickly) and discovered three difference trail distances, which is not unusual at Whitewater due to the trees and landscaping. The timing was on target but the distance varied due to product. Not a big deal as the course was mapped out extremely well with signs and caution tape to keep everyone on course.
GUN TIME: 3:00:22 (distance 9 miles)
GARMIN TIME: 2:59:48 (distance 9.18)
RUNKEEEPER TIME: 3:00:19 (distance 8.85)
This event is a local favorite for me personally, even though I am not a fan of rugged trail races. I will mention there are parking fees ($5) at Whitewater (USNWC). The trails are widely used throughout the year and the event host maintains their ecosystem in part from the parking fees. USNWC & Start2Finish (timing company) are what makes this an incredible event! Looking forward to next year.
