Hopefully we answer your questions here. Remember, we are always adding questions with answers so check back frequently.
If we do not answer your question here, please email chris or becky @ [email protected] with your questions.
Pre Race FAQ’s
All races are on Labor Day Weekend 2024 Aug 31-Sept1) at Jay Peak VT.
See FULL Schedule HERE
830 Jay Peak Rd.
Jay, VT. 05859
We love dogs and know that dogs love trails, but please leave Fido at home. This policy also applies, but not limited to the following pets; yaks, cats, salamanders, goldfish, alligators, giraffes & any other animal Jay Peak deems a "pet". Husbands are allowed but must be leashed if they tend to wander.
In all seriousness, I am sure your dog is friendly, but not everyone is a dog person and we want everyone to feel comfortable. We have made exceptions before. Please email Chris @ [email protected] if you think an exception is warranted in your case. Thank you!!
In all seriousness, I am sure your dog is friendly, but not everyone is a dog person and we want everyone to feel comfortable. We have made exceptions before. Please email Chris @ [email protected] if you think an exception is warranted in your case. Thank you!!
Well, I would not sign up for the 53.1km ultra if you have never run on trails before.
However, if you are accustom to distance but just not trails, then our 11 miler would be a great choice.
If you are just getting back in shape and not a trail runner, our green circle 5k will give you just enough challenge without discouraging you. We have had numerous people use this race to get themselves hooked on trail running.
If you are a 5k'er, but nervous about adding distance (the 11 miler), the THREE 5k's in one day is for you. This allows you to get 15k (9.3 miles) of running in with set breaks, thus allowing you to get the distance stuff in without risk.
Should you be the type of person that just jumps in with both feet & you choose the 53.1k as your first ultra, I can assure you that any other ultra thereafter will be considered "cute" after this.
However, if you are accustom to distance but just not trails, then our 11 miler would be a great choice.
If you are just getting back in shape and not a trail runner, our green circle 5k will give you just enough challenge without discouraging you. We have had numerous people use this race to get themselves hooked on trail running.
If you are a 5k'er, but nervous about adding distance (the 11 miler), the THREE 5k's in one day is for you. This allows you to get 15k (9.3 miles) of running in with set breaks, thus allowing you to get the distance stuff in without risk.
Should you be the type of person that just jumps in with both feet & you choose the 53.1k as your first ultra, I can assure you that any other ultra thereafter will be considered "cute" after this.
Absolutely!
We have kids run the 5k's a lot! We have also had a 9 year old run the 11 miler.
If they are on the younger side, we do prefer that they are with parents. We may contact you if we see an age that concerns us, just to check in with you as the parents. This is not to discourage you, but just to make sure everyone knows what they are getting into. Remember, the founders of the event have been putting their kids in 5ks or longer races since they were 4....so we are all for kids running. just want to make sure everyone is safe and has a great time.
We have kids run the 5k's a lot! We have also had a 9 year old run the 11 miler.
If they are on the younger side, we do prefer that they are with parents. We may contact you if we see an age that concerns us, just to check in with you as the parents. This is not to discourage you, but just to make sure everyone knows what they are getting into. Remember, the founders of the event have been putting their kids in 5ks or longer races since they were 4....so we are all for kids running. just want to make sure everyone is safe and has a great time.
If they can walk on their own, then they are welcome to run it! Yes, we have had 2 year olds run it. The oldest we allow into the KIDS race is 11. Older kids can run it if they are running with their little siblings, but they are not considered competitors & eligible for prizes. They are eligible in all the other races though!
Maybe. We will let you know as we get closer.
On Saturday evening (Aug 31) at 7:30pm @ the Bull Wheel Bar (STATESDIE LODGE), Chris will be reviewing course rules, suggestions & conditions based on reports from the crew for the Sunday races.
While this is not mandatory, it is VERY useful and even entertaining. We understand not everyone can go, but if there is any way at all to come, you wont regret it.
While this is not mandatory, it is VERY useful and even entertaining. We understand not everyone can go, but if there is any way at all to come, you wont regret it.
We would HIGHLY recommend staying at one of Jay's hotels for a myriad of reasons. This is why we offer the discount. No one we have spoken to has ever regretted staying.
However, we know that some of you just like being outside. We do not have any special relationship with any campgrounds in the area, nor have ever stayed at any of them. Therefore we cannot specifically recommend any over another. If you conduct an internet search for "jay vermont campground", you will get a few options nearby.
But seriously, after running all over the mountain, doesn't a shower and soak in the hot tub sound good?
However, we know that some of you just like being outside. We do not have any special relationship with any campgrounds in the area, nor have ever stayed at any of them. Therefore we cannot specifically recommend any over another. If you conduct an internet search for "jay vermont campground", you will get a few options nearby.
But seriously, after running all over the mountain, doesn't a shower and soak in the hot tub sound good?
After a lot of research, we found that some people would rather just save a few bucks and have a well organized, safe event for a fair price. If this race is more to you than just a race and you want something more than a medal to remember it by, we are happy to give you that option.
But 50% of our runners opt to pay less money and leave with their medal and sore leg and seem content that.
So, in summary, our price structure allows us to satisfy both groups.
Want to save some $$ & not have a shirt? Great
Don't mind spending a bit more and having a keepsake? Even better, we can help you out.
But 50% of our runners opt to pay less money and leave with their medal and sore leg and seem content that.
So, in summary, our price structure allows us to satisfy both groups.
Want to save some $$ & not have a shirt? Great
Don't mind spending a bit more and having a keepsake? Even better, we can help you out.
Yes, those will be for sale at the Stateside lodge during registration hours.
Yes. If prior to Aug 30, then email chris or becky @ [email protected]. No refunds are given for dropping down to a shorter race. You will be charged the difference if you move up in distance.
If it is race weekend, please see our registration managers Jeff or Wendy.
Race Course FAQ’s
The terrain varies from packed access roads, to single track, to mowed ski slopes. For those reasons, along with the steepness of the accents & descents, you will want your "grippy-est" shoes available. The more traction, the better. Think knobby.
We have no problem with people using these.
Well....lots of hills for one thing. We ARE on a ski mountain.
The Sunday races really do have a little bit of everything. Single track, wide nordic track, grassy, mud, rocky, packed access roads (dirt)....literally everything.
All trails will be cleared, so there is no orienteering type stuff.
Our 5k's have a little bit of everything short of the Green Circle. There is no single track for that one.
umm, no.
HOWEVER, lightning is a different story. We will delay or cancel if there is a threat of lightning. If it looks like there is going to be lightning in the forecast, we will contact everyone with our protocol. If it looks like a good chance of lightning, we will discuss the protocol at our course review meeting on Sat @ 7:30pm in the tram cafeteria & post on this page & FB page.
IF we have to cancel because of weather, there is NO rain date nor do we give refunds. If we could control the weather, we would be happy to. But we can't.
We will do everything in our power to make sure the event happens, but will not compromise safety.
So if rain...or snow (yes it has happened) is in the forecast, just come prepared accordingly.
Please view the maps on the individual race pages for each race to see the locations.
Saturday races will be water & electrolyte drinks.
Sunday races will have typical ultra race supplies at them. Details have been sent to registrants so that they can plan.
Keep in mind the aid station locations and what are at them are based on
1) 7 years of trial & error & runner feedback
2) feedback from Sub 5 Racing managing dozens of other ultras and long distance races.
3) The RD actually running the courses and noting what his body needed (sugar, salt, etc) where and when. While everyone is different, know that these will be stocked...not arbitrarily, but based on runner experience.
We also offer a "custom aid station" option. See how that works in our FAQ page.
Sunday races will have typical ultra race supplies at them. Details have been sent to registrants so that they can plan.
Keep in mind the aid station locations and what are at them are based on
1) 7 years of trial & error & runner feedback
2) feedback from Sub 5 Racing managing dozens of other ultras and long distance races.
3) The RD actually running the courses and noting what his body needed (sugar, salt, etc) where and when. While everyone is different, know that these will be stocked...not arbitrarily, but based on runner experience.
We also offer a "custom aid station" option. See how that works in our FAQ page.
Yup.
and we don't just mean our crew guy Sean (who really is the size of a bear....but he is super nice. )
Don't make a sound like a blueberry and well, dont be the slowest one. You will be fine. No one has been eaten yet.
and we don't just mean our crew guy Sean (who really is the size of a bear....but he is super nice. )
Don't make a sound like a blueberry and well, dont be the slowest one. You will be fine. No one has been eaten yet.
For the Sunday Races only.
If you give our crew something you want at the TRAM aid station, simply give it to us at the course debriefing meeting on Sat evening or first thing Sun morning (crew leaves by 5:30 to stock aid stations) and we will make sure it is there for you.
1) no alcohol
2) please put your bib # on your item
3) if you leave your container with us, you may not see it until the crew clears out at the end of the race. So make sure it is something you can take with you or you can live without until @ 7pm.
If you give our crew something you want at the TRAM aid station, simply give it to us at the course debriefing meeting on Sat evening or first thing Sun morning (crew leaves by 5:30 to stock aid stations) and we will make sure it is there for you.
1) no alcohol
2) please put your bib # on your item
3) if you leave your container with us, you may not see it until the crew clears out at the end of the race. So make sure it is something you can take with you or you can live without until @ 7pm.
All of our aid stations are medical check points and will either have a medical person there or have direct contact with our medical team. We are set up to reach every spot on the course within 15-20 minutes.
If you happen to get hurt on the course and cannot make it to an aid station, you will be able to give your location easily via phone based on course markings so that our medical crew can find you easily.
We know not everyone will carry a phone.
To remedy this, we also have a rolling team out there checking isolated areas.
We also have a check system in place where we will be able to note and contact medical if you do not make it to the next station in a predicted time (based on other check stations).
While not perfect, we have never lost anyone and in the rare cases had to make a mountain rescue, all went smooth.
If you happen to get hurt on the course and cannot make it to an aid station, you will be able to give your location easily via phone based on course markings so that our medical crew can find you easily.
We know not everyone will carry a phone.
To remedy this, we also have a rolling team out there checking isolated areas.
We also have a check system in place where we will be able to note and contact medical if you do not make it to the next station in a predicted time (based on other check stations).
While not perfect, we have never lost anyone and in the rare cases had to make a mountain rescue, all went smooth.
Yes, he Sunday races are allowed to have pacers. They MUST pick up a bracelet with your bib # at registration and not allowed to run more than one 1/2 lap, per lap.
E.G. If your pacer wants to help you to the tram on the 2nd lap, they can start up with you and run to the tram with you. Then take the tram down. They an even repeat if you need them again for that 2nd or 3rd loop.
Great pacer routes:
From Base to Tram (@ 3.4 miles)
From Tram to @ Stateside (@5 miles)
From Stateside to Base (@3 miles)
If you decide it just isn't your day....(happens to all of us), then PLEASE check in with the closest check point if possible. THEN PLEASE CHECK IN WITH THE RD &/OR TIMER at the base.
This is for your safety and our sanity. The checkpoints will radio the RD who will let the timer know. But please check in anyway so that we know you came off the mountain safely.
If you need medical help, please let an aid station manager know or have a runner tell the next aid station so that we can get help to you ASAP.
We will gladly give you a medal for however many laps you complete.