2023 Runner Instructions
Thank you for registering for this year's Seneca Creek Greenway Trail Marathon and 50K! We are very excited to have this year's race !
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup will be held on race morning ONLY and will be located in the start/finish area from 6:30 to 7:25 AM. Please make note of your bib number (if you don't know it, please use the "Find a Participant" link) to help ensure that you receive your items in a timely manner. When you receive your items, please remove the chip from the bib and tie it through your shoe laces. If your chip is NOT on your shoe, you will not receive a time.
Parking
Race day parking will be in the parking lot near the Nut Hatch Pavilion in Seneca Creek Park and along the road leading up to the pavilion area. Specific directions to both the park and the start location are on our website. Parking can be limited, so participants are encouraged to carpool when possible. Another way to limit the number of cars would be to consider having a family member or friend drop you off in the start/ finish location. Regardless of how you choose to arrive, PLEASE follow all instructions of the parking attendants so that we can get all cars safely parked and our participants to the starting line on time.
Bag Drop
There will be a bag drop located in the start/ finish area. Bags will be delivered to the Berryville Road Aid Station before returning to the start/ finish area periodically. Please note that there may be a wait time for your bag to return to the start/ finish area. We appreciate your patience with our volunteers. Please be sure all bags are labeled properly with your bib number!
The Course
The course will be marked with BLUE tape flags as well as course marshals stationed at key intersections and turns. However, you may want to have the course map on your phone during the race in case you are unsure of the route. We ask that all participants follow the directions of the course marshals and remember that they are volunteers -- thank them for being out there for you!
The race will start at 7:30 AM with a mass start, so please seed yourself accordingly (faster runners in the front & slower runners in the back).
Aid Stations
Aid stations will have a variety of snacks but if there is something in particular that you have trained with, you are encouraged to carry that with you. Water and Gatorade will be provided at the aid stations. All participants are encouraged to carry a water bottle or hydration system for use along the course, so please plan accordingly!
Cut-off Times
Below are the race cut-off locations and times. Please note that all participants must have crossed each location at the time listed, to continue with the race.
** Berryville Road - 12:45 PM
** Rt. 28 - 2:45 PM
** Riffle Ford Rd. - 4:15 PM
** Decision Point - 3:40 PM
** Marathon Finish - 5:15 PM
** 50K Finish - 5:15 PM
The cut-off time at the decision point for the 50K is 3:40 PM. You must reach the decision point by that time, or you will be diverted to the marathon finish. Only the 50K participants will be doing the lake loop which comes at the end of the route, not the beginning.
All participants and volunteers must vacate the park by 6:00 PM, which is when the park closes.
When approaching the finish line, please let the volunteers know if you completed the 50K or the marathon, for our timing purposes. Be sure to run through the finish line area, receive your finisher premium and then head to the pavilion where we will have some post-race refreshments. We strongly encourage all finishers to plan to leave the park as soon as you are recovered and able - this will help us to clear the finish area and the course in ample time before the park closes.
If you had to drop from the race, PLEASE be sure that you have made your own arrangements for transportation along with alerting a volunteer and giving them your name and bib number. Although we will have course sweepers, they will not be able to provide transportation to participants who must drop from the event. For your safety, please consider carrying a cell phone with you throughout the duration of the race.
Health Reminder
Please do not come to the race if you are experiencing cold symptoms, don't feel well or have been recently exposed to COVID-19.
A Note on Weather
We are watching the weather forecast, which currently shows rainy weather for Friday which will create some challenging trail conditions on Saturday. At this time, MCRRC has no intention of canceling the race. However, the ultimate decision as to whether or not the event can take place rests with our permitting authorities and the State Park. In the event of any changes from the permitting authorities, we will notify all registered participants via email and on our Facebook page as well as the club's Facebook page, as soon as possible.
Thank you again for your participation & we can't wait to see you this weekend!
