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Twentieth Annual
FINGER LAKES NATIONAL FOREST |
Finger Lakes Fifties FAQs:
How do I enter? Can I enter on-line? Is there race day entry?
Go to www.fingerlakesrunners.org, scroll down and click on the link to the entry form for “Finger Lakes Fifties”. Sorry . . . no on-line entry available, no paypal, no credit cards. Make checks payable to “FLRC”. You may also register on Friday evening from 4-7pm or Saturday morning, 5am-6am (for 50K/50Mile), 6:30am-7:30am (25K). It is very helpful if you can pre-enter.
Where is “Race Headquarters”?
Race Headquarters is located at the pavilion in the Potomac Group Campground, on Potomac Road, Finger Lakes National Forest.
list-style-type You can go to www.mapquest.com and put in Potomac Group Campsite, Potomac Road, as your destination. You may also find a copy of the Finger Lakes National Forest map at http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/gmfl/fingerlakes/index.htm.
How far apart are the aid stations and what is available?
There are five very well-stocked, manned aid stations that have water, Hammer HEED, cola, fig bars, pb&j sandwiches, M&Ms, Twizzlers, bananas, and possibly some other stuff. These stations are approximately every 3 miles. There are also two unmanned aid stations on the course with just water & HEED.
What kind of sports drink will be available at the aid stations?
Hammer HEED will be the sports drink provided by our sponsor, Hammer Nutrition.
What are the aid stations and where are they located?
The miles indicated are the location in the 15.5-mile loop.
#1 The Morgue – approx. 3.6 miles
#2 The Library – approx. 5.7 miles
#3 The Outback – approx. 8.2 miles
#4 The Beach – approx. 11.3 miles
#5 The Living Room – at the end of the 15.5-mile loop
Will there be Tylenol/Ibuprofen/electrolyte pills at the aid stations? No. If you require any of these things you must supply your own.
Can I use “drop bags”?
The course is a 15.6 mile loop. 50K and 50-mile runners will pass through the fifth aid station multiple times and most runners have found that leaving their “stuff” here where they can get it when passing through this area is adequate. However, if a runner feels that they have supplies that they will need while out on the course we will make sure your stuff gets to where you need it. If you would like to have drop bags at any of the other four manned aid stations you need to have your bags (labeled with your name and which aid station it should go to) to the race headquarters by 7pm on Friday night.
Is the Finger Lakes Fifties 50-miler a Western States qualifier?
This is what the Western States website says:
All age categories have been removed. Qualifying time applies to all ages, 18 years of age and older. Standards apply to all running surfaces, roads and trails.
One of the following minimum times must be met and certified by official race results or a results listing in Ultrarunning Magazine:
The Finger Lakes Fifties is an official, measured event, which appears to meet WS criteria.
Should I wear trail running shoes or road running shoes?
This is a very personal issue. The trails are well maintained, however, it is the forest and there are rocks, roots, and dirt. The course is runnable in road running shoes; however, some people prefer trail shoes.
What kind of markings will mark the course and will it be lit for after dark?
The course will be marked with orange arrows and flagging tape. The course will not be lit for after dark. If you think that you will be running into darkness, please be prepared with your own flashlight.
Can I have a “pacer”?
Pacers will not be allowed for 25K or 50K runners. For safety purposes, any runner in the 50-mile race may have another runner accompany them during their 3rd & 4th loops, if they choose. These runners will need to complete an entry form and sign the waiver (no entry fee, just indicate which runner you will be running with).
Are there time cut-offs? How does that work for the 50-miler?
There are no cut-offs for the 25K and 50K races. 50-mile runners must complete their second 15.5-mile loop by 7 ½ hours (i.e., race starts at 6:30am, runners must complete the 50K portion of the 50-miler by 2pm). Last year a runner completed the 50K portion within the limits but then waited for another runner (who did not make the cut-off). The first runner then went on to run the 50-miler quite some time after it was expected that he had left the aid station. There was a lot of confusion since we thought this runner had gone on running a long time before, creating a lot more confusion as to who was the last runner out on the course. Once you have completed the 50K portion and will be going on for the 50-miler, please spend only a reasonable amount of time getting your food/drink/change of clothes in the aid station and continue with your run. If it is close to that 2pm cut-off time and you think you will be at the aid station for a longer period, please let race personnel know.
Are there awards?
There will be awards to the first Open and Masters male and female in each race. Frivolous awards will be given to the first place finisher (male and female) in each 10-year age division for each race. Finisher medals will be awarded to finishers.
Can my family/friends drive around the course to watch me or have my gear for me?
Since most of the course is run on trails there will be limited access for viewing. However, there are roads that lead some of the aid stations and family/friends can drive there and see runners as they come by.
What kind of camping is available?
Primitive tent camping is available, free of charge, at the Potomac Group Campground. There is very limited parking lot space and “kiosks” available where RVs/campers may be parked, however, we if utilizing the Campground parking lot, you must not block entry/exits, as race vehicles will going frequently in and out. There is no electricity available.
There are other campsites available in the forest which are available for a fee.
Are there bathrooms or showers?
Restrooms/porta-potties are located at the start and on the course at the Blueberry Patch and Horse Campsites. No showers available, although there are ponds.
Can I bring my dog with me?
Since this event is held in July, it is usually hot and sunny and Rover would likely be much happier at home. However, if you feel that you must bring your dog, it is required by the Finger Lakes National Forest that the animal be kept on a leash AT ALL TIMES and the race committee requires that the dog be supervised AT ALL TIMES (i.e., not tied-up and left alone at your vehicle or tent).
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