Twenty Third Annual FINGER LAKES RUNNERS CLUB VIRGIL MOUNTAIN MADNESS TRAIL RUNS 30 K, 3500' Climb and 12 K, 1250' Climb Part of Finger Lakes Trail Circuit Sunday, August 17, 2008 -- 8:30 a.m.

Directions
Map
Entry Blanks
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Visit the Race Website with even more information, photos, and more!

"It is lovely, particularly for a trail course in the Northeast." ---Peter Gagarin in UltraRunning magazine.

"There may be a more pleasant running activity, but I don't know what it could be."---Ed Stabler in Syracuse Chargers Newsletter.

DESCRIPTION..... A challenging 30 km or a 12 km run on a well-cleared section of the Finger Lakes Trail in pristine state forest. You'll run beneath maples, oaks, red pines, spruce, and huge hemlocks. There'll be 5 aid stations (2 for 12k) (water, Gatorade, cookies, and more) and refreshments and drink after the race. This race is sponsored by the Finger Lakes Runners Club, and is sanctioned by the Road Runners Club of America.

WHERE..... The start is at the entrance of the "Hauck Hill" primitive campsite on Hauck Hill Rd. (See map and directions below.) The finish is the same as the start.

WHEN..... Pick up your race number by 8:00 am. at the Hauck Hill campsite. The race starts at 8:30 am. NOTE: You may have to park (on right [south] only!) as much as 1/4 mile from the campsite on narrow dirt roads, so allow ample time!

ENTRY FEE..... $10 pre-entry by Aug. 11; $15 thereafter, including race day. FLRC members may deduct $2. Students 18 and under pay half the above fees; FLRC discount applied before the half price discount. No Refunds.

ENTRY FORMS..... Available in several formats:

• DOC
• PDF

WARNING!..... This race is not for weaklings or wimps. You need both agility of foot and the ability to keep one eye on the trail and the other on the trail blazes. Sprained ankles, yellow jacket stings, facial lacerations and a sprained wrist are some past injuries. Many will get lost momentarily-if you see no white, orange, or blue blazes ahead of you, go back! There may be no medical aid or people on the course. Carry a water bottle, as it could be hot.

SHOWERS/REST ROOMS..... No showers, but a port-a-john will be available at the Hauck Hill campsite.

AWARDS..... You've got to be kidding; who wants worthless trophies? This run is for fun!

MORE INFO..... Contact Gill Sharp at gill@virgilmountainmadness.info or (607)351-1735. For info, photos, etc. see www.virgilmountainmadness.info. Don't call for directions; they are included on this page and on the entry form.

COURSE RECORDS..... 30 K: 29 & under: Mike McGurk 2:16:30 & Jennifer Stevens 3:21:25. 30-39: Carl Johnston 2:28:58 & Katie Danner 2:41:00. 40-49: Tim Ingall: 2:29:53 & Audrey Balander 3:00:38. 50-59: Tom Powers 2:37:19. 60+: Joe Dabes 3:22:37. 12 Km: Garrett Wagner 49:31 & Suzanne Myette 1:01:23

AFTER RACE REFRESHMENTS..... Free to entrants; add $3 for others (unless volunteer). Cookies, bagels, and assorted drinks will be available.

CAMPING..... Many will camp Saturday night at Hauck Hill primitive campsite (bring water) on soft moss beds. See directions on back. Make sure you arrive before dark. A developed campsite 6 miles away is Country Hills, Muckey Rd., Marathon: (607)849-3300.

MOTELS..... Many in the Marathon-Cortland-Ithaca area, but best to call for reservations early. Here are four:

• Marathon Three Bear Inn (closest) - Exit 9 on I-81: 607-849-3258
• Cortland Super 8 - Exit 11 on 1-81: 607-756-5622
• Cortland Holiday Inn - Exit 11 on I-81: 607-756-4431
• Ithaca Embassy Inn - Rte. 366 2 mi. east of Cornell: 607-272-3721

RESULTS..... Within 2 days after the race, go to the FLRC Website: www.fingerlakesrunners.org.

(Click map for larger image)

COURSE..... New this year: The 30k will be run in the reverse direction from previous years! The 12 k course will be the same.

30k runners will start at the Hauck Hill campsite and run towards Bleck Rd. From the Hauck Hill/Bleck Rd intersection, follow the “Dabes Diversion” with ORANGE blazes to “Rockpile Junction” at 2.7 miles. Here head west (right) following WHITE blazes crossing Babcock Hollow Rd, Bell Rd and Owego Hill Rd on the way to the turn-around at Daisy Hollow Rd (7miles). There will be aid stations at Rockpile Junction, Owego Hill Rd and Daisy Hollow Rd. Runners will retrace their steps to the Rockpile Junction (11.3 miles) this time continuing straight through the Junction heading east, still following WHITE blazes to the Virgil Mountain Loop and aid station at 13.1 miles. Turn right up the long hill following ORANGE and then WHITE blazes along the power line and around the loop. At 15.1 miles you will reach Virgil Mountain summit (2132’ highest point within 70 miles) with aid station and views. When you complete the Virgil Mountain loop, you will turn right and down to Odell Rd following that for a short distance before turning right up Hauck Hill Rd for the final uphill push to the finish! (Note: map above does not reflect new 30k course direction.)

12k runners will also start at the Hauck Hill campsite, but will run downhill to a junction with WHITE blazes. Turn left on a 4.8 mile Virgil Mtn. loop. At 3.5 miles is Virgil Mountain summit (2132', highest point within 70 miles) with aid and views. Follow white then ORANGE blazes along power line. Orange blazes turn right at 4.0 miles and return to WHITE blazes at 5.5 miles completing Virgil Mtn. loop. Turn left on WHITE blazes. At 6.5 miles 12K’ers turn right on BLUE-blazed Kuzia Cutoff to the finish. Course will be well marked.

DIRECTIONS TO HAUCK HILL CAMPSITE START/FINISH.....
See map. From downtown Dryden go east 4 mi. on Route 392. At bottom of hill turn right on West Meeting House Rd. (Kohne Rd. is to left). After 0.3 mi. turn left on Daisy Hollow Rd. (soon to be Babcock Hollow Rd.). After 1.4 mi. turn left on Hauck (Hill) Rd. Follow this dirt road up a very steep hill then down to cross Bleck Rd. after 1.1 mi. Park from here on, on south (right) side only. Continue straight on Hauck Hill Rd.; Hauck Hill campsite is 0.4 mi. from Bleck Rd on a logging road to the right.