| |
 Presented by
|
All the work has been done. Now you just have to get to the starting line. This is your final runner update email. Any new/remaining info will be disseminated at the pre-race briefing on Friday at Squaw Valley.
|
|
| Western States High Country |
|
|
|
Snow
After watching the snow melt daily for the last two months, and after scouting the high country the decision has been made that we will not be using a Snow Course. Our two highest elevation aid stations, Lyon Ridge and Red Star Ridge, still have snow blocking the top of their respective access roads but the volunteers will be schlepping the supplies the remaining 1/2 to 1 mile so we can run on the normal course.
While the record high temperatures this week are melting the snow rapidly, we still expect to run on snow on and off until about mile 16-18 after which the course will be snow free. The snow is often melting from below which leaves snow bridges which could break away. Be very careful and avoid snow that sounds like there may be water underneath it.
Each runner must complete the entire course under his own power. No physical or mechanical aids are allowed, including but not limited to ski poles, hiking sticks or crampons. No additions can be made to shoes as manufactured.
Because of the big snow year there is no capacity at the upstream dams to control the water flow, so we will be crossing the American River at mile 78 via rafts. Please follow the instructions of the volunteers. They will get you across the river as safely and expeditiously as possible.
|
|
Pre Race Activities at Squaw Valley
There are lots of fun and informative activities and clinics planned for you beginning on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. From the flag raising ceremony, to Tropical John's crewing clinic, to a Medical Research and Ultrarunning Performance talk with Dr John Diana, Dr Tracy Hoeg, and Jason Koop, and finally a free screening of Life In A Day, a film about four of last year's top women runners, followed by Q&A with film maker Billy Yang, Kaci Lickteig, Magdalena Boulet, Devon Yanko. Friday is equally as busy with Altra's Uphill Challenge, runner check-in, and the pre-race briefing. The full schedule of activities for the final days leading up to the race can be found here.
|
|
Runner Check-In
You must check-in on Friday between 9 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.. You will pick up your swag,
sign some waivers, have your picture taken for the webcast, and get a wristband. On Saturday morning, between 4:00 a.m. and 4:50 a.m., you must pick up your bib number and chips. There will be a b-tag chip attached to your bib number so please don't fold it. You will also get a d-tag chip that goes on your shoe laces. Please transfer that if you change shoes. If the d-tag is new to you, please
watch this video. If for whatever reason you decide not to run but have picked up your bib and chips, please report back to a manager at the start so we know you didn't start and are not lost.
|
|
On The Trail
You will be following pink ribbons and pin flags the whole way. If you see any other color or combination of ribbons we did not put them there. For the night sections we will be using the same pink ribbons with small pieces of highly reflective red/white material at the bottom and pink pin flags with reflective stripes. Generally, there will be 5-8 ribbons/pin flags per mile, not including turns/intersections. A little less in the first half, a little more in the second half when runners generally slow down. There will also be small directional yellow signs at key intersections to help you.
Cutting switchbacks is not allowed. Littering is not tolerated. While we realize you may inadvertently drop something from your pack, please be very careful. It is incumbent on all of us to be respectful stewards of the trail. If you see something in the trail please take the time to pick it up - or better yet, have your pacer pick it up. If you have to relieve yourself please be sure to step off the trail and cover your deposit. For everybody's sake, please be respectful.
If you are close to the cutoffs coming into an aid station, we will be utilizing the following protocol to help you manage your time.
30 minutes----3 short blasts on air horn
20 minutes----2 short blasts on air horn
10 minutes----1 short blast on air horn
5 minutes----Verbal warning to all those still in the aid station
Aid station closed----one long blast on air horn
You must leave the aid station before the cutoff.
If for whatever reason you decide to drop from the race, please be sure you have your wristband cut off by an aid station captain. If you are unaccounted for we will attempt to contact you and/or your emergency contact. If we are not successful in these attempts, we will need to contact Search and Rescue (at your cost). So it is imperative that we get your wristband if you have to call it a day early.
|
At The Finish
Placer High School track on the last weekend in June is perhaps the best place on earth. Hang out after you arrive and watch others finish. The world would be a better place if everybody could spend time there.
The artisans from Comstock Heritage will be at the finish to engrave your name on your buckle. Stop by and say hi to them. While they have been making our buckles for decades, this is only the second year they've come to the finish to engrave names on buckles.
Strava will also be at the finish and will be able to stitch together your gpx files if you need to use your watch and phone or other combination of GPS devices over the 100 miles. Be sure to stop by and say hi to them, too.
Safe travels and we'll see you in Squaw,
Craig Thornley, Race Director, #337
|
|
|
|
|
RD@wser.org
PO Box 99
Auburn, CA 95604
|
|
|
| |
|
