EDS Run with the Zebras Trail Race

North Boundary Trailhead
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Running > 1 mile, 10k, 5k, Obstacle Race

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Event Description

This is our inaugural race for the EDS Run with the Zebras Trail Race fundraiser.   All proceeds beyonds the cost of the event will go to the Elhers-Danlos Society in support of research and awareness of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.  Our race date is September 12th, 2020 with both the 10K and the 5K starting at 9:00am.  There will also be a fun run/walk option that will begin just after the racers take off to the trails.  All three events will allow you to appreciate the beauty of this Nature Preserve that West Oak Ridge has to offer!  This area is called The North Boundary, and it was formerly restricted DOE property before they offered it for recreational use by the city.  There are more than 20 miles of trails available, and you are welcome to explore more of this area before or after the race (the races only cover the east end of the park).

10k Race: The 10K race will be a loop course of mostly single track trails, with gravel greenway roads connecting the sections.  The race will start at the North Boundary Trailhead, and quickly climb the ridge with approximately 600' of elevation gain in the first two miles.  When you reach the top of the ridge, the gravel road will connect you to the descending trail for some great downhill fun.  Another small hill over the last mile will carry you to the finish line.  The total distance should be very close to the 6.1 miles.  This event has a 2 hour time limit.  If you do not feel comfortable that you can complete the race in 2 hours, please consider the shorter 5k event.

5k Race: The 5k will follow the same climbing single track trails as the 10k race, but will make a turn near the top of the ridge before reaching the gravel road.  So you will stay on single track for the majority of the 5k race.  If you enjoy a good climb and then a quick descent, this 5k is for you!  You will experience roughly the same elevation gain as the 10k race!  The distance is going to be a little longer than a true 3.1 miles (3.5 miles is more accurate).  For those who typically do not run trails or gain much elevation on their runs, I highly recommend getting some training in for these conditions, this will not be a simple 5k.  The same 2 hour time limit applies, which should be enough time for all skill levels, including anyone who doesn't plan on running the majority of the time.

Aid Station: Both races will pass one aid station, located around the 2 mile mark.  This aid station will be minimally supplied with water and first aid, as well as some smiling faces cheering you on!  This will be a CUP-LESS Race, so if you plan to need refreshment at the aid station, also plan on carrying your own handheld cup or bottle.  We have no desire to leave any trash behind during the event, and therefore will not be providing cups at the aid station.  There will also be multiple locations of course monitors, mostly at the intersections or turns.  Those course monitors can also help with first aid and guidance if needed.

Fun Run / Walk:  Immediately after the trail racers leave the start, we will gather all fun run and walk participants.  We will enjoy a casual stroll down the main gravel greenway of the park.  This will be a self-guided experience, and an opportunity to meet people with EDS and have questions answered about the disease if you are curious.  Less than a mile down the greenway is old quarry that is now a scenic body of water.  The 10k runners will be coming back through this section of the greenway also, so you can cheer them on as they pass by!

PARKING: VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION - The trailhead area has very limited parking.  Once that area is full, overflow parking will be utilized.  We will have volunteers to guide you to a safe and acceptable parking place, which for many will be on the gravel shoulder of Hwy 95.  WE ARE NOT ALLOWED to park on the paved shoulder of the highway, this is actually an official bike lane and cannot be blocked.  So please ensure that your car is completely off of pavement if you are parking at the roadside (This is part of our agreement with the City of Oak Ridge).  There is also parking available at the Guard Shack, which is an old landmark of the West End of Oak Ridge, and has paved and grassy parking spots (1/4 mile before the trailhead area).  Carpooling is also strongly encouraged for this race if you are coming with friends!

SHIRTS/AWARDS: All participants who register prior to September 1st will receive a race T-shirt (Adult sizes S-XXL).  Anyone registering after that time may or may not receive a shirt, based on what additional shirts are available on race day.  WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND signup prior to Sept. 1st to guarantee you receive a shirt and also to help with our record keeping for the race. Awards will be given for the top 3 male and female finishers of each race, along with possibly some others such as age categories depending on the number of participants.  Exact awards are to be determined.  No shirts or awards will be mailed, all items must be picked up at the event.

RULES: The park WILL NOT be closed to other people during the event.  Please be courteous and friendly to everyone you see, you may encounter other people on foot or on bikes throughout the race.  Headphones are discouraged but not outlawed, as long as you can still hear others around you.  Use the utmost caution and always be aware of your surroundings.  When trying to pass other people on single track trails, make sure you give the person ahead of you notice by talking to them, and do so at a safe location.  If you are on a steep grade or especially narrow section, be patient and wait for a better opportunity.  Pre/Post refreshments provided will be water only, along with minimal snacks.  We reserve the right to cancel anyone's entry or ask them to leave the event if they are considered to be offensive/rude/misbehaving during the event.  The fun run/walk event is pet friendly, however dogs must remain on a lease at all times (park rules).  Leave no trace, place all trash in the proper place.  We will have a trash bin available, or please carry out your trash with you when you leave, our goal is to leave the park cleaner then when we arrived.  

DIRECTIONS:  From Knoxville: Take I-40 West to Pellissippi (Hwy 162) North.  Once you arrive in Oak Ridge, turn left on Oak Ridge Turnpike (Hwy 95).  North Boundary Trailhead parking is 6 miles ahead on your right, just past the White Guard Shack building, which is the old western gate of the city.  From the West: Take I-40 East to Exit 356 (Hwy 95).  Take Hwy 95 North towards Oak Ridge for 10 Miles.  The trailhead parking will be on your left.

INCLEMENT WEATHER/REFUNDS:  The race will be held rain or shine, please prepare to run in whatever weather we are blessed with that day.  In the case of severe weather, postponing the start time up to 1 hour will be employed.  If the race is cancelled for reasons beyond our control, no refunds or credits towards future races will be offered.  

SPONSORSHIPS / DONATIONS:  If you cannot make it to this event, but would like to make a donation, feel free to contact us.  You may also sign up for the walk event and just note that it is a donation.  We are actively seeking sponsors, please contact me if you are able to commit to a sponsorship.  Sponsors will be printed on the back of the shirts, and may also have the ability to setup at the event if desired.


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