We are excited to announce the Mini Barkley Marathon Challenge!
The first race is called the “Salisbury Steak Race” and consists of 1 mile on the Undermountain Trail leading up Bear Mountain which is the highest point in Connecticut. So okay. It is half a mile up and half a mile back and well before the summit. It is not really "like" the Barkley Ultra Marathon but if you don't like trails the 1 mile race in Salisbury could feel that way. So why not get a little dramatic and have a story to tell your friends.
The second is called the Winchester...Winsted...Whatever the Town is Called Race and consists of a 2 mile or 1 mile race in Winchester (aka Winsted) at Walker Field. The course is much less exciting and is either pavement, grass, or a dirt road. Much less impressive stories to tell your friends but feel free to embellish. We won't correct you.
Mini Barkley Marathon Challenge races – Completing both the Salisbury Steak race and Winchester...Winsted...Whatever the Town is Called Race
Salisbury Steak Race (Salisbury race)
Where: Undermountain Trail where the race starts is just over 3 miles north of Salisbury center on Route 41. There are many ways to get to Salisbury depending upon where you are coming from so your best bet is to plan a course using Mapquest to Main St. in Salisbury. When you've made your way to Main Street Salisbury, head up to the White Hart Inn where Routes 41 and 44 intersect. Bear left onto Route 41 north. 3.2 miles later on your left will be a dirt parking lot and the entrance to Undermountain Trail. It's hard to miss so go slow as you approach the 3 mile mark.
When: 11/4/18 with waves starting at 9:00 am – multiple waves will be added based on race size – signs up times will be sent via email well before race day for different waves of the race.
Distance: 1 mile (.5 out and .5 back) in structured waves TBD before race day for safety. The trail can be narrow at times so please only participate if you can do so safely. The trail is listed as moderate in terms of difficulty. If you hate trails with a passion or can't imagine 1 mile on a trail this is not a race for you!
VERY IMPORTANT! PARKING IS EXTREMELY LIMITED. There are only a few spots (approximately 20) at the Undermountain Trail head. Carpooling is a must and plan to arrive for your wave and head out after to create space for others in later waves. There are many private roads near the parking area which I would caution parking on. Two that are not private are Westmount Road and Beaver Dam Road. These are often used by hikers at their own risk from what a ranger told me. Feel free to research your own parking options or even consider a job to warm up to the trail head from a nearby location.
Winchester...Winsted...Whatever the Town is Called Race (Winchester Race)
Where: Walker Field - 75 Rowley Street, Winsted CT 06098 When: 11/4/18 at 12:00 pm Distance: 2 mile and 1 mile – sign up for your choice on race day. Course Description: The courses will consist of running on the primarily flat areas of the park which are grass, gravel, and pavement on the grounds and accompanying sidewalk in Walker Park which does have some very slight elevation.
Course Description: The mile course will consist of loops on Walker Field. It consists of grass, gravel, and sidewalks.
Awards: Due to the nature of the mini-marathon, all finishers will get a commemorative ribbon versus overall or AG awards. It will be well earned. You will be proud of yourself.
Cost: $40 donation for adults; $35 donation for kids under 18 (includes both races in the challenge).
If individual event entry is allowed for Salisbury, more will be posted on the Facebook page at that time.
A little bit about costs for non-race directors. There are costs to use both facilities, restrooms, insurance, and other race-related items to host the event like refreshments.
General Information and Timing: The race will be timed by hand and the results posted on coolrunnings. Restroom facilities will be provided. Please know that this is a low key and no-frills event (e.g. no shirts or swag) so as much money can go to charity as possible after paying for race-related costs. Refreshments will be provided. Also, this is a fun event so relax. Come ready to have a good time and help make it even better.
Benefit: The proceeds of donations will benefit the Roxbury Community College Foundation and a TBD runner for Boston marathon if a bib is available for 2020 or 2021 as RCCF was not granted bibs for 2019. If not, the proceeds will be still be given to RCCF if no bib is available in the distant future.
Participants should not smoke or drink alcohol at either race per town policies and animals are not allowed in the Salisbury Steak Race but are fine for Winchester. There are no deferrals or refunds.
