Event Description

Saturday, June 6th 2020, 10 AM Start

The Uptown Gentlefriends present the Dash and Deciduous 5k trail run at Clayton Park. This is a FREE timed 5k group run. Despite the fact that this is a FREE 5k, registration is required due to the field size being limited to 40 runners. Once the field limit is reached additional runners will go on a waiting list and added randomly. Even though the Uptown Gentlefriends provide all resources out of their own pockets this is largely a runner supported event and it's through runner donations that we use to make it even better! Donations aren't required but 100% of donations will go to the runners.

AWARDS:
A handmade award will be given to the top male and female. Age group awards will be available for both male and female in the following age groups; 29 and Under, 30 to 39, and Masters (40+). A special trophy will go to the person who sets a new course record. "Easter eggs" will be hidden throughout the course for runners to find which can be returned for a small prize (If the finder also wins an age group award, prize will be given to next highest finisher).

COURSE:
Top male: Anthony Parga, 20:46 (2017)
Top female: Csilla Mathe, 27:31 (2019)

Do not expect to get a 5k PR at this course. This is a fun timed group run. I would consider the course to be an entry level course for a trail runner. Beginners may find the course challenging with over 310ft of combined elevation climb with some sections loaded with ankle twisting roots that appear to come out of nowhere. Veteran trail runners will find the course to be fast and fun with a few short very runnable sections that will allow you to gain a lot of ground on the leader (or keep the lead). The course will be well-marked and no one well get lost. There will be a water station at mile 1.1 and again at mile 2.6. 

The course is very spectator friendly. Cheer on your friends and family at the start and then again at mile .75 before the runners enter the woods. You'll have the chance to cheer them on again by taking a short walk to the 2.2 mile mark (see course map) just after they complete a difficult uphill section and need your cheers to lift their spirits for the rest of the run. Be sure to congratulate them at the finish line!

Refreshments will be served post-run at the sign-in area near the parking lot and the award ceremony held shortly after the conclusion of the run.

Thank you for participating in the Uptown Gentlefriends 5k. The parking area is tiny so we STRONGLY encourage carpooling. This is a small but competitive club run and you are responsible for your own safety. Clayton Park is a wonderful place to run but can be challenging, never underestimate the course and the dangers that come from trail running there. I would consider myself a veteran trail runner and Clayton Park is the ONLY park where I have tripped on roots and rocks. Not just once, but many times. Give Clayton Park respect and it will respect you!

- John Beck
Run Organizer

Follow the Uptown Gentlefriends on Strava:
https://www.strava.com/clubs/gentlefriends

Follow the Uptown Gentlefriends on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/U_Gentlefriends

Like the Uptown Gentlefriends on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UGF5k/