Event Description
Can You Handle…..?
THE Winter SWITCHBACKS ? (2020 version)
What: Probably the toughest 5K you have ever attempted. Roughly 4 loops of what locals call “the switchbacks”. Dirt, rocks, uphill, poor footing predominately on tight, rocky trails. Hopefully icy, slippery, and/or drift-covered. Also- the course is probably long. The loops cover a section of the Waterloo trail system, and on Green Road, a little-traveled chunk of hills and dirt. Basically, it is the stuff that would make a Mule puke.
Where: The start is uphill from the parking lot on the south side of Green Road, near the eastern Jackson County line. Take I-94 Exit 153 North 2 or 3 miles. Go east on Green road ¾ mile.
When: 10 AM on Saturday, Jan 25. This ensures that the race will be cold and miserable, and the wind has had a chance to kick up. The horse excrement sometimes is partially thawed, and makes a messy “soup” that will reduce traction.
Why: Good luck explaining this one to your friends.
Awards: There will be no awards. BUT, anyone who finishes the race without walking will receive a unique something to be determined by the prize committee. Don’t worry, it will be one-of-a-kind NEW THIS YEAR: Anyone “beating their age” by 20 min or more will win a beverage of your choice at the Waterloo Market immediately after the race. Example: You are 52 years old, but run a 31 minute race –Bottoms up!!!
Cost: A $5 Bill. No checks or anything that would require technology. We will have no change. There will be no pre-registration. Race day registration will start at 9 AM, and will be limited to the first 50 lunatics. The money will go towards the prizes and towards the Chelsea Runners club.
Other features:
t No bathrooms. Runners should use the stump by that big pile of rocks, or the outhouses about 1mile north at Clear Lake park.
t No water. If you want some, bring your own or go without
t No splits. They probably wouldn’t be accurate anyways.
t No music, cheerleaders, or other entertainment. You will get nothing except possibly frostbite if you survive. Anyone caught wearing headphones, excessive spandex, or fancy matching workout clothing will be shunned.
t Additional running allowed. Before or after the race, you can get lost on the brutal, seemingly infinite Waterloo-Pinckney trail system that connects with the course. You may cut a hole in the ice at Clear Lake and get cleaned off if you wish.
t Any questions, please call 734-433-9338 or email Julie Swager at seejulierun@gmail.com.
t Check out pictures, times, and how dumb this really is at the following site: https://www.facebook.com/SwitchBacksRace
Name:_______________________________________________________ Age: _______________
Address:____________________________________ City: __________________ Zip Code: ________
Waiver: I certify that I am physically fit to participate in this event. I recognize that the sponsors, their agents and promoters cannot and do not assure my safety during my involvement in this event as the course is on public roadway & trails. I assume all risks of accident and injury before, during and after the event in consideration for my entry into this event. I waive all rights and claims I or my estate may have or acquire arising from my participation in this event. I further pledge to hold harmless and indemnify the sponsors, their agents, Chelsea School District, Chelsea Community Education & State of Michigan from liability or damages as a result of my participation in the Winter Switchback Run 2020.
Signature: __________________________________________________________________________________
