John Wayne Grit Series - Pioneertown, CA Half Marathon & 10K

53688 Pioneertown Rd
Pioneertown, CA 92268

Running > 10k, Half Marathon

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Event Description

John Wayne Grit Series

How the West is Run

 

Show your grit in the fight against cancer by running or walking through spectacular John Wayne movie locations and rugged western landscapes. The series benefits John Wayne Cancer Foundation, so every step you take advances the fight against cancer through pioneering cancer research and programs. For more information about the series visit johnwayne.org. 

John Wayne Grit Series - Pioneertown, CA Half Marathon & 10K 

Saturday, May 16, 2020 

 

OK Pilgrim, Let’s Get to Work! 

 

Let’s Run to Fight Cancer with Grit

Are you tough enough to hit the trails to help fight cancer? We know you are! That’s why we want you to show us your grit by participating in the first John Wayne Grit Series event in Pioneertown, CA. This half marathon and fun 10K run and walk is located near Joshua Tree National Park. There’s something for everyone at this western themed run/walk suited to all fitness levels. You’ll start in Pioneertown, a film and television set for westerns in the 40’s and 50’s, that is currently a hub for western activities. Then you’ll go onto a scenic trail through the Sawtooth Mountains in the Pioneertown Mountain Preserve, and finish back in town to celebrate. Along the route you’ll experience breathtaking views of iconic peaks like Mt. San Gorgonio, the tallest peak in Southern California, Mt. San Jacinto and more.  You’ll be helping those fighting cancer because every step you take will benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, funding cancer research and programs that save lives. This is your opportunity to gain exclusive access to the course for this inaugural event. 

John Wayne Grit Series Benefiting John Wayne Cancer Foundation

The Pioneertown run/walk benefits John Wayne Cancer Foundation, so every step you take helps advance the fight against cancer through pioneering cancer research and programs. Form a team and run or walk in honor of family and friends who have been affected by cancer. Your participation makes it possible for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation to fund novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients’ outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness and support.  

  • Want free registration and awesome prizes? Fundraise instead of purchasing your registration. It’s easy: just send emails, post what you’re doing on Social Media and tell your friends, family and co-workers. And, we’ll help you every step of the way. Visit the JWGS website at https://johnwayne.org/jwgs/ to learn more, see a complete list of fundraising incentives and activate your fundraising page today.  
  • Form a Corporate Team or Friends and Family Team and Fundraise To Make a Big Impact 
    • Promote team building and wellness at your company, show your support for charity and spotlight your company at the run/walk
    • Run/ or walk as a group in honor or memory of a loved one who has been affected by cancer
    • Contact Greg Graber at JWCF for more information about setting up your fundraising team: greg@johnwayne.org or 949-631-8400

 

Event details and schedule

Event Schedule and Details- THE NITTY GRITTY

Event Schedule

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020

Packet Pickup

Packet Pickup will be in Pioneertown, CA at location TBD from 4 PM to 7 PM.

Please be sure to have your ID and signed hardcopy waiver (available onsite) when you check-in to get your packet.

Your packet will include your bib number (with a timing chip on it), safety pinsto put your number on your shirt, your event shirt, and additional goodies and info.

SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2020

Start Times

  • Pre-Run/Walk announcements will start promptly at 8:15 AM
  • Half Marathon start time: 8:30 AM
  • 10K start time: 9 AM

Each participant will receive a bib number with a timing chip on it, and the timing results will be posted on the johnwayne.org website. Participants can choose to do the event at a leisurely pace for fun or to get their best time and compete for the podium and awesome prizes.

Start/Finish Line

The start/finish line for the both the Half Marathon and 10K are in Pioneertown adjacent to the parking lot by Pappy & Harriet's restaurant at the East End of Mane StreetParking is free

Cut off Times

There is a firm 5 hour cut off time for the half marathon course at 1:30 pm and 10K 2 pm. This will allow JWCF to comply with our permit conditions.

Finisher’s Mug

Each participant who finishes the event will receive an official JWGS finisher mug at the finish line. 

Finish Line Festival

We will celebrate your accomplishments together after the run/walk is over. Water, Gatorade and snacks will be provided at the finish line. More information coming soon!

Course Info.

RUN or WALK

Both the Half Marathon and 10K start and end in Pioneertown at the start/finish line located at the east end of Mane St. in Pioneertown (near Pappy & Harriet’s and the Pioneertown Motel). 

Both courses are on trails that go through the Sawtooth Mountains in Pioneertown Mountain Preserve on trails.

Half Marathon (13.1 miles) – This course is a loop that is longer than the 10K. The elevation gain for the Half Marathon is approximately 2,000 feet. The course starts in town and goes to the east then you return to the start/finish line.

10K (~6 miles) - This course is a loop. The elevation gain is approximately 500 feet. The course starts in town and goes to the east then you return to the start/finish line. This is the best course for beginners, just make sure to practice walking or running before the event, including some time training on trails, you can find training tips by searching the internet for websites like active.com, trail runner magazine, etc. 

The elevation of Pioneertown is approximately 4,000 feet. 

Visit https://johnwayne.org/jwgs/ website for course maps and elevation profiles.

Arrival Information

Airports

There are several airports in the region, a few of the main airports are listed below:

  • John Wayne Airport in Orange County (120 miles, ~2 hours from course depending on road conditions and time of day, check your phone for estimated travel time)
  • LAX (140 miles, ~2.5 hours from course depending on road conditions and time of day, check your phone for estimated travel time)
  • Yucca Valley Airport
  • Palm Springs Airport

Lodging

Suggested lodging locations coming soon.

Driving Directions

Pioneertown, CA is located in the vicinity of Joshua Tree National Park and the City of Yucca Valley.

Enter Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown, CA address in your phone to get driving direcitons to Pioneertown, where the start line is located.

Pappy & Harriet’s

53688 Pioneertown Rd.

Pioneertown, CA 92268

Pappy & Harriet’s website: https://www.pappyandharriets.com

The start/finish line is located at the east end of Mane St. in Pioneertown right next to Pappy & Harriet’s.

 

From Southern California to Pioneertown

1-10 East

Hwy 62 exit (exit 117 onto CA-62 toward 29 Palms, Yucca Valley) (north) (go 20 miles)

Left on the Pioneertown Rd. (go 4 miles) then arrive in Pioneertown

From Coachella Valley, CA

1-10 West

Hwy 62 exit (exit 117 onto CA-62 toward 29 Palms, Yucca Valley) (north) (go 20 miles)

Left on the Pioneertown Rd. (go 4 miles) then arrive in Pioneertown

From Barstow and Victorville, CA

Hwy 247 (Barstow Rd) southeast

Hwy 247 (Left on Old Woman Springs Rd) (east) (44 miles)

Right on Sunnyslope Dr (west)

Right on Sage Ave. (north)

L on Sunnyslope Dr. (west)

R on Pioneertown Rd. (north west)

From Twentynine Palms, CA

Hwy 62 West

Right on the Pioneertown Rd. (go 4 miles) then arrive in Pioneertown

 

Parking Information

Free parking for all registered runners, walkers and spectators is in Pioneertown, CA right next to Pappy & Harriet’s.

 

Pappy & Harriet’s

53688 Pioneertown Rd.

Pioneertown, CA 92268

Follow the event signage and instructions of the volunteer parking staff when you arrive.

The start line is on at Mane Street in Pioneertown. The start line is the same for both the Half Marathon and 10K. The start line is located next to the parking area right by Pappy & Harriet’s.

Parking is free.

Spectators

It’s free for family and friends to cheer you on at the start / finish line. Each event participant is required to register, including youth.

Waivers & ID

Each participant is required to sign a waiver in order to participate in the run/walk, this includes the online registration waiver.

Each participant is also required to sign a hardcopy online waiver at packet pickup.

What to Wear

We expect nice weather, an average of 71 degrees, possibly ranging from a low of 55 to a high of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, but weather is variable, so please be prepared for all conditions, including both cooler and warmer weather. Precipitation is unlikely, but be prepared. 

  • Trail running/walking shoes and socks.
  • Remember JWCF’s 5 sun safe tips: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, clothing and bring clothing for both cool and warm weather and seek shade. 
  • Bring a bandana or buff for sun protection and in case it gets windy.

On Course Food and Hydration

There will be water and aid stations throughout the course aid stations with water, Gatorade, GU energy gels & chews and other snacks, a variety of sweet and salty items.

This is wilderness area so be aware on the trail and avoid wildlife. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the course.

 Training

  • Hydrate and get adequate rest before the event.
  • Make sure to practice walking or running, including some time training on trails, and hills. You can find training tips by searching the internet. 
  • The trails are in excellent condition, be prepared for a variety of conditions ranging from hardpacked to sandy. 
  • If you are new to trails, and if you’ve ever considered making the jump from the road to trails this is the event for you. Just make sure that you practice walking or running on trails before doing the event. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
  • Browse the internet for training tips, search for websites like Active.com, Trail Runner magazine, etc. 
  • Join in the fun, you’ll be glad you did. We are excited to open up a whole new world of adventure for you and your friends!

Prizes for Top Finishers & Top Fundraisers

  • Igloo cooler and unique finisher medal for top 3 female and male fundraisers for both the Half Marathon and 10K, and more to come!
  • A complete list of fundraising incentives is listed on the website at https://johnwayne.org/jwgs/

 

JWGS Apparel

JWGS apparel will be available for sale at packet pickup and race day.

 

No Refunds, no rollovers

THERE ARE NO REFUNDS, NO ROLLOVERS 

 

Bib Transfer

You can transfer your bib number to someone else if you can’t do the event, this is through Active.com up until registration is closed. And then, after that, you can do this at packet pickup.


Event Location & Accomodations


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