Event Description
Welcome to the Stokes Half & 10k! Both courses take you through Stokes and High Point state parks and consist of single track, fire roads, bridge crossings (they're little, but hey...they're still bridges), creek crossings (again, small, but a chance to get muddy and show how tough of a trail runner you truly are!), lots of rocks, a fire tower, scenic views, more rocks, several mainly downhill miles along the Appalachian Trail, and to close it all out, we end at Gyp's, the fan-favorite local dive bar. Who knew...New Jersey has some serious trails!
Registration for both races includes a race sticker, a water station (I'll probably throw in some bars) , a donation to the Stokes State Forest, and a PBR...of course.
TL;DR Description:
HALF - Easy start, nice flatter run along the Big Flat Brook, gradual climb into a mile of steep climb for mile 7, then running on the AT along the ridge through mainly singletrack with great views and a fire tower along the way before a rocky descent to Gyp's Tavern - technical terrain throughout. - Half Route
10K - Easier wide and flat start through pines, followed by a short but steeper climb on Tinsley Trail, then running on the AT along the ridge through mainly singletrack with great views and a fire tower along the way before a rocky descent to Gyp's Tavern - technical terrain throughout. - 10K Route
Full Descriptions:
Half Marathon (really about 13.75 miles) - The half starts at the Stony Lake parking lot and heads north along the relatively flat and piney Stony Brook Trail for about a mile. From there, you'll hop onto the Blue Mountain Trail, which is where you'll be for a good portion of the race. The Blue Mountain Trail offers a wonderful variety of single track, rocky terrain, a faster wider section, and a few short climbs. From mile 2.5 to about 4.5 you'll enjoy running right alongside the Big Flat Brook. Right around mile 4.5 you'll cross Crigger Road and the climbing will begin...don't worry, it's still New Jersey (Pro Tip: There's a spring that is infinitely flowing with deliciously fresh water right before crossing Crigger Road). For the next 3 miles, you'll experience some technical terrain mixed with faster sections of fire road. Warning: you may not enjoy mile 7. This mile is the steepest climb but with the biggest reward - you'll also be done with any bigger climbs at this point. Once you reach the top, you'll intersect with the world-famous Appalachian Trail! You'll remain on the AT for the remainder of the run. The AT section will give some great scenic views, the Sunrise Mountain Pavilion, a fire tower (if time isn't a concern, I highly recommend climbing for the view), bald rock faces, and some fast singletrack sections as you run along the ridge. Starting just before mile 12 you'll begin your descent, where beautiful singletrack turns into a slightly steep and very rocky section right before reaching RT 206. Finally, you'll end up on RT 206 where you'll turn right to find the finish and a cold beer a stone's throw away at Gyp's Tavern.
10K (really about 7.1 miles) - The 10K starts at the Stony Lake parking lot and heads northeast along the Blue Mountain Trail. You'll be on this section of the run for about 1.8 miles, enjoying a mixture of technical and flatter sections through some pines with relatively little elevation gain before intersecting with the Tinsley Trail. The Tinsley Trail is where the real climbing begins, but not to worry, it's only just under a mile with a fun bit of singletrack towards the end. From here you've made it to the Appalachian Trail! The AT section will give some great scenic views, a fire tower (if time isn't a concern, I highly recommend climbing for the view), bald rock faces, and some fast singletrack sections as you run along the ridge. Starting at mile 5 you'll begin your descent, where beautiful singletrack turns into a slightly steep and very rocky section right before reaching RT 206. Finally, you'll end up on RT 206 where you'll turn right to find the finish and a cold beer a stone's throw away at Gyp's Tavern.
