Race Day Information
The countdown is on for the second race in the 2024 Spring Backyard Burn Trail Running Series!
This Sunday, March 17th, you and about 280 other trail runners will gather at beautiful Hemlock Overlook in Clifton, VA for an awesome trail running adventure!
I wish you the best of luck! See who is racing.
There are spots available in this race and we will have race day registration ($5 additional), so please invite your friends and family to join in the fun.
Please read this email carefully as it contains detailed information on check-in procedures, course description, course marking, aid stations, post-race food, etc.
Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
13267 Yates Ford Road
Clifton, VA 20124
Please drive SLOWLY on Yates Ford Road as you approach the park. This road is very narrow and hills block your view several times.
Race Day Schedule
7:30am to 8:45am – Check-in open
8:50am – Pre-race briefing
9:00am – Wave 1 Start (sub 12:00 min/mile)
9:02am – Wave 2 Start (12:00 min/mile or greater)
9:30am – Post-race food available
10:45am – Free kids race**
11:00pm – Awards (top 3 overall and top 5 in each category) and sponsor giveaways
** Kids race is for ages 2-11. We split into age groups and run short out and back "race." Kids who participate can pick from the EX2 treasure box (little toys like pop its, etc.). No pre-registration is required.
The average pace on this course around 11:50 per mile. See the results from the 2023 race.
Kids Program During Race
Long-time EX2 staff member (and teacher), Sanna Adams, is offering the race-day kids program at this race and she has a few spots available. The program is for kiddos ages 4 to 8 and enables you to bring your kids to the race, but then do the race without having to worry about child care. My younger daughter, Zoe, has participated in the program since it started and she LOVES it! Flyer is attached. Sign up here.
Parking
Vehicles will be primarily parked in the grassy fields along a gravel road that leads to the old farm house at Hemlock. We will be controlling the flow of traffic to maximize available space, so please be patient with our parking staff. You can help make parking run smoother by carpooling (if bringing friends and/or family) and arriving early (we STRONGLY recommend arriving by 8am). If you have a vehicle with 4-wheel drive then please drive that as it opens up more options for parking. It can be a good 5-minute walk from our parking areas to check-in. Please arrive early!
Check-in
Check-in will take place in a gravel parking area inside the park near the old program buildings at Hemlock (now called Horizons at Hemlock). After you park your vehicle, just follow the signs and volunteer instructions to check-in. Check-in opens at 7:30am. At check-in you will receive your race bib, safety pins, and t-shirt (one/person for the series). Please ARRIVE EARLY to help alleviate backups. It takes time to park, check-in, use the bathroom, warm up, and attend the pre-race brief. We strongly recommend arriving by 8am.
A note about the race t-shirts (for those that haven't received one for the series yet). If you don't want to go back to your car before the race starts, you are welcome to pick up your race t-shirt after the race. If you already received a race shirt, we'll have a pair of Backyard Burn running gloves for you.
Changing Race Distances
You can change distances (e.g., 10 mile to 5 mile) via RunSignUp or by sending me an email. You can also change on race morning by letting our check-in team know. If you are registered for the 10 mile race, but decide to only run 5 after the start of the race, you will receive a DNF.
Pre-Race Brief
The pre-race briefing will take place at the race start at 8:50am. The brief will take place at the race start, near check-in.
Race Start Times (2 Waves)
We will have a two wave start this race to help spread out the field of runners. Wave #1 will be at 9:00am and will be for runners with an anticipated pace of less than 12 min/mile. Wave #2 will be 9:02am and will be for anticipated paces of 12 min/mile or greater.
Restrooms
There are restrooms just up the hill from check-in near the Horizons program buildings. PLEASE arrive and take your restroom break early. If everyone tries to use the restroom 15 minutes before the race then there will be long lines. The 5 milers will pass by these bathrooms at about mile 2.6 and the 10 milers will pass by them at about miles 2.6 and 7.
Bag Drop
Because some of the parking is a few minute walk from check-in, we will have a bag drop available at check-in.
Course Description
The race course includes mostly singletrack and doubletrack trails with some open field and a touch of gravel road running in the very beginning. With three significant hill climbs on each lap and several rocky and root filled sections, this is one of the more technical and challenging courses (meaning AWESOME!) of the Backyard Burn series...and it's 100% AMAZING!! Please watch your footing. 5 mile racers will complete one lap and the 10 mile racers will complete two laps. The course starts just below the old program buildings at Hemlock with a 0.8 mile prologue and then takes racers in a series of three loops. Each loop starts at the top of a hill, makes its way down to the waters of historic Bull Run and Popes Head Creek, then back up to Hemlock. The prologue is mostly gravel and paved road. The 5 mile course is roughly 5.2 miles and the 10 mile course is roughly 9.5 miles. The 5 mile course has over 600 feet of elevation change, and the 10 mile course has over 1,200 feet of elevation change. It's awesome.
Course maps, elevation profiles, GPS tracks, and a new course preview are available on the EX2 race website.
The average pace on this course around 11:50 per mile. See the results from the 2023 race.
Aid Stations
This race has three on-course aid stations and one post-race aid station. All aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade. The 5 mile racers will have three opportunities for on-course aid (at about mile 0.8, 2.6, and 3.9). The 10 mile racers will have six opportunities for on-course aid (at about mile 0.8, 2.6, 3.9, 5.2, 7, and 8.3). First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station.
Course Conditions and Weather
The forecast for Sunday is calling for cloudy skies with race start temperatures in the 50s. The weather can definitely change this far out, so please check the weather the night before the race and dress accordingly. We'll keep you posted on the weather and course conditions. As of now course conditions should be awesome!
Course Marking
The course will be marked with pink surveyors tape hung on tree branches. Red arrows will also be posted at all trail intersections. Yellow caution tape will block off the trails that are not part of the course. Course marking will be heavy before and after all trail intersections but very light along the rest of the course unless there is a decision to be made.
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette
Some of the singletrack trails at Hemlock are tight and narrow and passing may be difficult in some areas. So, it is suggested that you factor this into your race strategy. At the beginning of the race, there is 0.8 miles of road and gravel road running. This section is perfect for passing, but you will hit singletrack after this section. So, it is recommended that you factor this into your race strategy and place yourself appropriately at the start line and in the correct wave. Also, proper trail etiquette should be practiced. Overtaking runners should use audible signals "passing on your left" or "passing on your right" and, when possible, slower runners should allow them to pass. Keep in mind, however, that it is the responsibility of the both runners to pass safely. Communicate and be super cool with each other and everything will be great.
Mile Markers
Mile markers are located throughout the course. Keep on mind these mile markers were placed accordingly to my GPS and it will be different than your GPS watch. All the mile markers are "ish."
NO EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC
The use of in-ear EARPHONES or AUDIBLE MUSIC that restricts hearing is not permitted during any EX2 race. Why, you may ask? Well, for the following three reasons:
- Safety - we need to look out for each other! Our courses are held on trails in remote areas. If someone gets injured out on the trails, we rely on racers to notify us so we can activate emergency response. So, we need racers to be alert and able to hear calls for help.
- Courtesy - trail races are very different than road races. Passing is usually not a problem in road races but passing can be a challenge on singletrack hiking trails. To pass safely, trail etiquette suggests using audible signals such as passing on your left. Passing someone who can't hear you is difficult and frustrating.
- Community - at EX2 Adventures we strive to build community. Please use your time with EX2 to unleash yourself from your device and have fun!
The in-ear headphone and no audible music policy will be strictly enforced.
Recovery Tent/First Aid
Basic first aid will be available at the aid station, and more complete first aid is available at the finish.
Post Race Beverages/Food
Water, Gatorade, coke, diet coke, non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing, breakfast burritos, pizza, chips, bananas, granola bars, cookies and other snacks will be available at the finish.
Kids Race
We split the kiddos into age groups and run short out and back "race" at 10:45 before the awards. Kids who participate can pick from the EX2 treasure box (little toys like pop its, etc.). No pre-registration is required.
Pets Not Allowed On Course
While we love our 4-legged friends, for the safety of the animal and racers, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the race course.
Awards
The awards ceremony will take place at 11:00am. Awards will be given to the top 3 overall and top five racers in each age group. We have lots of awesome giveaways as well! Stick around and cheer on your fellow racers.
Photos
The best photographers in the business from Swim Bike Run Photography will be at the race to capture the spirit of adventure and friendly competition. Digital downloads will be available for FREE. The talented photographers at SBR take thousands of photos at each race and they all go online within 7 days of the event. A link to their website will be available from our results page and you will also be notified via email when the photos are ready for viewing.
Share Your Photos on Social Media
We also encourage you to share photos on race day! Please tag @ex2adventures when you post to social media. Make sure you follow EX2 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and check out the EX2 Racers and Volunteers FB group.
Charity Partner - Homestretch
Homestretch is a wonderful organization based in Falls Church that breaks the cycle of homelessness for their program’s graduates and their families. One thing that makes Homestretch so unique is that it exclusively serves homeless families with children. In fact, the average age of someone in Homestretch is only 8 years old. EX2 is thrilled to support Homestretch and we are grateful for any donations that you made during registration. To date, participants in this spring's series have donated over $3,200 to Homestretch. Over the past 3 years, EX2 events have generated over $184,000 for Homestretch and over $245,000 across all our non-profit partners. EX2 always adds 10% to everyone's donation before it goes to Homestretch. Thank you for your support of this amazing organization.
Our Amazing Sponsors
A huge thank you to these amazing organizations that support EX2. Please show them some love!
Baird Automotive
Benjamin, C-note, Hundie, Charlie, 100 Clams, Big One..call it what you will but it all means the same thing...$100 of cold hard cash. We’ll be giving away a $100 bill during our awards ceremony after the race. This is courtesy all around good guy, Joey Baird of Baird Automotive. Joey's shop in Arlington is OPEN...give him a call at 703-527-1770. All EX2 races receive 10% off any service. Joey is the best!
Integrated Financial Partners - Erik Scudder
Fellow racer and IFP Financial Advisor, Erik Scudder is the go-to resource for all all your financial, retirement, investment, business owner and estate planning strategies! Give Erik a call at 703-840-4291. At the awards ceremony, Erik will be giving away a few $25 gift cards. Coffee will also be served post-race courtesy of Erik!
Positively Chiropractic
Dr. Kathy Coutinho, is the local “chiropractor to the athletes.” Stop by Positively Chiropractic in Annandale, VA and you will see for yourself – her office walls are filled with photos from appreciative athletes who she has helped recover from and/or prevent an injury. Dr. Kathy and her accomplished staff offer chiropractic, massage, active release therapy, nutrition, and acupuncture services. Come see how Dr. Kathy can help you “always move forward.”
Sheehy Auto Stores
EX2 is thrilled to again partner with Sheehy Auto Stores. Vince Sheehy, President of Sheehy Auto Stores, is an EX2 racer and a big supporter of grassroots racing! If you are thinking about purchasing a new or preowned car, definitely checkout Sheehy.com. With 27 dealerships and 14 brands through VA & MD, Sheehy has the largest selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs in the Mid-Atlantic. Plus, with Sheehy Direct, you can complete the entire process from home, and they’ll even deliver your new car right to your door!
If you are interested in a new or used car, you can let me know and I'll put you in contact with Vince directly (seriously). He'll then personally connect you with the correct sales manager at the right dealership. How is that for personal service? He did that for an EX2 staff member, Sanna, and also several EX2 racers...and they all had a wonderful and stress-free buying experiences.
We'll be giving away some awesome outdoor gear from our friends at Good Wolf Gear in Herndon courtesy of Sheehy!
Wander Wellness
Come join Allison and Wander Wellness for yoga prior to your run! Stretch, loosen up, and get ready physically and mentally for an awesome race! Allison will lead a few different sessions starting at 7:45am by check-in. We'll make announcements when she is starting. All are welcome and there is no fee to participate.
Mackenzie's Tonic and Tunes
Mackenzie's in Fairfax City makes our famous race breakfast burritos! Owner, Josh Alexander, has been involved with EX2 in one way or another for well over a decade and we are grateful for his partnership. Mackenzie's is names after Josh's 9 year old daughter. If you are looking for a bite to eat, live music, and an all around awesome time...check out Mackenzie's!
Athletic Brewing
Athletic Brewing Company makes awesome craft, non-alcoholic beer! It's perfect for athletes to avoid the effect of alcohol, but still enjoy great-tasting craft beer in a variety of styles. We’ll have samples at the race for you to give it a try. You can find Athletic Brewing online and at Total Wine, Whole Foods, and Wegmans - just to name a few!
Thanks for participating in the Spring Backyard Burn Trail Running Series. We are looking forward to a fantastic race. See you Sunday!
If you have any questions, please give me a shout.
Andy
Andy Bacon
Race Director
EX2 Adventures
703-338-3965
