Into the Darkness 4 Mile Night Trail Run

10/20/12 at 7:00pm

Mail-in Registration $25 on or before October 6th

     (Click above for link)        $30 after October 6th

Online registration  $25 (plus $2.50 processing fee) on or before October 6th

     (Click above for link)       $30 (plus $2.80 processing fee) after Oct 6th

About the race
This is one of the Roanoke Valley’s most unique events.  The course will take you through 4 miles of the IMBA designed trails.  The course consists of 3 miles of twisty rolling single track and 1 mile of grass and asphalt roads.  These trails will be marked with reflective arrows, glow sticks, and the occasional surprise.  Every effort will be taken so that you will easily be able to find your way and stay on course.  

A light source is mandatory; it is recommended that you have at least a headlamp or flashlight.  I personally think it is best to carry one of each.  A headlamp to see where you are going and a flashlight to cast shadows and give you depth perception (easier to see those sneaky roots and rocks).  We will leave this up to your personal preference.  It is recommended that you try your choice of light source under similar conditions prior to running the race. 

 PLEASE NOTE—Headlamps, flashlights, and any other light source will not be provided by race management.

Age brackets for the races include, for both male and female:

14 and under; 15-19, 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49;

50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 & over

 The top 3 overall male and female finishers for each race will receive distinctive awards.

The top three finishers in each age group will receive a medal recognizing their achievement.

Directions to the Explore Park

Once on the Blue Ridge Parkway go to milepost 115.  Take the road into the Explore Park.  Once in the gate you will park in the first lot on your right.  Race headquarters will be in the Visitor's Center.

From the South on I-81

Take I-81 to exit 143 for I-581 south.  Take I-581 south through downtown Roanoke.  Once you are through downtown I-581 turns to HWY 220.  Continue to take 220 south until you reach the exit for the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP).  This will be about a mile after the Lowe's and Home Depot.  Take the BRP north approximately 6 miles to the exit for Virginia's Explore Park.  Take this road a mile or so until you enter the park.  Race headquarters is in the Visitor's Center.

From the North on I-81

Take I-81 to exit 150B (alternate 220 South).  Take A220 approzimately 5.5 miles south to HWY 460.  You will take a left onto 460 East.  Take 460 approximately 2.9 miles to the exit for the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP).  Once on the BRP head south for approximately 9.4 miles to the exit for Virginia's Explore Park.  Take this road a mile or so until you enter the park.  Race headquarters is in the Visitor's Center.

For Race Information Contact:

Mountain Junkies L.L.C.

212 East Main Street, Salem, VA 24153

540-525-9452

info@mountainjunkies.net

Race Route

The race starts on the main road coming in from the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The start is at the gate at the top of the hill as you enter the park.

You will run down the asphalt road leading to the river (1.18 miles)  -  This is a fast down hill on asphalt until you get down to the river.  Once to the river you will be on a fairly flat grassy road.

Now, up the fire road to the Endurance Loop (.11 mile)  -  This is a STEEP uphill to the trail on a fire/jeep road.  If you aren't warmed up, this hill will do it.

Next is the Endurance Loop to the Intermediate Biking Trails (1.26 miles)  -  This is a fast fun rolling twisty section of trail.  There are two short sections with some fist sized rocks (some are loose and some are embedded) you'll need to be careful around the rocks.

This will lead you to the Intermediate Biking Trails (.67 mile)  -  This starts with a fast .4 mile downhill with 5 switchbacks.  From you will gradually climb to a sharp right hand switchback up .15 mile and then a sharp left hand turn.  This will take you up and out of the intermediate trails and on to the beginner trail.

Now you will cross the road and enter the Beginner Trail (.8 mile)  -  This section of trail is rolling.  About .25 mile into it there is a downhill with 3 switchbacks.  Once out of the beginner trail you will take a left on the asphalt road and head to the finish.