Final Runner Instructions

Race Day is almost here!  Please read these instructions carefully and completely so that you're prepared.

 

Weather Forecast: At this point, the forecast is for cooler-than-normal, sunny weather on race day!  It's a summer racer's (and race director's) dream! But it's still warm, so please make sure that you're well-hydrated.

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Early Packet Pickup

Thursday, June 16, 4-7pm at Charm City Run, 467 W. Patrick St, Frederick

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Race Day Reminders

• Race Venue: Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, 79 W. Frederick St, Walkersville, MD

• Parking: Parking is in the lot behind the Fire Company. Please approach from the south end of W. Frederick St off of Woodsboro Pike (Rt 194) to avoid the start/finish line where our timer will be setting up. Follow signs and volunteer directions. Overflow parking will be available at Walkersville High School, adjacent to the race venue. (See Diagram below)

• Bag Check is not necessary, since there is plenty of parking close on-premises at the Fire Hall.

• Packet Pickup: We are doing "dynamic bib assignment" this year. That means that you will not be assigned a bib number until you arrive at packet pickup. It's simple and fast; just give your name to any of the bib volunteers and they'll check you in and hand you your bib. If you are picking up bibs for more than one person, make very sure that names are written on the bibs so that everyone is wearing the bib that they have been assigned.

• Shirt Exchange: We should have plenty of shirts this year. You may request an exchange of your unworn shirt at packet pickup, or after the race at the awards table. 

• Start Staging: When you proceed to the starting area on W Frederick St, please line up according to your expected pace. We will not be labeling specific corrals, but you know if you're fast, mid-pack, or likely to be hanging out with our fun sweeper. There is NO hurry; your start time will be recorded when you cross the starting line.  There will be a lead cyclist with an orange volunteer shirt for the front-runners.  Note that the ASA athletes and their crews will be given a 5-minute head start and will be lining up on the line.  The fastest runners can move forward to the line once they're off and going.

• Water Stops: There are three water stops along the course at Mile 1.7, 2.5, and 4.0 miles.  Our volunteers will be handing out cups of water.

• Finish Line: At the finish line you will be handed an ice-water cooling towel and we will have tables with Grab ‘n Go food bags and water/gatorade.  Keep moving through the finish chute, grab your food bag and beverage(s) and exit the finish line area to make room for others.  Please don't bunch up at the finish line. Proceed to the race celebration area.

• Timing Chip: The race is timed using the chip on the back of your bib. Do not remove, fold, or mutilate the chip. Your finish time is calculated from the time you cross the start mat until you cross the finish line. Note: some bibs may have two chips as our timer is piloting some new technology.  Note: Overall winners are scored by gun time.

• Not Allowed: Dogs, strollers, bicycles, and skates, are NOT allowed on the course and may result in disqualification.

• Headphones: Enjoy the race and your fellow runners, and stay alert on the race course. For your safety and the safety of those around you, headphones are discouraged.

• Bib transfers are not permitted. Please do not give your bib to someone else if you are unable to use it. Tabulating results with inaccurate identities just doesn't work well for anyone. (See the FSRC Policy)

• Weather Policy: We love the summer season, but occasionally the weather can be uncooperative. At the discretion of the Race Director and Walkersville Town officials, the race may be postponed, changed to an untimed Fun Run, or canceled due to severe weather. Sorry, no refunds.

• Results/Awards: We know that our runners love the live-music party, so we won't be interrupting the entertainment with an awards ceremony.  You may check your results by scanning the QR code on your bib to see if you've won an award. You can also check your results at the kiosks next to the Awards table. Awards will be available for pickup (same location as packet pickup) as soon as results are finalized. We encourage you to check your results so that we have the opportunity to work with the timer to correct any discrepancies before awards are distributed.  

• Expo: Our sponsors help us to keep our race fees low so that we are able to continue our support of Blessings In A Backpack. Please stop by their race-night booths to thank them.

• Recycling: We understand that races can have a larger environmental impact than any of us would like.  To minimize that impact, we will be recycling plastic bottles and beer cans. Unfortunately, we need to keep these separate so that the Fire Company is able to recycle the aluminum as a fundraiser. There will be recycling bins around the race venue.  PLEASE PLEASE pay attention to the signs on the bins.  If trash is mixed with recyclables, the whole bag will wind up in the landfill. Also, we'll be recycling the cooling towels handed out at the finish line. When you're finished with your towel, please find one of the bins for recycling those.

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Race Night Party:

We are thrilled to offer a first-class party this year. Runners over the age of 21 are provided with a ticket  (attached to the race bib) for one Flying Dog beer. You MUST bring your ID to get a wristband in order to be served. NO EXCEPTIONS.  We don’t care how old you look!

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• ID Check will be available before the race next to packet pickup and after the race at the Beer Ticket tent.

• Additional beer tickets can be purchased by runners, volunteers, and spectators for $5

• Beer Service is scheduled for 7:30-10:00pm

• Other Beverages: We will have water available in the celebration area (free). Stay hydrated!

• Food: If you’re going to stick around and the snacks in the race food bag aren’t quite enough, we’ll have a food truck onsite (Bangin' BBQ). Please consider making it worth their while to show up at the race.  Also, Brusters will be onsite with free Italian Ice for all.

• The FEW is an awesome local band. They will be playing from 8:00-10:00pm. Bring a chair or a blanket and settle in for a fun night. We greatly appreciate the band’s support of the race and Blessings In A Backpack.

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Happy Running!

Harriet Langlois
Race Director, Frederick Summer Solstice 8K
Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club

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