Saturday, June 14, 2008 -- Ohiopyle, PA
Laurel Highlands Ultra Race
In 2008 we will celebrate the twenty-ninth running of the 70.5 mile race, and the 3rd running of the 50K race. All races will start in Ohiopyle, with the 70.5 mile individual and relay races running the entire length of the trail and the the 50K race finishing at the 31 mile point near the intersection of route 31. Both races are point-to-point along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
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The race is an individual run or team relay of the entire Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This is a point-to-point race that begins in Ohiopyle, PA and ends in Seward, PA. Total distance is 70.5 miles.
The Course
A 70.5 mile wilderness trail, traversing state parks, state forests, state gamelands, and other public and private lands. This is a very scenic and challenging course. Difficult footing is the norm, as steep grades, logs, rocks, steps, mud and other obstacles abound. The trail is maintained by the state and features concrete markers at every mile. This is a feature of which few ultra races can boast. The entire course is permanently marked with yellow blazes, which makes getting lost difficult. The majority of the trail is rugged single-track, with a small stretch of dirt road at the 62 mile point and some meadow crossings in the Seven Springs Resort area.
Drop Bags
Runners are permitted to leave drop bags for the finish and at checkpoint Three (mile 46.4) and checkpoint Four (mile 57.3). Drop bags will be collected at the pre-race dinner and at the start of the race. If you plan on leaving a drop bag, please have your race number, your name and the checkpoint where the bag is to be delivered clearly visible on the outside of the bag. Also, remember to have a flashlight with spare batteries and a spare bulb in your drop bag at one of the checkpoints. Remember, a reliable flashlight will be required by all but the frontrunners. Plan on having a flashlight available no later than 8:30 P.M. If you think that you may be between checkpoints at that time, leave a flashlight at the earlier checkpoint.
50 kilometer race
The third annual 50 kilometer race will begin at 8:00 a.m. on June 14th, 2008. The start line is on Garret Rd. in Ohiopyle, PA near the start of the 70.5 mile race. The course will follow the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, terminating at the Trailhead near Route 31. This is a point-to-point race. We will have bus transportation available prior to the race. The bus will pick up runners near the 50K finish area and transport them to the start line, before the race. There will be no transportation after the race. Since it is a point-to-point race, runners are welcome to bring a crew. There are designated parking areas at each of the checkpoint/aid stations, which must be utilized. The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a state park, and we are fortunate to receive a permit to run the race. Failure to use the designated parking areas could result in a revocation of our race permit.
70.5 Mile Team Relay
Not ready to do the entire race by yourself? How about entering a team in the relay event? The relay consists of teams comprised of up to five (5) runners. Each of the team members will run one leg of the race. The legs are of varied distances. Each of the four (4) checkpoints and the end of the race comprise the relay legs. The checkpoints, along with the distances are listed on the Course page. Each team member will run one or more of the legs. A team can be made up of less than five runners, but then one of the members will have to run multiple legs. An individual runner can be on a team, however, that runner will have to run the first leg of the relay, and then continue on as a solo entrant after the first leg of the relay. If a solo runner is also part of a team, the team entry fee will be reduced by thiry-five ($35.00) dollars, provided that the solo runner has sent in his/her entry fee. Please submit your team entries together.
Entering a team in the relay race is a great way to get a taste of trail running without committing to the entire distance. Each year we receive many positive comments from team members. They all seem to enjoy the day running on our beautiful trail with a few of their friends.
There are a few extra rules that the teams must abide by. All of the team members must enter together. Each team is responsible for the transportation of the team members throughout the race. Race management can not transport team members to the various checkpoints.
| Start Date: | 2008-06-14 |
| Event Name: | Laurel Highlands Ultra Race |
| Location(s): |
Ohiopyle, PA 15470 |
| Event Type(s): |
Run Ultra |
| Event Distance(s): | 70.5mi |
| Contact(s): |
Rick Freeman Phone: 412-337-6820 Email: rick.freeman1@verizon.net |
| Affiliate(s): | |
| Comments: | In 2008 we will celebrate the twenty-ninth running of the 70.5 mile race, and the 3rd running of the 50K race |
| Offsite URL: | www.laurelultra.com/index.htm |
