PARTICIPANT’S GUIDE
for the

HALIBURTON FOREST Trail Runs

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS  - SUMMARY (revised Jan 08)

 

Note from Helen about Post-Entries:

If you are planning to post-enter the race please leave a message with Helen on her answering machine at  416 422-5130 so that she can arrange for enough food to be available. She will NOT be in Toronto after Aug 29th, 08  &  will not be available on e-mail. T-SHIRTS NOT PROMISED TO THOSE ENTERING AFTER AUG 8, 2008

 

 

FRIDAY, September 5th, 2008

2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

100Mile, 50Mile, 50K, 25K(25K can also be pick-up Saturday – see below)  - Race packets must be picked up at the Boiler Room, Race HQ, Base Camp, Haliburton Forest. Preferred pickup time for all Races.

 

 

6:00 PM

MANDATORY dinner for all 100 mile entrants and included in their entry fee.  Last chance to get those questions answered - All others racers, crew, family and others welcome - $15.00 per person – payable in advance – seating limited – book early

 

 

2:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Drop off your Drop Bags at the Boiler Room

 

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2008

5:00 AM – 5:45 AM

Cookhouse Restaurant will be open for Coffee & Bagels & closes @ 6AM

5:30 AM

Call to start line

 5:45

Roll call for the 100 milers

5:55AM

Prayer

6:00 AM SHARP

100 mile, 50 mile and 50km START

7:00AM to 8:39

25K Race Packet Pick-up

 9:00 AM SHARP

25k START

1:00 PM

50KM awards  - @ Finish Line

 

 25K awards - @ Finish Line

6:00 PM

50 Mile awards  @ Finish Line ,  Dinner - @ Cookhouse

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2008

1:00 pm

100 Mile awards  & Brunch @ Cookhouse

 


RACE OFFICIALS

 

Race Director

 

Helen Malmberg, Race Founder, will be directing the race for the 15th  consecutive year. It gets better each year.

 

If you have any questions about the trails or the event generally, please do not hesitate to contact Helen by email at helen.malmberg@dhltd.com  or by  phone in the evening 416-422-5130. Helen welcomes questions of any sort and is delighted by your participation in this event and wants to ensure that your race day experience is The Best Ever.

 

Helen will be driving the course throughout the day and night to ensure you and the volunteers have all their needs met.

 

 

PARTICIPATION

 

The 2008 Haliburton Forest Trail Runs will take place September  6 & 7, 2008 – There are no limits on participation in any of the events. There are no qualification requirements for any of the race distance. EACH PARTICIPANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING FOR THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT THAT THEY ENTER.

 

As you are aware, costs of running the race increase from year to year and supplies must be ordered many months in advance. We therefore have adopted a policy of no refunds if you are forced to withdraw from the Run prior to or on Race Day.

 

 

THE RACE

 

The Haliburton Forest Trail Runs will take place in Haliburton Forest exclusively. This is a privately owned forest and we have been allowed to run in it this weekend – PLEASE RESPECT THE PROPERTY AS IF IT WERE YOUR OWN.

 

All cars entering the Forest will be required to buy a key to drop the gate to the forest – The price of the key is $5.00 which will be refunded upon your departure. It must be returned to a person @ the Finish Line to collect your $5.00.

 

The 100M/50M/50K will start at 6:00AM sharp – It is important to start on time as a later start means more time in darkness!!!

The 25K will start @ 9:00AM sharp.

 

There are no “cut-offs” for the 26K, 50k or 50 mile runners. The cut-off for the100 mile is at the 75 mile point. If you have NOT reached that point by 4:00 am, you will not be allowed to go on.

 


THE COURSE AND TRAIL DESCRIPTION

 

Haliburton Forest is a privately owned forest of 65,000 acres. Please remember that you will be running through the wilderness and may encounter deer, wolves, raccoons, and an assortment of other wildlife. IF YOU ENCOUNTER ANY WILDLIFE, MAKE A LOT OF NOISE AND DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPROACH ANY ANIMAL. (I sing alot & loud– never see anything)

 

Start/Finish – The 100M/50M/50K runners  will assemble at the gate of Haliburton Forest for a roll call and prayer@ 5:45AM  before walking 100 yards down the yard to the start line.

 

The Course – All runners  100M, 50M, 50K) follow the same course – some just going longer than others – The 25K turn around will be clearly marked as will be the 25 mile turn around. The 50 milers will do the course once while the 100 milers will run the course twice.

 

Familiarity with the trail After Dark – Please remember that this is a trail race and much of the area that you will be traveling along during the 100 mile event is relatively remote and rugged. Much of the area in between aid stations is accessible only by foot or ATV. Please use caution.

 

Knowledge of the trail offers both physical and mental advantages during the official Race. Participants should make a reasonable effort to run as much of the trail as possible before the Race Day. 100-mile participants should give particular attention to the sections of the trail that they expect to run in the dark when their physical and mental energy may be lagging.

 

Each runner should ensure that they carry at least two flashlights with power sufficient to last at least 10 hours. It is not recommended that you attempt to change batteries in the dark. This can be difficult when you are tired so a small spare flashlight should be carried with you in your fanny pack. If your lights fail, wait for another runner with a light. DO NOT TRY TO FIND YOUR WAY IN THE DARK.

 

Temperature – Since temperatures can range from a high of 23 to a low of 2 Celsius, participants should be prepared for both. Historically race day has been clear and sunny with temperatures around 18 degrees Celsius. However, there could be rain or colder conditions. Be prepared. Weather conditions are unpredictable and can change rapidly. Sunrise is at 6:40AM and sunset at 7:48 PM.

 

Trail Markings – Trail markings will consist of  surveyor’s flags on the ground, with reflective tape on both side, but it is necessary for runners to be familiar with the course route and to keep alert as they travel. A working knowledge of the race routes, particularly of those miles that will be covered in the dark, will be of considerable benefit to the runner who attempts the Haliburton 100. YOU ARE ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE TO FOLLOW THE CORRECT COURSE. (Please contact me if u are interested in a training run before the race)

 

Drop Outs – If you have to drop out of the race at a point where your crew is unavailable, we will make every reasonable effort to get you to the start/finish, particularly if you are in need of medical attention. In non-emergency situations, you may have to wait to be evacuated. Each aid station has space blankets, if you get cold.

 

Trail Etiquette – We do not have exclusive use of the trails, so please be courteous to other users of the trail. If you wish to pass another runner or other trail user, ask for “trail right” of “trail left”. Slower runners must yield the trail to other runners wishing to pass.

 

Volunteers Without these people there would be NO RACE – these people are my SPECIAL friends and will become yours throughout the race – please be polite and make a point to thank them when you are going by – they are there to help YOU!!!

 

 

PERFORMANCE RULES

 

The purpose of these rules is to ensure the Run’s integrity as a test of individual performance, providing equal condition for all. The basic principles of the Rules are play fair, be safe and respect Haliburton Forest.

 

Violation of any Rules or race directives may be grounds for disqualification from future Haliburton Forest Runs or such other sanctions as deemed appropriate by race officials.

 

  1. There will be no unofficial runners.
  2. Each runner’s official race number must be worn prominently on the front of the body and must be easily visible at all times.
  3. Runners must follow the marked trail at all times. Any runner departing from the official trail must return to the point of departure ON FOOT before continuing.
  4. Each runner must complete the entire course under her/his own power. No physical or mechanical aids are allowed including ski poles or walking sticks. “Muling” by pacers or crews is not allowed. “Tethering” by pacers or crew is not allowed.
  5. Except in the case of an emergency, runners may not accept aid or assistance IN ANY FORM from any one between aid stations.
  6. Runners may not store supplies of any kind along the trail, aside from supplies in their drop bags at official aid stations.
  7. Runners are responsible for the actions of their crews and pacers. Everyone associated with the race must comply with all rules, including parking and access instructions, or risk disqualification of the runner.
  8. Each runner must be checked IN and OUT of all checkpoints. It is your responsibility to make sure you are checked at the aid stations.
  9. Injection of any drugs during the event will result in immediate disqualification.
  10. Littering of any kind is prohibited. All runners, crews and pacers need to respect the natural beauty of the race course and the right of everyone to enjoy it. Littering can threaten our continued use of the Forest and will be grounds for disqualification of a runner, on the spot, for this race and all future races in Haliburton Forest.
  11. Runners must refrain from any act of bad sportsmanship.
  12. Any runner who is unable to finish the race must PERSONALLY inform the aid station personnel of her/his decision to withdraw at the nearest aid station of her/his decision to withdraw. Runners who leave the course without informing aid station personnel will be considered LOST and therefore will be subject to a search and rescue effort. Time spent searching for any such runner will be billed directly to the runner.

 

PACERS AND CREWS

 

Pacers are “trail companions” who may accompany 100 mile runners only  ON FOOT at any time after 8:00 pm Saturday night from the closest aid station . Pacing by bicycle or other means is not allowed. Pacers are allowed solely as a safety consideration and may not provide any physical or mechanical aid to the runner (except in medical emergencies). Pacers are only allowed for the 100 Mile race – no other race.

 

Pacers must not carry supplies for the runner and should have their own supply of flashlights, food and water, though pacers may accept aid at aid stations. “Muling and tethering” is expressly prohibited.

 

Each runner is permitted one pacer at any given time. Pacers must stay with their runner at all times and should enter and leave each aid stations WITH THEIR RUNNER. While the pacer may assist her/his runner with replenishment of supplies while in the aid station, they may NOT enter the aid station ahead of their runner or depart after their runner in order to speed up the replenishment process.

 

Crews are welcome but will need to follow the general guidelines described below. “Crew” is anyone giving material support to a runner during her/his race @ an aid station ONLY.  

 

Crews may only meet or assist runners at designated aid stations and crews must adhere to the instructions of all aid station personnel, including requests to vacate a certain area of the checkpoint. A runner can be disqualified if you meet and/or assist your runner away from an aid station.

 

Crews must not park in such a way as to block traffic, access to the trail or to an aid station, or other parked cars.

 

 

RISK FACTORS

 

Participation in this event is at the runner’s own risk. Although Run Management has medical personnel at some points along the course, the inaccessibility of much of the course will be make it difficult for medical assistance to reach a runner immediately.

 

Runners should appreciate the risks associated with the run and prepare accordingly. Risks include renal shutdown, heat stroke, hypothermia, injuries from falling, wildlife hazards, vehicle hazards, risks associated with low sodium/chloride counts, muscle necrosis, overuse injuries, common fatigue, and getting lost.

 

 

FIRST AID

 

All staff of Haliburton Forest has taken a First Aid Course. I have two dedicated First Aid Men positioned along the course and I have given them authorization to pull a runner if they deem that the runner is NOT capable of going on. Their word will be final.

 

If you have special medical needs, please let us know. While I will have bandaids, sun screen, bug spray, tensor bandaids – if you know you have a certain problem, bring something to fix it and leave it in your drop bag. There will be NO DRUGS ON THE COURSE –if you want any bring your own.

 

AID STATIONS

 

There will be 7 aid stations along the course approx. 5 miles. The aid stations will be fully stocked with water, eload, Cola, snacks and fruit during the early morning. Sandwiches, boiled potatoes and more heartier food will be available later in the morning  on the Saturday until the end of the race, including warm soups and the like.

 

Often, some of the 50k’ers might help after they have finished their race, and set up an aid station. These will NOT be fully stocked BUT will have something to offer you, plus a kind word or two.

 

DROP BAGS

 

Runners may have drop bags at any of the 7 aid stations which are located approximately every 5 miles along the course.

Drop bags must be securely tied, labeled clearly with the runner’s name and entry number, and deposited NO LATER THAN 6:00pm ON FRIDAY, at the appropriate collection stations as marked outside the Boiler Room, Race Headquarters.  *** A word of advice – do not have a drop bag @ the start/ finish – the 1st aid station is only a mile away – easier to get out of the 50 mile station***

 

Please do not use paper bags, shoe boxes or anything made of paper-like products. These can get wet and tear easily. Distinctive plastic bags that you can identify easily are recommended.

 

It is strongly recommended that you place warm clothing and an extra flashlight in your drop bags that will be delivered to aid stations you anticipate reaching at night. DO NOT place glass bottles or perishable items in your drop bags. Please be considerate of the size of your drop bag.

 

As you will be passing some of the aid stations 4 times, please only one bag per aid station

 

RUN MANAGEMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOST OR DAMAGED DROP BAGS AND THEIR CONTENTS. The drop bags will be returned to the Finish Line as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of each runner to claim her/his drop bag. If you do not claim your own drop bags following the Race, we cannot guarantee that everything you left behind will be returned to you.

 

AWARDS

 

All 100 mile finishers will receive a belt buckle to commemorate their achievement @ the Brunch on Sunday.

 

The first place male and female 100 mile finishers  under 50 and over 50 years of age, will received a distinctive award to recognize their performance.

 

For races 50 mile, 50k & 25K – the number of awards will be dependent on the number of runners BUT first place runner under 50 & over50, male/female will received awards.

 

 

FOOD

 

There will be a pre-race pasta dinner at the Cookhouse Restaurant, Base Camp, on Friday, September 5, 2008. This dinner is mandatory for the 100 milers as following the dinner will be a Race Briefing. This is the time to get any questions regarding the course you may have answered. All other racers, families and others are welcome to dine with us for a fee of $15.00 per person payable in advance. Book early as space is limited, reservations first come, first to dinner.

 

There are a few grocery stores in the area – the closest being in West Guilford, 20km south of the Forest – or there are bigger grocery stores in the towns of Minden on highway #35, or in Haliburton on Highway 118.

 

There is a restaurant at the corner of Highway #35 and #118, approx 30k from Base Camp, there is an Italian Restaurant in West Guilford, 20 km from Base Camp or the great Cookhouse Restaurant at Base Camp.

 

 

GETTING TO THE START – BASE CAMP, HALIBURTON FOREST

 

All roads in the world lead to Haliburton Forest but don’t tell too many people as its such a SPECIAL PLACE, and I only want to share it with fellow runners!!!!!

 

If you are flying into Toronto Airport, take 401 east to 400 North and then 11 North to Highway HighH118. There you will go east on 118 till the turnoff for West Guilford, past the Shell Service Station and follow the signs to Haliburton Forest, 20KM north of  West Guilford. Allow a good 3 hours from Toronto.

 

Driving from the West – take 401 east to 400 North and then take 11 North to Highway 118. Take #118 east to West Guilford and follow the signs to the Forest – Allow a good 3 hours from Toronto.

 

Driving from the East – taking 401west to Highway #35 – take this north till Highway 118 – go east of 118 to West Guilford and follow the signs to the Forest – its 20k from West Guilford.

 

PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY AND ALLOW A LITTLE EXTRA TIME TO ARRIVE SAFELY.

 

Please park in front of the Boiler Room until you check in at Race Headquarters – the Boiler Room will be open from 2 on - . PLEASE DO NOT  go to the Base Camp office unless you are coming a day earlier. I do NOT want to bother the Haliburton Forest Staff unless necessary – thanks….

 

LODGING

 

Group Camping costs $12.00 per night /per person and is payable when you send in your entry fee. 100 Miler runners who leave their tent up for Saturday nite but do not sleep in it, will be required to pay for the nite.

 

There is accommodation available at Base Camp but that must be arranged with Haliburton Forest – please call 1-705-754-2198.

Haliburton Forest on

 

HOTELS

 

For Hotels, Inns and B&Bs – please check the following web site:

 

http://www.haliburtonhighlands.com/

 

Everyone in the area knows of Haliburton Forest – so please just ask how far they are away from the Forest, when booking.

 

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR TRAINING FOR THE 100 – PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME IF U HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.    I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU AND HELPING YOU IN ANY WAY I CAN TO HAVE THE BEST 100 MILER

 

HAPPY TRAILS –

 

Helen Malmberg

Race Director

e-mail:  helen.malmberg@dhltd.com