PARTICIPANTS’ GUIDE
25TH ANNUAL
SULPHUR SPRINGS TRAIL RACE
Thursday May 25 to Sunday May 28 2017
200 mile / 200 mile relay
100 mile / 100 mile relay
100 km / 50 mile
50 km / 25 km / 10km
Presented by the Burlington Runners
Race Directors: Andrea and Tim
[email protected]
** Updated 2017-01-17 **
PLEASE READ THE MATERIAL WITHIN PRIOR TO EMAILING THE RACE DIRECTORS. IT IS RECOMMENDED EACH
PARTICIPANT READ THROUGH THE CONTENTS FOR ALL RACE DETAILS, TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS & MARKINGS,
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, RULES, ETC.
Contents
THE RACE....................................................................................................................................................... 3
THE RACE OFFICIALS ..................................................................................................................................... 3
THE RUN CLUB .............................................................................................................................................. 3
VOLUNTEERS ................................................................................................................................................. 3
HOW TO PARTICIPATE................................................................................................................................... 4
REFUND / TRANSFER / DEFERRAL POLICY..................................................................................................... 4
WHERE IS IT ................................................................................................................................................... 5
PARKING ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
REST AREA ..................................................................................................................................................... 5
RISK FACTORS................................................................................................................................................ 6
WEATHER ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
MANDATORY 200 MILE BREAKFAST / 100 MILE DINNER ............................................................................. 6
DROP OUTS ................................................................................................................................................... 6
TRAIL ETIQUETTE........................................................................................................................................... 7
CREW............................................................................................................................................................. 7
AID STATIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 7
RACE RULES ................................................................................................................................................... 8
PACERS .......................................................................................................................................................... 8
DROP BAGS ................................................................................................................................................... 9
TRAIL MARKINGS........................................................................................................................................... 9
THE TRAIL (AND AFTER DARK) .................................................................................................................... 10
RACE PHOTOS ............................................................................................................................................. 10
RELAY TEAMS .............................................................................................................................................. 10
THE 100 MILE RELAY ............................................................................................................................... 10
THE 200 MILE RELAY ............................................................................................................................... 11
AWARDS ...................................................................................................................................................... 11
CLEANUP ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
FOOD ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
LODGING ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS................................................................................................................................. 12
THE COURSE ................................................................................................................................................ 13
SULPHUR SPRINGS COURSE RECORDS ........................................................................................................ 14
2
THE RACE
The Sulphur Springs Trail Run is hosted by The Burlington Runners Club and takes place
in and around the Dundas Valley Conservation Area in the City of Hamilton, Ontario
(formerly the Town of Ancaster). This park is managed by the Hamilton Conservation
Authority.
THE RACE OFFICIALS
The Race Directors for the Sulphur Springs Trail Run are Andrea and Tim.
We sincerely hope that each of you will derive the same enjoyment from the beautiful
Dundas Valley Conservation Area on race day that our club runners do throughout the
year.
This is a volunteer run race, and while we will work to ensure that your race day
experience is as wonderful as possible, we make no claims as to how clean you will be by
the time you reach the finish line.
On race day, you will need to respect the direction of the race directors and designates.
Any inquiries that you have will be directed to them.
All decisions made by the Race Directors are final.
THE RUN CLUB
This event is presented by the members of the Burlington Runners Club
(www.burlingtonrunners.com) and is one of four club events (Robbie Burns 8K, Good
Friday Road Races, Iroquoia Trail Test) put on each year. The Burlington Runners Club is
a not-for-profit group and has been in existence since 1973.
VOLUNTEERS
There will be approximately 120 volunteers on the course during the event. Many will
spend more hours on the course than the runners. Please be polite and make a point to
thank them. They are amazing people and are taking time out to help you.
3
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
The 25th Anniversary 2017 edition of the Sulphur Springs Trail Run will take place on
May 25-28. Entrants will compete in nine races of varying length, the 10K, 25K, 50K, 50
Mile, 100K, 100 Mile, 100 Mile Relay, 200 Mile and 200 Mile Relay events.
There are limits on participation in each of the events. Register early!
There are qualification requirements for the 200 mile solo event ONLY.
EACH PARTICIPANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENT THAT THEY ENTER.
Register online at
https://raceroster.com/events/2017/10468/sulphur-springs-trail-races-25th-edition
200 Mile Participants Only
Yes we have qualification requirements for the Sulphur Springs 200mi race
1) Two 100 milers in the past 3 years
- or 2) One mountain 100 miler (elevation GAIN of more than 6000m/19685ft) in the past 3
years
- or 3) Special circumstances to be reviewed and approved by the Race Directors
4) Provide a volunteer to the race organisation for a period 4 hours during the race
event or pay a supplement of $100
You MUST submit your qualification requirements prior to registering to
[email protected] and send your volunteer information before May
1 or you will face a surcharge of $100.
REFUND / TRANSFER / DEFERRAL POLICY
The costs of hosting this event are considerable. Cost commitments are made many
months in advance of the race and we have adopted a very simple policy
Refunds
 75% before Jan 1
 50% before Feb 1
 0% from Feb 1 onwards
Deferrals - NONE
Transfers – NONE
Distance Changes
 $10 processing charge before Apr 1
 No changes from Apr 1 onwards
4


Change to shorter distance – no refund of difference in registration fees
Change to longer distance – pay difference in registration fees
Simple isn’t it?
WHERE IS IT
All races start behind:
 MORGAN FIRESTONE ARENA (ANCASTER COMMUNITY CENTRE) at 385
Jerseyville Road, Ancaster L9G 3L5
It is at the end of Meadowbrook Dr and Jerseyville Rd in the former town of Ancaster.
The actual Start/Finish, registration area and race headquarters is at the rear of the
property in the last parking lot off Martin Rd (near the last baseball diamond).
FROM HWY 403
Exit at Wilson Street/Hwy 2. Take the first left hand turn at Meadowbrook after circling the
round-about. Follow Meadowbrook Dr. to its end at Jerseyville Rd. The community centre
will be in front of you.
PARKING
Parking is available:
 at the front and side of the Ancaster Community Centre accessible off Jerseyville
Rd / Martin Rd
 across the street at the Ancaster High School (374 Jerseyville Rd W, Ancaster,
ON)
There is no parking allowed on Jerseyville Road or Martin Rd.
There is no reserved parking and all parking is on first come first serve basis.
Trailers/RVs/motorhomes are not allowed on site.
REST AREA
Tents may be setup for 200 mile and 100 mile solo runners only near the Start/Finish.
This is NOT camping – no fires or electricity or running water and only portable toilets. If
you plan to set up a rest tent please send the race directors an email
[email protected]
5
RISK FACTORS
Participation in this event is at the runner’s own risk. The inaccessibility of much of the
course will make it difficult if not impossible for medical assistance to reach a runner
immediately. Local police have been notified of our event.
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, poison oak and ivy, etc. and getting lost.
WEATHER
Temperatures can range from 5C to 35C on race day. You should come prepared for
both extremes on the same weekend. Race day has been rain free but we have been hit
with severe rain on a few occasions.
Prior to leaving home check the weather channel for updates in Ancaster and Hamilton,
Ontario. If a lot of rain has fallen in the days leading up to the race the trail will become
muddy in a number of spots. The vast majority of the trail is under forest cover which can
offer relief on hot sunny days.
MANDATORY 200 MILE BREAKFAST / 100 MILE DINNER
The 200 mile solo pre-race mandatory breakfast will be held under tent cover at the race
start on Thursday at 10am. The breakfast is included in the 200 Mile entry fee. All other
racers, families, pacers are welcome to dine with us for $20 per person, payable in
advance. Space is limited. Any dietary restrictions MUST be emailed to the Race
Directors 4 weeks prior to the event and we will try to accommodate you.
The 100 mile solo pre-race mandatory dinner will be held under tent cover at the race
start on Friday at 5:00pm. Dinner is included in the 100 Mile entry fee. All other racers,
families, pacers are welcome to dine with us for $35.00 per person, payable in advance.
Space is limited. Any dietary restrictions MUST be emailed to the Race Directors 4
weeks prior to the event and we will try to accommodate you.
DROP OUTS
If you have to drop from the race, try to get to an aid station or have another runner inform
the next aid station that you’re dropping out. We will make every effort to get you to the
start/finish area particularly if you need medical attention. If you drop out you must notify
race headquarters of your DNF. Runners who leave the course without informing aid
station personnel and race headquarters (at the Start/Finish) will be considered lost. Any
search and rescue effort costs will be billed to them.
6
TRAIL ETIQUETTE
We do not have exclusive use the Dundas Valley Conservation Area during the race.
Please be courteous and cautious of hikers, mountain bikes and horses. If you wish to
pass another runner, ask for “On Your Right” or “On Your Left”. Slower runners must yield
the trail (when safe) to others wishing to pass. Be particularly careful with horses that you
encounter along the trail. Horses can be spooked easily by your sudden appearance with
dangerous consequences to the rider and you. STOP and step off the trail to let
oncoming horses pass and notify the rider if approaching from the rear.
Bear in mind that you will be running through wilderness and may encounter deer,
coyotes, raccoons, skunks and other wildlife.
IF YOU ENCOUNTER ANY WILDLIFE, MAKE A LOT OF NOISE. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
APPROACH ANY ANIMAL.
CREW
Crew is anyone giving material support to a runner during their race.
Crew is not necessary at Sulphur Springs. There are five opportunities to visit aid stations
per 20km lap. Most are fully stocked with fluid and food. If you feel the need to bring a
crew they must adhere to the following:
1. Crew members may assist runners only at designated aid stations and must
adhere to directions from Aid Station volunteers.
2. Crew must not park in such a way to block or impede traffic flow. Cars are
permitted only at Aid Station #1. At all other stations crew must arrive on foot.
AID STATIONS
All runners are advised to carry fluid and food during the race.
Aid stations are roughly 3K to 6K apart along the course.
There will be five stops during the 20 km loop. You will pass through AS#2 (Gatehouse)
at 3k and 9k, and AS#3 (Martin Rd) at 12k and 19k on each lap. Aid will also be available
each lap at AS#1 (Start/Finish). All Aid Stations will be stocked with a range of fluid and
foods.
As dinner time approaches sandwiches, boiled potatoes and heartier food will be
available for runners in the Ultra distances (200mi, 100mi, 100k, 50mi, 50k). Hot food and
hot drinks will be available throughout the night.
7
THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT AID STATIONS ARE ALLERGEN FREE
RACE RULES
Violation of any race rules or directives may be grounds for disqualification from this race
and future Sulphur Springs events or such other sanctions as deemed appropriate by the
race directors who have been known to be fair but firm.
1. There will be NO unofficial runners. Numbers are not transferable or refundable.
2. Each runner’s official race number must be worn prominently on the front of the
body and visible at all times. Your bib contains your Timing chip and must be on the
front your body throughout the race.
3. Runners must follow the marked trail at all times. Any runner departing from the
official trail must return unassisted to the point of departure prior to continuing.
4. Each runner must complete the course under their own power. No physical or
mechanical aids are allowed including ski poles and walking sticks. Earphones and
music players are heavily discouraged.
*** 200 mile runners are allowed poles after the first 12 hours ***
5. Except in the case of emergency, runners may not accept aid or assistance in
ANY FORM from anyone between aid stations.
6. Runners may not store supplies of any kind along the trail aside from their drop
bags at official aid stations.
7. All runners are responsible for the actions of their crew members and pacers.
Everyone associated with the race must comply with all rules including parking and
access instructions. Failure to do so may risk disqualification of the runner.
8. Doping during the event will result in immediate disqualification
9. Littering of any kind is prohibited. Littering threatens our continued use of the
conservation area. Runners caught littering will be permanently disqualified. Use
garbage cans at aid stations.
10. Runners must refrain from any act of bad sportsmanship.
11. Pacers are defined as “trail companions” and may accompany runners under the
guidelines shown in the PACERS section.
PACERS
Pacers are only allowed for the 200 mile solo runners after 12 hours and the 100 mile solo
runners after 8pm Saturday or at the beginning of their 7th loop.
Pacers may only join their runners from the start/finish area and MUST sign a waiver and
pick up their PACER bib (at the start/finish) before joining their runner.
Each runner is allowed one pacer at a time.
Pacing by bicycle or means other than by foot 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 must not carry supplies for the runner and should have their own supply of
8
flashlights, food and water.
Pacers only, not crew may accept aid at Aid Stations.
Pacers must remain with their runner at all times and should enter and leave each aid
station with their runner. The pacer may assist the runner with supply replenishment while
in the aid station; they may not enter the aid station ahead of the runner or depart after
their runner in order to speed up the replenishment process.
DROP BAGS
Clearly label your bag. It will be easier at night to identify it when a hundred bags are on
the ground. Do not use paper bags, shoe boxes or any paper-like products as they
deteriorate when wet. Distinctive colors work well.
It is strongly recommended that you place warm clothing, extra flashlights and any special
needs that you may require in your drop bags. Avoid glass and perishable items.
Race management and volunteers are not responsible for lost or damaged drop bags and
their contents.
AS#1 – Start/Finish – There is a designated 200/100 mile solo runner area the main tent
and a designated 50 mile runner area beside the main tent for drop bags.
AS#2 – Gatehouse – 200 mile and 100 mile runners must drop their bags for AS#2
(Gatehouse) by 6:00pm on Friday at the Start/Finish area. They will be taken to the AS#2
for you prior to the 100 mile race start Saturday morning. You will be through this aid
station at the 3K and 9K point of every lap. As best we are able, the bags from AS#2 will
be returned in a timely manner to race headquarters once you have passed through for
the last time.
TRAIL MARKINGS
Marshals will be on the course Saturday from 6:00 am until 11:00 am, to guide runners.
Outside that window runners will only have their knowledge of the trail and markings to
guide them.
Trail marking will consist of bright coloured surveyor’s tape tied to branches, yellow
caution tape, stakes with arrows attached and highly reflective strips.
Double ribbons are placed at turns on the side of the turn. Always look down a trail you
are turning onto. You should be able to see the next ribbon.
Race management does its best to provide an adequately marked trail but runners should
try from the start of each event to familiarize themselves with trail names and turns. On
9
occasion persons not associated with the event have been known to remove or change
race markers. We strongly recommend attending one of the race training runs held
monthly Feb-May.
THE TRAIL (AND AFTER DARK)
Please remember that this is a trail race and much of the area that you will be traveling is
runnable but relatively rugged in a number of spots. Much of the area in between aid
stations is accessible only by foot, horse or mountain bike. Please use caution.
Knowledge of the trail offers both physical and mental advantages during the official run.
Participants should make a reasonable effort to run as much of the trail as possible prior
to race day. Participants in the 200 mile and 100 mile event should give particular
attention to the trail considering most will do a minimum of three laps in the dark when
physical and mental energy may be lagging.
Each runner should ensure that they carry at least two light sources with power sufficient
to last 10 hours (LED lights being the best). It is not recommended that you attempt to
change bulbs and batteries in the dark. If your light fails, wait for another runner with a
light. DO NOT TRY TO FIND YOUR WAY IN THE DARK. If you are the last runner wait
for the sweep team or daylight.
RACE PHOTOS
We are working to have free race photos available. It is possible that not
everyone will be captured in a picture due to the number of runners. No
complaints – this is free.
RELAY TEAMS
THE 100 MILE RELAY
2 to 8 members may make up a team. The first team member will begin Saturday at 6am
with the 200mile, 100mile and 50mile runners. Subsequent team members must begin at
the finish line for each lap they are completing. Each member must complete at least 1
full lap. There is only 1 category in this event. Relay members will wear a race bib and an
ankle timing chip. This timing chip must be transferred between team members at the end
of each lap. The final runner MUST hand in the timing chip at the finish line. Each runner
as they complete a lap should collect their finisher’s medal.
10
THE 200 MILE RELAY
4 members make up a team. The first team member will begin Thursday at 12pm with
the 200 mile solo runners. Subsequent team members must begin at the finish line for
each lap they are completing. Each member must complete at least 1 full lap. There is
only 1 category in this event. Relay members will wear a race bib and an ankle timing
chip. This timing chip must be transferred between team members at the end of each lap.
The final runner MUST hand in the timing chip at the finish line. Each runner as they
complete a lap should collect their finisher’s medal.
AWARDS
All participants in every event will receive a medal upon completion.
All 200 mile solo and 100 mile solo finishers will also receive a race belt buckle to
recognize their achievement at a special award ceremony at 1230pm Sunday May 28.
* Other award times will be announced closer to the race date.
CLEANUP
Bags or any other items left behind will not be returned. At the end of the race, we leave
the area cleared out and any items left behind are thrown away or donated. Except kids.
Those will be returned with a huge babysitting bill.
FOOD
There are two major supermarkets in Ancaster within 3km of the start on Wilson St
To get to the supermarkets from the Community Centre, travel east along Jerseyville Rd
to Wilson St and turn right. Fortinos and Food Basics are down the street.
There are several restaurants and coffee shops along Wilson St in both directions.
LODGING
Greater Hamilton Tourism: [email protected] or www.hamilton.on.ca
11
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
WEDNESDAY MAY 24
6pm - 8pm
THURSDAY MAY 25
7am – 10am
9am – 1130am
10am – 1130am
Initial trail marking (volunteers wanted - please contact the race directors)
12pm (noon)
Final trail marking
Race Kit pickup - 200 mile solo and relay ONLY
Pre Race MANDATORY safety briefing and breakfast and check in - 200
mile solo ONLY
START - 200 mile solo and relay
FRIDAY MAY 26
12pm - 5pm
6pm
5pm - 7pm
Race Kit pickup - 100 mile solo / 100 mile relay / 100k / 50 mile / 50k ONLY
Drop bag deadline AS#2 - 100 mile runners
Pre Race MANDATORY safety briefing and dinner - 100 mile solo ONLY
SATURDAY MAY 27
5am - 530am
545am
545am - 6am
545am – 745am
6am
715am - 730am
730am
8am - 815am
815am
9am
930am
1030am
1215pm
130pm
200pm
330pm
930pm
Race Kit pickup - 100mi relay / 100k / 50mi ONLY
Drop bag deadline - 100 mile and 50 mile runners Start/Finish
Pre-Race announcements - 100 mile / 50 mile / 100 mile relay
Race Kit pick-up - 50k / 25k / 10k
START - 100 mile / 100k / 50 mile / 100 mile relay
Pre-race announcements - 50k / 25k
START - 50k / 25k
Pre-race announcements – 10k
START - 10k
Post race refreshments are out
10k Awards ceremony
25k Awards ceremony
10k ultimate cut-off (4 hours)
50k Awards ceremony
50 Mile Awards ceremony
25k ultimate cut-off (8 hours)
50k ultimate cut-off (14 hours)
SUNDAY MAY 29
8am
200 mile loop 15 CUT OFF - must start loop 16 before this time
8am – 12pm (noon)
12pm (noon)
1230pm
2pm
100 mile loop 7 CUT-OFF - must start loop 8 before this time
Continuous light post-race breakfast at the Start/Finish
200 mi / 100 mi / 100 km / 50 mile ultimate CUT-OFF
END OF RACE
200 and 100 Mile Awards ceremony
Race Cleanup Complete – Nothing is to be left behind
12
THE COURSE
The basic course is a 20km loop and has changed from previous years. It is
slightly longer and has slightly more elevation gain but is also more scenic.
<new course map and directions coming shortly>
Good Luck with your training. Nothing ensures success like training. See you at the start
line.
13
SULPHUR SPRINGS COURSE RECORDS
Joe’s Course (2011 to 2016)
100 Mile
100 Mile
50 Mile
50 Mile
50 K
50 K
25K
25K
10K
10K
100 Mile Relay
Men
Women
Men
Women
Men
Women
Men
Women
Men
Women
2016
2014
2013
2015
2015
2012
2013
2015
2014
2014
2013
David Oskvig
Laura Perry
Michael Daigeaun
Christina Clark
William Walsh
Christina Clark
Cleve Thorson
Jenny Bierworth
Mitch Free
Kaitlyn Lynch
dontgetlost.ca
15:33:34
17:49:54
6:07:00
7:16:41
3:41:45
3:59:46
1:32:30
1:47:47
34:35
41:20
11:24:43
Amherst
Orleans
Philadelphia
Guelph
Toronto
Guelph
Guelph
Bancroft
St. George
Ancaster
Dundas
Original Course (1991 to 2010)
100 Mile
100 Mile
50 Mile
50 Mile
50K
50K
25K
25K
10K
10K
100 Mile Relay
Men
Women
Men
Women
Men
Women
Men
Women
Men
Women
2010
2007
2005
2009
1994
2008
2010
1996
2010
2007
2008
Harvey Lewis
Laurie McGrath
Ryne Melcher
Laurie McGrath
Andy Jones
Christina Clark
Brendan Kenny
Katie Dosser
Daniel Wojcik
Karen Mackenzie
Are We There Yet
14
17:12:37 Cincinnati
18:57:06 Baden
6:26:20 Kitchener
7:44:22 Baden
3:16:50 *
4:03:37 Guelph
1:32:36 Dundas
1:36:34 *
33:56 Dundas
40:17 *
15:09:21
NA