2012 Afton Trail Run 25KM Trail Race (19th Annual):
Race Date: Saturday July 7th, 2012
Start Location: Afton State Park Visitors Center (Minnesota)
Start Time: 7:30 AM
Afton Trail Run 25KM Trail Race Description and History:
The Afton Trail Run 25KM Trail Race, is one of the most challenging and beautiful trail races anywhere. The race was established in 1994 and is now one of the oldest, largest and most competitive trail races in the country – garnering national attention and attracting runners from all over the United States and beyond. Runners World says that Afton State Park has some of the most beautiful running trails in the country and once you’ve run we think you will agree.
Afton State Park is located within the beautiful St. Croix River valley. The start of the race is near the Visitors Center, in Afton State Park. It is a hilly, 25K loop winding through the park’s trail system. For the most part, the trail is on well-established footing through the woodlands and prairie. There are long climbs, rising from the river bottom, up rocky ravines, and down again.
Registration:
Registration for this years race will open on March 8th 2012. You can register online or fill in the online form, print it and mail it in your check. The fee is $40.00 in March, $50.00 in April and $70.00 in May and June. Online registration will close on Saturday June 30th at 5:00 PM or once the field limit has been met. There will be no registration after Saturday June 30th at 5:00 PM or once the field limit has been met. There will be no race-day registration. We have reached capacity earlier and earlier the last few years - so do not delay, sign up today.
Field Limit:
Field limit for the Afton Trail Run is 600 runners (combined 25K and 50K distances).
Refunds:
Sorry, we do not offer them – please consider carefully before registering.
What you get:
A well marked course with plenty of aid and tons of friendly, experienced volunteers.
All registered runners will receive a short-sleeve technical T-shirt. These are gender specific shirts but do tend to run a little bit big for both men and women but do fit well if you size accordingly. A complimentary post race meal (for runners only please) family members can eat for the suggested donation amount – thank you.
Travel:
The race start is approximately 45 minutes east of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Minneapolis has a world class international airport and traveling to the race is a breeze.
Lodging:
Afton State Park is located about 15 minutes from Woodbury, Hastings and Stillwater. About 30 minutes from St. Paul and about 45 Minutes from Minneapolis and Bloomington. Various lodging options are available in each city.
Camping:
Camping is available at Afton State Park – there are camper cabins which fill up fast and thre are hike in campsites. Afton State Park (866.857.2757)
Parking:
Parking will be available in the lots adjacent to the Interpretive Center in the Park. Do not park on the side of the roadway. A Minnesota State Parks pass is required. Please carpool with friends if you can! The park is open to the public during the event, and parking resources will be strained. Please support our great Minnesota State Park System by purchasing an Annual State Park – Parking Pass. By doing this you not only support the entire state park system, you also increase the dollar amount that we are able to donate to the park as the Afton Trail Run pays for every participants vehicle that does not have a state park permit. You can purchase an annual permit by phone by calling 1-888-MINNDNR. Follow this link for more details. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html
Packet Pick-Up
Packet pickup is on race morning only. Packet pickup for the 25K starts at 6:00 AM and closes at 7:00 AM (1/2 hour prior to the race start.)
Pre-Race Briefing
There will be a short pre-race briefing about 10 minutes prior to the start of the race.
Whether and Clothing:
Early July in Minnesota can be quite hot and humid. We have had temperatures reach the high 90′s with high humidity and have also had days as cool as the low 70′s. In it’s history, regardless of weather, the Afton trail run has never been cancled – train for and plan for a hot day – hydration and electrolyte balance is key. Be prepared, watch the forecast and plan accordingly.
Race Start
Saturday July 7th 2012, 7:30 am
Race Numbers:
You must wear your race number and it must be clearly visible at all times.
Chip-Timing
We will be using chip timing for the race. Your chip will be on a velcro strap that you should attach to your right or left ankle only – no other spot on your body is acceptable. You must wear your chip at all times.
Course Markings:
The course will be marked with Orange flags, which will always be on the left hand side of the trail.
It is unfortunate but is not unheard of at many of the major trail races that course vandalism has occurred and flagging has been intentionally moved or removed by small minded individuals – it is important that you study the course maps prior to running and have a concept of where you are going.
Aid Stations.
Our aid stations are manned by volunteers, all of them spending a good part of their day out there to help you! Please be sure to thank the volunteers!
A complete list of the aid stations can be found HERE
Food and Drink – Aid stations will have the following beverage and food choices available:
Water, Hammer Heed, Hammer Gel, Soft Drinks, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Potato Chips, Potatoes & Salt, Cookies, Candy, Fruit
Pacers:
Pacers are not allowed for the 25 KM race.
Headphones
Due to our past experience with people wearing headphones on trail runs such as these, we discourage their use however we won’t tell you can’t wear them . Full awareness of one’s surroundings, and the ability to communicate with other participants, race volunteers, and trail users unassociated with the event are critical to everyone’s safety. Please use common sense.
Littering:
Don’t do it. If you see some trash someone else has dropped, pick it up. Keep the trail clean.
Cut-off Times:
We have established a 9 hour time limit for the 50KM race – this means you will have 8 hours for the 25K – this should be doable for just about anyone!
If You DNF:
Should you need to drop out of the race, remove your number and your chip and give them directly to the HAM radio operators at the aid stations you are dropping at – if you are not sure who that is ask around until you find them. If you leave the course and fail to notify race officials, you will be asked not to come back.
Awards:
1st Place Overall Male and Female
1st, 2nd, & 3rd place Open (age 39 – under) Male and Female
1st, 2nd, & 3rd place Masters (age 40 – over) Male and Female
1st, 2nd, & 3rd place Senior Masters (age 50 – over) Male and Female
There will be NO duplication of awards, and NO ties. Ties will be broken at the whim of the RD – trust us, you don’t want that! Awards will be presented as runners finish or shortly after they finish – there will be no formal awards ceremony.
Post-Race Clean-Up:
Walk back down to the beautiful St. Croix river for a swim!
Post-Race Meal:
We will be serving burgers and veggie-burgers along with other standard cookout fare after you finish the race – please sit and break bread with us and share some stories. Runners only please – friends and family members are welcome to eat with us as well for the suggested donation amount. Thank you.
Results:
Preliminary race results will be posted on our website within a few days of the end of the race and final results with any revisions will be posted within a few weeks.
Lost and Found
Any personal items left after the race will be donated to a charity. We will not ship items to you.
Volunteers:
We are always looking for them. Do you have friends and family coming but don’t really need them to follow you around to crew – see if they want to volunteer. Learn more by visiting the volunteer page.
Afton Trail Run – Charitable Legacy:
A large portion of the proceeds from the Afton Trail Run is donated to Afton State Park.
Next years race date:
Saturday July 6th, 2013.
You have trained hard and have a lot invested in this – push hard and do your best but please use common sense and be safe. Best of luck to all of you.
*The Afton Trail Run is a USATF sanctioned event.
