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Bushwhacker - Hemlock to Fountainhead
5/31/09 - Race Day Information:

Dear Bushwhacker Adventure Running Race Competitors:

The Bushwhacker Adventure Running Race is coming up this Sunday, May 31st.  I think you will thoroughly enjoy this fun and unique race format and I wish you all the best of luck! 

The Bushwhacker amps up the adventure factor of a trail running race by adding navigation as a component of the event.  You will run/navigate your way approximately 10 miles along a beautiful linear park corridor from Hemlock Overlook to Fountainhead Regional Park.  You will be required to visit three (3) checkpoints/aid stations along the way, all of which will be located along the heavily traveled and well marked Bull Run-Occoquan Trail.  Most will follow this trail the entire way but some will choose to shave time/mileage by going off-trail using a map that EX2 provides.  Prepare for a fun day of running in the woods! 

Here are some details for race day, Sunday, May 31st:

- Parking:  If you are NOT taking the 8am shuttle (see below for 8am shuttle instructions), please park in the grassy fields near the Hemlock administrative building (The Farmhouse).  Parking volunteers will show you where to park.  Directions are below:      

- Directions to Race Parking (Race Start Location) @ Hemlock Overlook: 

From Interstate 66:
- Take I-66 to Route 7100 (Fairfax County Parkway).
- Exit at 55A SOUTH toward Springfield.
- Travel south on Rt. 7100 for approx. 6 miles.
- Exit at Route 123 SOUTH (Ox Road).
- Travel approx. 1.6 miles to the Clifton Road traffic light.
- Turn RIGHT onto Clifton Road (Route 645).
- Travel approx. 4 miles on Clifton Rd.  Continue straight on Clifton Rd. after traveling through the 4-way stop at the gas station.
- Pass Yates Ford Road on the RIGHT then pass Henderson Road on the LEFT.
- Turn LEFT at Yates Ford Road (Route 615). 
- Continue straight on Yates Ford Road after traveling through the 4-way stop.
- Please drive 25MPH for 1.5 miles to the entrance of Hemlock Overlook.

From Interstate 95:
- Take I-95 to the exit for Route 123 (Ox Road) NORTH toward Fairfax.
- Travel NORTH on Route 123 (Ox Road) for approximately 8 miles.
- Turn LEFT onto Clifton Road (Route 645) immediately past the entrance to Burke Lake Park.
- Travel approx. 4 miles on Clifton Rd. Continue straight on Clifton Rd. after traveling through the stop sign at the gas station.
- Pass Yates Ford Road on the RIGHT then pass Henderson Road on the LEFT.
- Turn LEFT at Yates Ford Road (Route 615).
- Continue straight on Yates Ford Road after traveling through the 4-way stop.
- Please drive 25MPH for 1.5 miles to the entrance of Hemlock Overlook.

- Optional Shuttle:  Many of you have opted to take the shuttle that will transport you from the race finish (Fountainhead) to the race start (Hemlock).  SEE THE YOUR SHUTTLE TIME on the start list link found on the EX2 homepage.  We will run two shuttles on race day, one at 8am before the race begins and the other at 11:45am immediately following the awards ceremony.  The 8am shuttle is almost full but there is still plenty of room on the 11:45am shuttle.  You can sign up and pay for the 11:45am shuttle at check-in.  The cost is $15. 

- 8am Shuttle:  For those taking the 8am shuttle, please arrive at Fountainhead (race finish location) no later than 7:45am.  This will give you enough time to park, grab your stuff, and get on the shuttle.  DO NOT BE LATE - the shuttle will depart at 8am SHARP!  Directions to Fountainhead are below.  So you can make use of the 25 minute travel time, we will give you the race map and race passport (instructions) as you enter the shuttle.  You will receive your race packet and bib number when you check-in at Hemlock (after the shuttle).      

 - Directions to Shuttle Parking (Race Finish Location) @ Fountainhead Regional Park: 

From I-95:
- Exit onto Rt. 123 North and travel approx. 4 miles
- Take a left on Hampton Rd. and travel approx. 3.5 miles
- Take a left into Fountainhead Regional Park
- Continue down the entrance road and park in the upper parking lot.

From I-66 or I-495:
- Take I-66 to Rt. 7100 (Fairfax County Parkway)
- Exit at 55A South toward Springfield and travel approx. 6 miles
- Exit onto Rt. 123 South (Ox Rd.).  Turn left at the traffic light
- Travel approx. 3 miles to the Henderson Rd. traffic light.
- Take a right onto Henderson Rd.
- Take a left on Hampton Rd.
- Take a right into Fountainhead Regional Park
- Continue down the entrance road and park in the upper parking lot.

- 11:45am Shuttle:  Those taking the 11:45am shuttle should drive to and park at Hemlock (race start location), check-in, race to the finish at Fountainhead, and then get on the shuttle after the awards ceremony.  The shuttle will take you back to your vehicle at Hemlock. 

- Gear Transport:  EX2 will gladly transport your keys or bag from the start to the finish.  Please label your items and give to the volunteer at check-in.  We will have labels at check-in. 

- Mandatory Gear:  Remember, all racers are required to carry a safety whistle in this race.  Some optional gear items include hydration pack, compass, food/bars, and waterproof map carrying case.  See all gear at the following link:  http://www.ex2adventures.com/ar-runs-mandatory-gear.php

- Check-in/Packet Pick-up:  Check-in will take place in the dining hall on the Education Center side of Hemlock Overlook.  After you arrive at Hemlock, follow the signs to check-in.  Check-in opens at 7:30am.  At check-in you will receive your race map, race passport (instructions), e-punch key, race number and t-shirt and be asked to sign a waiver.  It takes time to park, check-in, review your map/passport, use the bathroom, warm up, and attend the pre-race brief.  Please arrive NO LATER THAN 8am. 

- Race start:  The race will begin at Hemlock with a mass start at 9am SHARP!   The pre-race brief will begin at 8:50am and take place at the start area on the Education Center side of the park.   

- Restrooms:  Restrooms are located about 50 yards up the hill from the start area. 

- Weather Forecast:  As of Tuesday 5/26/09, the weather is forecasted to be beautiful, with mostly sunny skies, high temps in the low 80’s, and a low chance of precipitation.  The weather forecast can always change this far out so, as we get closer to race day, please check the weather and plan accordingly.  

- Volunteers:  We welcome volunteers.  If any of your friends or family can help out, please have them sign up online at http://www.ex2adventures.com/volunteer.php  All volunteers receive a free t-shirt, free food, $15 discount coupon for a future race or $5 off EX2 merchandise, and our sincere thanks.  Plus, volunteering at our races is fun!

- Race Course/Terrain:  The beautiful linear park corridor connecting Hemlock and Fountainhead is wooded and undulating, with Historic Bull Run/Occoquan Reservoir to the West and private property to the East.  The Bull Run-Occoquan Trail connects the two parks.  This trail is well marked with blue blazes on the trees and mile markers.  Most racers will travel along this trail the entire way but some will choose to shave time/mileage by venturing off-trail using the map that EX2 provides. 

- Race Passport:  The Race Passport lists all the rules and travel instructions.  We will review the passport at the race briefing.  View the rules at the following link:  http://www.ex2adventures.com/ar-runs-rules.php

- E-punch Timing System:  An e-punch timing system will be used in this event. At each checkpoint/aid station, you will find an e-punch box and be required to ‘e-punch’. The e-punch timing system requires that racer carry a small electronic key. When inserted into the e-punch box, this electronic key will store the time/location at each checkpoint. The data on your e-punch key will be downloaded at the finish to provide results, CPs found, the order of CPs found, and your split times. You will receive your e-punch key at check-in. A demonstration of the e-punch system will be provided at check-in.

- Checkpoints/Aid Stations:  You will be REQUIRED to check-in and e-punch at three checkpoints/aid stations.  You must visit each checkpoint in order, from North to South.  All checkpoints/aid stations are marked on the map.  All checkpoints/aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade and are spaced 1.5-3.5 mile apart.  We will have water bottles available at the second checkpoint/aid station since the second and third checkpoint/aid stations are a relatively long 3.5 miles apart.  If choosing to take a water bottle at the second checkpoint/aid station, please do not litter.  You can drop the bottle at the third checkpoint/aid station.   First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each checkpoint/aid station.   

- NO IPODS:  The use of IPODs or any device that restricts hearing is not permitted during any EX2 race.  This is for your own safety and for the safety of your fellow runners. 

- Positively Chiropractic Recovery Tent – Dr. Kathy Coutinho, local ‘chiropractor to the athletes’, and her staff from Positively Chiropractic will be on hand offering up their chiropractic, massage, active release therapy, and first aid services to all comers.  Stop by the ‘Recovery Tent’ to take advantage of these FREE services.  In addition, Dr. Kathy has offered to generously give away gift certificates for FREE massages and chiropractic exams.  Come see how Dr. Kathy can help you ‘always move forward’. 

- Post Race Food:  Water, Gatorade, food (pizza, bananas, trail bars, chips, candy, cookies, bagels, and peanut butter), and other beverages will be available at the finish line for all racers and volunteers. 

- EX2 Merchandise Sale:  Bring a check or some cash and pick up your EX2 hat, Cranky Monkey jersey, EX2 car seat cover, or vintage t-shirt at the race.    

- Awards:  The awards ceremony will take place immediately following the race, around 11:15am!  Awards will be given to the top five male and female racers in each age group. 

- Sponsor Giveaways:  Below is a rundown of all our sponsor giveaways.  We will randomly select winners for the giveaways using a variety of different methods.  We have a lot of swag to give away but you must be present at the awards ceremony to win.  So, plan on sticking around to join in the fun and come prepared with a change of clothes so you are comfortable.

Baseball Bonanza:  Extra, Extra, Get Your Nats Tickets at EX2!  How cool is this?  All EX2 sponsors chipped in to buy tickets to the Washington Nationals - so we could give them away to you.  We have a pair of tickets to randomly give away at every race until October….that’s 17 races!         

VA Runner Raffle:  Stop by the VA Runner table at our races to check out new running merchandise and say hi to the good folks from VA Runner.  You could win a technical tee or other swag that they will give away at the race.

‘One String’ VA Runner Cash:  Everyone loves FREE money, right?  Well, race or volunteer in any of our races and receive a $10 gift certificate to the VA Runner store in Clifton, VA or Woodbridge, VA.  This ‘One String’ VA Runner Cash is good on anything in the store, even sale items.  The ‘One String’ – you can use only one certificate per day, simple as that.  A ‘One String’ VA Runner Cash certificate will be inserted into all race packets and given to all volunteers.

The Bike Lane Gearhead Giveaway:  Get your gear at The Bike Lane!  Race or volunteer in any of our races and you are eligible to win one of two $25 Bike Lane gift certificates.  The Bike Lane is also giving away a very generous discount to all race participants, a $10 gift certificate on a $25 minimum purchase.  These gift certificates will be inserted into all race packets and given to all volunteers.  With locations in Burke, VA and Reston, VA, The Bike Lane is your one-stop-mom-and-pop-bike shop. 

DrinkMore Water Hydration Pack Giveaway:  Drink More Water is committed to help you achieve peak performance by, well, drinking more water.  Not only do they supply tons of water to EX2 (literally), but they will randomly give away a hydration pack at each race of the season.  Pretty sweet, huh?  Racers and volunteers are eligible.

Thank you for participating in the Bushwhacker Adventure Running Race.  Good luck and see you on Sunday!

Jim Harman
Race Director
EX2 Adventures