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Race Weekend Information - April 26, 2008

Dear Greenhorn Adventure Race Competitors,

Hello from EX2 Adventures.  In just over a week, you and over 300 adventure racers will compete in the third annual Greenhorn Adventure Race.  As a new racer, I am sure this event will offer a fun and achievable introduction to the sport of Adventure Racing. 

The Greenhorn AR was designed with the beginner in mind.  The navigation is straight forward, the paddling is on a lake, the overall distance is appropriate for the first time racer, and we choose the least technical trails for the mountain biking segment.  With this said, what would an adventure race be without challenge?  So, you will find plenty of that in this event.   Get ready for a wonderful day.  I wish you the best of luck! 

Here are some details/hints for race weekend:

Race details online:  Check out http://www.ex2adventures.com/greenhorn-ar.php for a complete list of mandatory and recommended gear, schedules, rules, directions and information on accommodations. 

Parking:  After the exit from Interstate 68, follow the EX2 signs to race parking.  Go through the park kiosk to the large parking lot near the day use area and beaches.  Rocky Gap State Park typically charges a fee for entry, but your race fee already covers this.  If the kiosk is staffed, tell them you are a racer and they will let you enter free of charge.  Follow the signs to check-in.

Check-in/Packet Pickup:  Check-in will take place at the snack bar in the day use area near the beaches (on the east side of the park).  Check-in will be open from 7am-9am on Saturday, April 26th.  We recommend checking in as early as possible so you can start planning your race and claim your spot in the first-come, first serve Transition Area.  

Transition Area (TA):  The TA will open at 7am.  Only racers who have checked-in can enter the TA.  The TA will be divided into two sections:  3 person teams (2 teams/bike rack) and 2 person teams (3 teams/bike rack).  Please set up within your designated section.  To protect your gear, volunteers will be staffing the TA throughout the race.  Please help them by having your race number with you when you enter and exit the TA.

Race Packets/Mandatory Forms:  Race packets include t-shirt(s), race number(s), race passport, epunch, and sponsor information.  We must have medical and liability forms for all of your team members before we distribute your team race packet.  So, if all your teammates can not get there early then the person checking in should bring forms for all team members.  Both required forms can be found at the following link:  http://www.ex2adventures.com/greenhorn-ar-registration.php

Race map pickup:  Race maps will be available for pick up between 8:15am-9:15am.  Each team will receive one map.  Maps will only be distributed to those teams that have checked-in.  Bring your race number with you to pick up your map.  The map will answer many of your remaining questions and allow you to complete your race planning/strategy.  We highly suggest arriving early to check-in, get settled into the TA, and pick up your map.  The earlier you arrive, the more time you have to plan!   

Race brief:  A mandatory race brief will take place from 9:15am-9:30am.  Important safety, rules, and logistical items will be discussed at this brief so please incorporate this into your plan.   
 
Race lineup:  All members of your team must be present at the start area by 9:50am for pre-race lineup and last minute instructions.  

Race start:  The race will start at 10am SHARP!  

Weather:  The Greenhorn Adventure Race will be held rain or shine. 

Other helpful information:

Checkpoints (CPs)/Epunch timing system:  All checkpoints will be labeled with a CP1, CP2, CP3, etc sign.  Your team must reach all checkpoints in sequential order (CP1, CP2, CP3, etc).  At all staffed checkpoints, EX2 staff/volunteers will sign the CP Register for you but you will be required to ‘epunch’ at each of these checkpoints.  At all unstaffed checkpoints, you will be required to sign the CP Register AND ‘epunch’.  The Epunch timing system requires that each team receive a small electronic key that must be carried during the race.  When inserted into the epunch box, this electronic key will store your time/location at each CP.  The data on your epunch key will be downloaded at the finish line to provide results and split times.  Losing this epunch key will result in disqualification and a $40 loss fee.  You will receive your team-specific epunch key in your race packet.  A demonstration of the epunch system will be provided at check-in.  All team members from your team must be present at the checkpoint before you may check-in and epunch.  It is your responsibility to ensure that you check-in and epunch before continuing to the next checkpoint.  Missed checkpoints will result in time penalties or disqualification from the race. 

Hydration and nutrition:  This is an unsupported race so your hydration and nutrition should be part of your race planning/strategy.  Please plan accordingly.  You may store food and water with your gear in the TA.  Also, there are several public water sources in the park where you can fill up your hydration system during the race.  Hint:  Developing your hydration/nutrition plan will be easier when you have your Race Map and Race Passport.

Post race food and beverages:  Free food and beverages will be provided for all racers and volunteers after the race. 

Awards:  Please stick around for the awards ceremony after the race!  Awards will be presented at approx. 1:30pm to all members of the top five teams in each division:  Co-ed, Female, Male, Masters, Duo Co-Ed, Duo Female, and Duo Male.  In addition, free give-a-way items will be randomly distributed.      

Volunteers:  Finally, 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, and our sincere thanks.  Plus, volunteering at our races is fun and truly inspiring!

Thanks for participating in the third annual Greenhorn Adventure Race.  We are looking forward to a fantastic weekend.  Once again, good luck and see you soon!

Jim Harman
Race Director
jim@ex2adventures.com
EX2 Adventures