2024 5K Trail Running Race Loop

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Race - Nov 3, 2024

Dogs Leashed

The 5K trail running race will run clockwise. There are two climbs for the 5K. One is much harder than the other.

The loop is basically a tour of River Bluff Trail Park's northern cross country system with some mountain bike trails thrown in for an additional short and steep climb. There are some new trails that didn't exist last year. Some portions, including the brutal northern climb, are now crushed limestone. There is one temporary connector that is necessary to facilitate the loop without any two-way traffic.

The race begins at the main trailhead on Huntoon Road. It will go south on the Comeback section along the guardrail to the Crushed Limestone Trail. Take the first right to Saint Flow mountain bike DH trail. This is a mild descent to the intersection with Root Chute near the Crushed Limestone Trail. Runners will climb Root Chute mountain bike DH until reaching the top and turning right onto Chimneys. A fast descent on the upper section of Chimneys is interrupted by the first temporary connector just before the old brick foundation. This temporary connector is an old section of the historical Comeback Trail. It allows the runners to access 229 East without any two-way traffic. The course turns right onto 229 West before it rejoins Chimneys, to the left, near the Crushed Limestone Trail.

The course will pass the old explosives bunker before reaching the large metal "takeoff ramp" of the Hay Loft. This is where the 5K branches off from the 10K course. After passing under the takeoff ramp, cross the Crushed Limestone Trail, and turn right onto Jekyll & Hyde. Shortly, runners will arrive at the graveled section of Jekyll & Hyde. Enjoy the view at the overlook in a slight left turn. Keep on the gravel as one passes the end of Roly Poly. One more sketchy gravel descending turn before the intersection with High Rider. Keep straight at this intersection on the dirt section of Jekyll & Hyde rather than turning right with the gravel.

A fast descent is quickly interrupted by a left turn onto Tripple H, one of the new trails included in the course this year. Runners will eventually rejoin Jekyll & Hyde just before the "gap in the wall." Continue north until Jekyll & Hyde meets Lowrider where the most brutal section of the course begins.

Turning right onto Lowrider marks the start of the brutal climb back to the top. Most of the climb is on Sunbridge Road which is wide and graveled offering an excellent opportunity for passing. It isn't as steep as the elevation profile suggests. Rather, it's a long, sustained, but gentle climb. Just before the trail emerges onto Huntoon Road, runners will turn back south onto the "all weather" section of Comeback until it reaches the finish line.