13 Minute Miles-Ya You Got This!

Our race is only 2 weeks out—how’s your training going? 

This week’s HOT TOPIC-13 minute miles; Why does our race have a three (3) hour cut-off? Because We Don’t Have All Day

Okay, okay… but seriously — because we don’t have all day.

When our race directors apply for permits for our event, they’re required to specify the exact time frame during which we’ll be using the public roads and properties. Every race has an official start time and end time. In many cases, we also have to submit a detailed event schedule that includes participant cut-off times.

The insurance policies tied to these permits also operate within a specific time frame. Once that coverage window closes, so does our ability to legally and responsibly operate the event.

But permits and insurance are only part of the story.

Cut-offs are also designed with volunteers (and our race communities) in mind.
Aid station crews, course marshals, medical staff, and sweep teams often spend incredibly long hours supporting our event. Cut-off times help ensure volunteers can leave their posts at a reasonable hour and allow course sweeps to begin their work so the racecourse can be cleared on schedule.

So while cut-offs can feel frustrating in the moment, they exist for important logistical, legal, environmental, and community reasons. They help our race operate responsibly and maintain the relationships that allow our race to happen in the first place.

That being said, our race officially closes at the three-hour mark at 11:15 AM. To receive an official race time, you MUST cross the finish line on or before 11:15 AM.

You may choose to continue on the racecourse after the hydration stations close; however, please be aware that hydration support and police traffic control for your safety will be discontinued at the scheduled closure times.

If you plan to remain on the course after these closures, we strongly encourage you to carry a water bottle or hydration vest and remain alert for vehicle traffic, as roads will reopen once hydration stations close.

You are welcome to cross the finish line after 11:15 AM, but you will not receive an official published race time. If desired, you may contact Granite State Racing Services to request your unofficial course time.

To help support participants in maintaining the required pace, volunteers from the Upper Valley Running Club will be on the course assisting runners in reaching the finish line before the official cutoff.

Race Water Stop/Hydration Station Closing Times (so our volunteers can enjoy the rest of their Sunday after helping you along the course!)

Race Start 8:15 AM Times based on 13 minute miles

Mile 2   WATER STOP closes at 8:41 Pomfret, Stage RD (Both sides of the road

Mile 4   WATER STOP closes at 9:07 Woodstock, River St.
     
Mile 6   WATER STOP (Gatorade) closes at 9:33 Rolling Ridge Rd 
     
Mile 8   WATER STOP (Gatorade) closes at 9:59 Old River RD and Upper River RD
     
Mile 10   WATER STOP (Gatorade) closes at 10:25 Live Laugh Barn 
    
Mile 12   WATER STOP (Gatorade) closes at 10:51 Quechee Library 
     

Finish Line course closes 11:15 AM

Water at the Finish Line, Beverages and Gatorade in the FOOD TENT.