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Superior Spring Trail Race Covid 19 Preparedness Plan, Event Logistics Plan and Participant Guide

 

Preface
We are excited to be holding a Covid-modified Superior Spring Trail Race on May 20, 21, 22 & 23, 2021. We will run the 12.5K, 25K and 50K each of the four days. There will be ten, 15 minute start windows to choose from each morning. Runners will not be grouped, held and released at the start, instead it will be a time-trial type format – start whenever you are ready within your chosen 15 minute start-window. We will provide a safe and physically distanced check-in experience, start line, a marked course, hands free water dispensers out on the course, drop bags transported for 50K runners, the overall event safety net you have come to expect from us, a finish line, chip timing / results, and a shirt and medal mailed to you in the weeks after. The 25K and 50K race courses are slated to be the same as normal – the 12.5K will be a modified out and back course and not quite as interesting as the point to point course of years past, this in order to eliminate busing. Please note, this entire event will be extremely low key. It will be much more a personal challenge to do by yourself or with a couple of friends or family already in your bubble vs the full-blown race experience of past years. If you want a better idea of what to expect prior to signing up, ask around ( HERE is a good place https://www.facebook.com/groups/rocksteadyrunningcommunity ) and get feedback from those that ran our Zumbro race in April. I also wrote up a brief recap about Zumbro HERE https://www.zumbroendurancerun.com/2021-zumbro-recap/

What about the recent (May 6) easing of restrictions for outdoor events by Minnesota Govenor Tim Walz?
We are aware of it, but for the most part, the plan as outlined below is the plan we will be sticking with.  If you have any questions about this, please see HERE https://www.superiorspringtrailrace.com/2021-superior-spring-trail-race-update-5-8-21/


About this document:

This is required reading for any runner planning to register for the 2021 event. Prior to registering runners must review this document in its entirety. It should also be reviewed again the week of the event. This is a long read, over ten minutes, but it is imperative that you read it.

The ‘Superior Spring Trail Race Covid 19 Preparedness Plan, Event Logistics Plan and Participant Guide intends to achieve the following;

1.) To communicate to the United States Forest Service (USFS), Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR), Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), Cook County, the Minnesota Department of Health, local emergency managers, surrounding communities, participants, staff and volunteers, the steps we will take to mitigate the transmission of Covid-19 while providing the safest and most enjoyable event experience possible for our participants.

2.) To communicate to our participants, what they can expect from this year’s event; beginning with the registration process, during the event and after the event has concluded.

3.) To provide an overall event guide, containing a set of Covid-19 specific protocols for participants, staff and volunteers to follow.

We feel that outlining this information in plain language via a single unified document will provide the greatest level of transparency and understanding of the entire event among all stakeholders. By intertwining Covid specifics with event logistics and participant information, everyone that would like to participate will be compelled to read this document. The plan illustrates what our Covid-modified event will look like while encouraging the greatest level of adherence to the protocols set forth.

 

Superior Spring Trail Race Overview:
The Superior Spring Trail Race is a trail running event that takes place annually on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota. Race headquarters is at Caribou Highlands Lodge on Lutsen Mountain in Cook County Minnesota. The race takes place almost exclusively on the Superior Hiking Trail, on Forest Service land, except for a portion of the 50KM race which enters the far Northeast Corner of Temperance River State Park and continues to the Summit of Carlton peak for approximately ¾ of a mile (and then back). For the most part, the sections of the Superior Hiking Trail used for the event are not subject to heavy use prior to Memorial Day weekend, one of the primary reasons the race has always been held the weekend (Saturday specifically) before Memorial Day weekend. The portion of the race course that is subject to the greatest public use is around the Oberg Mountain Trailhead on Onion River Road, the racecourse sharing a very short section of trail (approximately 1000FT) with the popular public access to the Oberg hiking trail loop and overlook.

The Superior Spring Trail Race was founded in 2003 as a companion event to the Superior Fall Trail Race which was established in 1991. The event features three distances, a 50KM run out and back from Lutsen to Carlton Peak, a 25KM run out and back from Lutsen to the Oberg Mountain trailhead and a 12.5K run point to point from Cathedral of the Pines Camp on Caribou Trail to Lutsen (this years 12.5K event to be modified to eliminate bussing to the start and will be a 6.25K out and 6.25K back starting and finishing at Caribou Highlands / Lutsen). The event is organized by Rocksteady Running. Rocksteady Running produces nine trail running events each year in the state of Minnesota. The mission of Rocksteady Running is to “create experiences that facilitate connection” – connections with each other, with our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves and with the natural world around us. Our events are a celebration of living healthy, active and meaningful lives.

The 2020 edition of the Superior Spring Trail Race was canceled due to Covid-19. We will hold a Covid-modified event in 2021. We intend to do this in a safe, responsible and respectful manner. We have carefully reviewed publicly available Covid-19 information, data and science. Coupling insights from many sources, and grounding our protocols in the available state guidance, we are confident in our ability to hold a safe event, but we recognize that any gathering of people brings a risk of exposure and transmission. While running events are not classified as essential; physical, emotional and spiritual health and wellness are – our events are a catalyst for these important things, made even more important after the year we all just experienced. Outlined below are the steps we will take to ensure the safest event possible in light of the ongoing, but presently improving, Covid-19 pandemic.

 

What to expect:
Runners who are considering participating in the 2021 event can expect a safe, fun, quiet and extremely low-key experience. This will be much more a personal challenge to do by yourself or with a couple of friends or family already in your bubble vs the full-blown race experience of past years. We will provide four (4) days of racing, 250 runners maximum per day. 250 runners per day / per session is the maximum number of runners currently allowed by the state of Minnesota.

 

Our plan is rooted the following concepts:

• We will host a smaller, quieter and a greatly simplified event. The event will be spread out over more days than usual in order to keep daily attendance numbers down, so physical distance can be maintained.

• There will be no mass or even small group starts, instead each runner (or small group of friends / family members) will start on their own and be individually timed.

• Any and all aspects of the event that normally encourage congregation will be eliminated including but not limited to; elaborate aid stations, merchandising, sponsor booths, post event food / festivities, awards, posted results, etc.

• All event activities will be completely outdoors.

• Participants are discouraged from air travel in order to participate.

• Runners, staff and volunteers will be required to stay home if they are sick or have been exposed to someone that is sick.

• Spectators will not be allowed.

• Proper and frequent hand hygiene will be encouraged and numerous hand sanitizing stations will be available.

• Wearing a mask will be required, except when running. Runners and volunteers will be expected to provide their own masks, however we will maintain a cache of masks in the event that a participant forgets or loses theirs.

• Touchpoints and surface areas will be routinely cleansed.

• Maintaining physical distance will be expected.

 

Below are the specific measures we will take in order to stay in compliance with these stated goals.

 

The event will not be finalized and scheduled as far in advance as normal:
We normally open lottery registration for the Superior Spring Trail Race on January 1 for the May event. By not opening registration until about 30 days out from the event, we will have the most accurate picture possible of where things stand with the virus and associated state guidelines. These short timeframes will allow us to make the most prudent decisions possible as to whether or not to hold the event and will inform what additional protocols may need to be implemented based on up-to-date public health guidance.

 

No advanced collection of entry fees:
Once registration is open, runners will provide their contact information, other event pertinent information and their payment details, but (radically) will not be charged the entry fee until one week prior to the event. If the event must be canceled prior to us charging your card (outside of one week), credit / debit cards will not be charged. Once your card has been charged, there will be no refunds and our standard registration policy (published later in this document will apply). This will allow us to stay dynamic and react to any increase in severity of the pandemic and / or any changes to state guidelines. In order to achieve this level of flexibility, we will not print t-shirts or medals in advance of the event and will generally reduce amenities provided before, during and after the event. Instead, t-shirts and finisher medals will be produced and mailed to our runners after the event successfully takes place – this cost to mail these items is included in the entry fee. Additionally, these practices will further reduce the number of touchpoints / contacts throughout the event.

 

Daily field limit of 250 runners, few volunteers, and no spectators:
Superior normally hosts 900+ runners, 200+ volunteers and 500+ family / spectators for a single day event. For 2021 we will host no more than 250 runners per day, but will do so four days in a row. We will run the 12.5KM, 25KM and 50KM races each day. The event will be run by a very small crew of staff and volunteers numbering no more than 25 each day. We will make every effort possible to have volunteer groups from the same household or from an existing social or work bubble assigned together – we are finding that the majority of our regular volunteer base have been vaccinated. Largely, runners will be responsible for themselves with a minimum of event / volunteer support. As always we will coordinate closely with local emergency services to ensure that the greatest margin of safety possible is built into the event.

 

Pre-selected start windows:
The event will be conducted in a time-trial type format, runners not corralled or held until a specific start time. Runners will start on their own, within a pre-selected window and each runner’s individual start and finish time will be recorded, producing a net time. At the time of registration, participants will have the opportunity to choose their desired start time / 15 minute start window (subject to availability / first come first served). There will be 10 start windows available each morning, with 25 runners each. The first available 15 minute start window will begin at 6:00AM each day and the last will begin at 9:00AM. The individual time-slots / windows will be as follows:

6:00 AM (must start running between 6:00 and 6:15) – 25K, 50K (no 12.5K offered)
6:20 AM (must start running between 6:20 and 6:35) – 25K, 50K (no 12.5K offered)
6:40 AM (must start running between 6:40 and 6:55) – 25K, 50K (no 12.5K offered)
7:00 AM (must start running between 7:00 and 7:15) – 12.5K, 25K, 50K
7:20 AM (must start running between 7:20 and 7:35) – 12.5K, 25K, 50K
7:40 AM (must start running between 7:40 and 7:55) – 12.5K, 25K, 50K
8:00 AM (must start running between 8:00 and 8:15) – 12.5K, 25K, 50K
8:20 AM (must start running between 8:20 and 8:35) – 12.5K, 25K (no 50K offered)
8:40 AM (must start running between 8:40 and 8:55) – 12.5K, 25K (no 50K offered)
9:00 AM (must start running between 9:00 and 9:15) – 12.5K, 25K (no 50K offered)

Runners may start checking in no more than 15 minutes prior to their start window and shall not congregate near the check-in or start areas prior to that time.

 

Registration Specifics:
Registrants from the 2020 Covid-canceled event will have the first opportunity to register via a special invitation matched to the email address we have on file from when you registered last year. We will be sending these invitations throughout the day on April 22 – all invitations should be out by 5:00PM CST. If your email address has since changed, you can contact us to provide updated information and we will send you a new invitation. If you do not see it, be sure to check your SPAM folder for this special invitation. This special registration period will last about one week. Starting on April 28 at 9:00AM CST, registration for remaining spots will open, first come first served to the general public, no lottery. When you register, you will sign up for a start day and a start time / window as outlined above. You will provide your payment information, but uniquely, your card will not be charged until Thursday May 13 – one week prior to the first day of the four day event. We are doing this because of the chance of another Covid 19 cancellation and to allow anyone that becomes ill between registering and May 12, the opportunity to withdraw. After registering, you will be able to retract your registration up until Wednesday May 12 and will not be charged. If you do not retract by Wednesday May 12, you will be automatically charged. Once registered, you may switch your preferred time slot to a new time slot (if available) by contacting the race director up until May 12, but not after. Registration will close on Wednesday May 12 at 11:59PM. After reviewing this document in its entirety, you can register via the registration link on our website. Entry fees will be as follows: Entry fee(s) 50KM: $95.00 25KM: $75.00 12.5KM $65.00 (plus UltraSignup fee).

Once processed – see specific protocol / timelines above), entry fees are not refundable under any circumstance, race registrations are not transferable to other participants, future years races or other Rocksteady Running events and transferring between distances (up or down) is not allowed. The Race Director reserves the right to modify or cancel the race or course for safety concerns, trail condition concerns, natural disaster or pandemic. In such cases there will be no refunds of race entry fees. Each athlete must accept any such risk of their entry fee paid. There is no complimentary race entry to a future race. Entry fees collected are used to develop and produce the event, starting well in advance of the race date – including course preparation, race supplies, permits and administration. We will make every effort to produce a fair and safe event for all participants. Any decision we make that impacts the race date or potential cancellation is carefully considered and based on the overall event safety, sustainability and manageability.

 

Waitlist / Lottery Language:
Our friends at UltraSignup have been graciously helping us manage a very complex and atypical registration process for this year’s events. You may see language on your registration confirmation regarding ‘waitlist / lottery’ ‘paused-processing’ or ‘delayed-charge’ – please note that once you successfully register for an available time-slot you are in, and are guaranteed that spot, and will be automatically be charged on May 13, unless you withdraw prior to that time – the waitlist / lottery functionality via ultrasignup is what we are leveraging in order to not charge you until the week before the race.

 

No long distance travel:
Our events routinely draw participants from multiple states and countries. For the 2021 event we are asking that if air travel would be required in order for you to participate in the event, that you please skip this year and race closer to home. We cannot wait to welcome our entire trail family back in 2022.

 

Stay home if you are sick or not feeling well:
Runners are required to stay home if they are Covid positive, have been exposed to someone that is Covid positive in the past 14 days, are not feeling well or are experiencing any of the following symptoms. We will email this reminder to runners in the week leading up to the event. We are allowing registrants to retract their registration up until Wednesday May 12. If you are exposed, develop symptoms or test positive for Covid-19 between May 12 and event day, please contact us.

• Fever above 100.4 degrees F or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea.

* List of symptoms from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

 

No spectators allowed:
While you may choose to travel to the North Shore with family or friends that are not participating in the race, runners may only attend the actual event with other registered runners from their household or others already in their social, work, etc. bubbles only. Family, crew and spectators will be strictly prohibited from going to either of the checkpoints, Sawbill or Oberg or from coming to the start or finish lines. For safety, those participants under the age of 18, over the age of 65, or those with a disability may have one family member / supporter at the event, but that family member should not wait for them at the start / finish area, instead must wait at / near their vehicles or generally where others are not gathering. Family members can take advantage of the day to go explore (away from the race course) on the North Shore.

 

Masking:
Masks will be required for participants when not running (bib number pickup, bathroom lines, start/finish area, start lines, finish line). You will be responsible for providing your own mask. Generally, masks will not be required while running. Where practical runners should pull up their masks at water stops. For those in the 25K and 50K we do ask that you wear your mask all the way through both the Oberg and Sawbill-Britton trailheads / water stops as there will likely be non-race-related day users at these locations. Staff and volunteers will be required to wear masks. We will maintain a cache of masks in the event that a participant forgets or loses theirs.

 

Hand Hygiene:
Hand sanitizer will be available near portable restrooms, at the start / finish area, and at water stops. Runners, volunteers and staff are encouraged to sanitize their hands frequently. Additionally, we will have an ample supply of loose fitting / easy to put on and take off, food service gloves. While this does create some plastic waste, it is overall fairly minimal in total volume of plastic and is further mitigated by the fact that we will not have bags at bib-number pickup nor will we have cups at water stops.

 

Cleanliness:
Staff / volunteers will wipe down all touchpoint / surface areas regularly with disinfectant.

 

Physical Distancing:
Wherever possible runners, volunteers and staff shall maintain a minimum of 6’ of physical distance from those not in their household or pre-existing bubble – 10’ is even better.

Getting to Superior:
Race Headquarters
Caribou Highlands Lodge
371 Ski Hill Road
Lutsen, Minnesota 55612

* Please note that the actual start and finish lines will likely be located elsewhere on the Caribou Highlands or Lutsen property for this year’s event, we will provide final details about a week out from the event.

 

Lodging:
Caribou Highlands Lodge is the race host lodge – the races start and finish at Caribou Highlands and the finish-line will be just a short walk to your room, condo or townhome. We recommend that you stay here and support Caribou Highlands as they do a great job supporting us! Special room rates are available if you mention you are a Superior racer. Call 1-800-642-6036 or visit their Website at https://www.caribouhighlands.com

There are also other lodging options right on Lutsen Mountain including Eagle Ridge https://eagleridgeatlutsen.com/ and the Mountain Inn https://www.mountaininnmn.com/

Finally, there is no shortage of lodging and camping options throughout Cook County https://www.visitcookcounty.com/stay/

 

Event Day Check-In / Bib Number Pick-Up and Run Start:
Check in will be on the morning of your race only. Check in will take place adjacent to the start-line (not in the conference room on Caribou Highlands property as in years past) Layout HERE https://www.superiorspringtrailrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-Superior-Spring-Trail-Race-Start-Finish-Layout.jpg. You can check in up to 15 minutes before your start time / window, no sooner. We will check you in so we have an accurate accounting of who is starting the run and we will hand you your pre-assigned bib number. Then, starting at the time you signed up for, you have up to 15 minutes to enter the start area, then start your run, example: if you are signed up for 8:00AM, you can start anytime between 8:00AM and 8:15AM. We will not call or gather runners together on the start line, we will not yell “go”, you will just walk up to the start line / flag, make sure the timers see your number, cross over the timing mat and you will start your run, either alone or with your friend / family member from your bubble that you signed up with (I noticed a lot of that – it is awesome).  Bib number pickup stations will be well spaced. Volunteers will be behind plexi-glass, and signage will remind participants to maintain at least 6’ of physical distance while in line. Due to the pre-assigned / staggered start windows, lines should naturally be short.

 

Bib Numbers, Chip and Manual / Backup Timing:
Your bib number should be worn on the front of your body and visible at all times. This race will be chip timed. Your timing chip will be affixed to the back of your race number. Do not remove your timing chip. Do not bend or fold your timing chip or crumple your race number – this may break your timing chip. Your race number and your timing chip must be pinned on your outer-most layer at all times. Above guidelines must be followed in order to ensure that finish times are recorded. This chip is disposable and does not need to be returned.

 

Start / Finish Line:
The race start will be on Ski Hill Road in very close proximity to where the race has always started.  After you check in, you will proceed to the adjacent race start, making sure your bib number is clearly visible on the front of your body and recorded by the volunteer at the start line as you start. Please make eye contact with, and get the go ahead from this volunteer prior to starting your run so both you and the timer are confident that your start has been recorded. The finish will be on Caribou Highlands property near the Mogul’s patio and Caribou Highlands recreation area at the old tennis courts location. Layout HERE https://www.superiorspringtrailrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-Superior-Spring-Trail-Race-Start-Finish-Layout.jpg

 

Race Course(s):
HERE https://www.superiorspringtrailrace.com/maps-and-data/ you can find a map of the race course. The 25K and 50K runs will be held on the identical course as years past. It is important to note that the 12.5K will be an out and back out of Caribou Highlands / Lutsen in order to avoid bussing for what is usually a point to point race. An argument could be made that on a normal year the 12.5K course is the marquee course of the Spring event, but that this year it will be a bit less interesting given the short out and back nature. Please note that due to Covid or trail concerns, we reserve the right to modify the course(s) at any time, in any way, including the use / inclusion of more roads, paved or gravel, other types for trail, etc.

 

Course Marking:
The course will be marked with Orange survey-type pin-flags with the RSR logo. Arrows will be used sparingly as well. For the 25K and 50K races the markers will be on your right-hand side on the way out and on your left-hand side on your way back. For the 12.5K course the markers will be on your right side on the way out and your left-hand side on the way back. 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. Big picture… In the 50K you are running from Lutsen to the Summit of Carlton Peak and back (to the old fire-tower location where the concrete footings still remain), in the 25K you are running from Lutsen to the Oberg Mountain Trailhead parking lot and back and in the 12.5K you are running from Lutsen approximately 6.25K towards Caribou Trail and back. All turnaround points will be clearly identified by our markings. The Superior Hiking Trail is easily navigated to these locations even without our supplemental markings.

 

Out and Back Course Etiquette:
All courses are out and back and almost entirely on single-track trail. Trail runners by nature are polite folks steeped in trail etiquette. We will not micromanage how passing (from behind or when encountering oncoming traffic) should take place as this is a fairly natural process for all of us, but please plan to give a wider berth than normal due to Covid concerns. Should you encounter any non-race-related hikers, runners etc. please consider pulling up your mask, being patient and giving these users the right of way.

 

Water Stops / Aid Stations:
IMPORTANT There will be NO food / nutrition / calories, sports drink or cups provided at the water stops, please plan accordingly.

Runners are encouraged to make use of hydration vests, packs and handheld bottles so they can run as much of the run as they can on the hydration and nutrition that they have brought with them to the event, and carry with them from the start. Our water stops / aid stations will be highly modified and greatly simplified. There will be hand-sanitizing stations on both ends of the water stop (entrance and exit) that you will be required to use if you are getting water. Additionally for those that would like to take the extra precaution, there will be loose fitting / slip-on plastic food service gloves available for use when dispensing your water, and a garbage can to dispose of the glove(s). Should you need water, you will be able to self-serve, into your own drinking vessel, from our hands-free / foot-activated bottle fillers (if for any reason we have issues with these, they will be normal water jugs that you will need to turn the valve on). When filling your bottles or hydration bladders please take care to not touch your bottle or bladder opening with the filling spout. You can review the water stop locations HERE https://www.superiorspringtrailrace.com/maps-and-data/ – note that even on a normal year there is no water on the 12.5K course and there is only one stop on the 25KM course.

Any volunteers you encounter at the water stops will be there as observers only, making sure Covid protocols are being followed, making sure water jugs are full and there should a runner have an emergency to report.

 

Weather and Clothing:
Mid-May in Northern Minnesota can bring highs as warm as the the low 80′s and lows in the mid 30′s or, believe it or not, a combination of both! Rain is not uncommon and either is mud. All of the snow is usually gone but you may see a small patch here or there. Carrying an ultralight wind or rain shell is always a good idea in case we get precipitation and your pace slows.

 

Restrooms:
There will be portable restrooms at the Start / Finish area of the race and on the 25K and 50K courses. Oberg (25K & 50K), there are existing vault toilets at the Oberg Trailhead and we will also provide two additional portable toilets. Sawbill (50K only), there are existing vault toilets at the Sawbill Trailhead and we will provide two additional portable toilets.

 

Pacers:
Pacers are not allowed.

 

Litter:
As always, do not litter and please pick up any litter you see.

 

Out Loud Music:
Out-loud music is prohibited but you may wear headphones as long as you are aware of your surroundings.

 

Drop Bags:
We will transport 50K runner drop bags to the Sawbill-Britton water stop. Drop bags will be there in time for your return trip through at mile 17.7 miles / by 8:45AM – faster runners starting at 6:00AM should note this distance and time and plan accordingly (read; carry everything you need). Runners name and bib number should be clearly visible on the outside of the drop bag. Drop bags should be kept reasonable size and should not contain any liquids. Drop bags should be in a waterproof bag or should only have contents that can get wet; read, drop bags will not be protected from the elements. There are no drop bags for the 25K or 12.5K distances.

 

Cutoffs:
For the sake of our volunteers, we’ve established closing times for the water stops. Those closing times also provide good guidelines for novice racers who want to finish by the time the finish line closes at 5:00 PM. The Sawbill water stop will close at 1:00PM. The Oberg water stop will close at 2:30 PM. If you have not made it through these stops by these times you will not be allowed to continue. For this years race common sense says that if you are slower, sign up for an earlier time, if you are faster, feel free to take advantage of a later time. If you doubt your ability to make the cutoffs, sign up for a shorter distance.

 

DNFs:
As always, should you need to drop out of the run, you must let an event official know. This is for safety / runner tracking so we have a complete accounting of who is on course at all times. If ever in doubt, shoot us an email after you get back to your vehicle or lodging and let us know you DNF’d.

 

No congregating at the finish line:
Upon completing the course, runners will need to leave the immediate finish area and should not congregate.

 

No post event party / food / refreshments:
Typically we encourage sticking around after our events and socializing. We often provide food and refreshments. For 2021, there will be no post event gathering, food or refreshments provided. Runners should plan to have needed sustenance with them for when they finish.

 

Shirts and Medals:
In order to keep pre-event costs down in the event of a cancellation, we will not be producing shirts or medals in advance. Instead we will start producing them and will ship them in the weeks after the event. Please note that the medals will be different than in years past so we can ship them more easily and cost effectively. Also, please note that not all runners are guaranteed to receive the same color shirt – Covid related supply chain issues will potentially affect our ability to source all of the same color shirts. We liked last years shirt so much that we are going to run it in different colors in the coming years – we hope to be able to do it on gray shirts this year, if so, they will look like THIS https://www.superiorspringtrailrace.com/2021-race-shirts/

 

Awards:
There will be no awards, either overall or age group. By having made it through the past year we are all winners – let us celebrate that.

 

Results:
Results will be posted on our website within a couple of days of the event concluding.

 

Superior Hiking Trail Association:
A portion of our race proceeds are always donated to the Superior Hiking Trail Association. Consider becoming a Superior Hiking Trail Association member to help further support the trail. Learn more by visiting the Superior Hiking Trail Association online HERE https://superiorhiking.org/

 

Next year’s race date:
Historically the Superior “Spring” Trail Race is held the weekend before Memorial Day weekend.

 

A few words about Rocksteady Running in 2021:
Please note that in order to have this shot at holding events in 2021, and put forth the radical entry fee policies set forth in this document, over the past year Rocksteady Running has had to morph into a much different organization than we have been over the past number of years. My wife Cheri and I’s ability to work fulltime on events in the weeks and months leading up to them has been diminished as we have had to further pursue additional income sources / careers, which fragments our time to work on events. Note that this will likely affect our ability to get back to you as quickly if you have questions, reduce pre and post-event media coverage, affect our ability to attract and service sponsorship deals, affect our ability to provide as robust aid stations, will impact the scope / number of event amenities and more. All of that said, we will always prioritize event safety, emergency preparedness and event fundamentals while striving to provide a positive and engaging experience for all. We are grateful for the opportunity to carry on – an opportunity only afforded to us by the graciousness of our 2020 registrants, in light of our longstanding registration and refund policies.

In order to make the event accessible to as many runners as possible, entry fees will be on par with years past. While some expenses will decrease due to less event day amenities, other costs will significantly increase due to Covid modifications / protocols – in general more event days and covid protocols will make these events more expensive to produce. If you have the ability to and would like to, anything additional you can donate beyond the base entry fee is greatly appreciated – you can make a direct donation to us HERE https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/product/donate/ By participating in the event you are not only getting out and doing something healthy and life affirming, while experiencing an area / course you might not otherwise, you are supporting our organization so we can continue to be around in the years to come.

 

In conclusion:
We love you and we care about each and every one of you. This years race(s) will not be the same as year’s past, but that does not mean they will not be great in their own way. I am feeling positive and am excited to see what the future holds. Most importantly, let us never forget the more than half a million people we have lost over the past year and the front line medical workers that are the true heros of this awful pandemic. I encourage you all to take a moment, a deep breath, and think about those we lost this past year before you start your run in May. Lets run with gratitude in our hearts as we take in the grandeur of the North Shore along the way. Please reach out if you have any questions, I am always here for you.

 

With Gratitude,

John Storkamp

Owner / Founder of Rocksteady Running
Race Director of the Superior Trail Race

[email protected]

Or

[email protected]