Indiana > Knobstone Trail Mini-Marathon
Martinsville,
IN
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Date
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Event
Details
Get ready for a rugged trail race with plenty of steep hills, long flat
stretches and long ascents broken by switchbacks at the Knobstone Trail
Mini-Marathon, which takes place as the fall leaves are turning every
October in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest about 35 miles south of
Indianapolis. You'll definitely want to be prepared to run in a trail
environment and have the proper footwear (e.g., trail shoes) at this
race, but if you're up for the challenge the view is reportedly
spectacular from the ridges and hills along the wooded forest trails.
The race starts and finishes near the intersection of Beanblossom Road
and the Main Forest Road, just off Old Highway 37 that runs north to
Martinsville, the town that serves as the headquarters of the runners
club that organizes the race, the Hoosier Hikers' Council. To get
there, take U.S. Highway 37 south from Indianapolis to Martinsville,
and proceed 4 miles south from town until you see the signs for the
state forest and the race.
From the starting line, the race takes a mostly counter-clockwise route
along an out-and-back loop course through the forest, taking runners
over flat stretches like Tincher Ridge, Gorley Ridge and Shipman Ridge,
as well as plenty of challenging uphill and downhill stretches in
between. The race finishes with a final loop along the State Forest
service road, as runners end back at the starting line at Mason Ridge.
The trail for the race is reportedly a "well-groomed" trail, and the
race is generally clearly marked each year with five water stations and
radio communications dispersed throughout the course. While you're in
town, there's plenty of camping, hiking and outdoors to enjoy -- many
runners camp overnight in the Morgan-Monroe State Forest, or stay in
nearby Martinsville or Nashville.
Participants who don't wish to run the 13.1 miles through the forest
for the mini-marathon can instead take part in any of the event's other
races that day -- which include a 10-mile race, 10K, and 5K for runners
and walkers.
Race
Weather & Climate
Located just outside the Morgan-Monroe State Forest between Bloomington
and Indianapolis, the town of Martinsville tends to see moderately warm
summers and mild-to-cool weather conditions in the fall. Temperatures
in October average between 66°F and 40°F, while
rainfall amounts average around 3 inches for the month.
Fees
$15 for pre-raceday registrations without t-shirt
$25 for pre-raceday registrations with t-shirt
$30 on the day of the race (with t-shirt, $20 without)
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2008 running of the Knobstone Trail
Mini-Marathon, register online here
or fill out and mail in this printable registration form.
Website
www.hoosierhikerscouncil.org
Course Map
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Map
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Your Race Story
Ever run in Martinsville's Knobstone Trail Mini-Marathon? Share your
impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the
event.
Discuss it in the HalfMarathons.Net
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