|
|
West Virginia > Babcock Gristmill Grinder Trail Half Marathon
Clifftop, WV
addthis
Date
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Event
Details
Nestled in the challenging mountainous terrain of Babcock State Park in
the center of southern West Virginia, the Babcock Gristmill Grinder
Half Marathon trail run more than lives up to its name, offering
runners a rugged course along single- and double-track trails in the
heart of the state's whitewater rafting country. The race also features
spectacular overlook views as you run through the mountains, as well as
plenty of lush green vegetation and waterfalls along the way.
Part of a state-wide race series known as the West Virginia Mountain
Trail Series, the Gristmill Grinder is the series' first race of the
year, and starts and finishes at the Sugar Camp Run Picnic Area on the
southern edge of the park. From there, the course winds through
Babcock's hills, valleys and mountain ridges, takes steep climbs up to
the area known as the "Skyline" along the cliffs, and then evens out
somewhat along the rolling terrain up along the cliffs.
The steepest climbs and descents occur in the early and late parts of
the race, between miles 2 and 3 and then again around the 10-mile
marker, race organizers say. There's also everything you might expect
from a trail race along the way -- rocky and muddy terrain, with
streams and water interspersed throughout the course. There are also
three aid stations along the route, and a gradual uphill to the finish
line.
Thanks in part to its remote location and rugged terrain, the race is a
small one, and saw 57 runners cross the finish line at last year's
event. For runners, the race begins at 10:00 AM, and for walkers at
10:10 AM.
Race
Weather & Climate
In nearby Fayetteville, W.V., which lies about eight miles west of
Babcock State Park, weather conditions in the early spring tend to be
mild to moderately cool and occasionally cold, especially in the higher
elevations. In April, temperatures average between 63°F and
39°F, while rainfall amounts average around 3.94 inches for the
month.
Fees
$20 for the running event
$10 for the walking event
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2008 running of the Gristmill Grinder Half
Marathon running or walking event, register online at Active.com
or print out and mail in this downloadable entry form.
Website
www.gauleyrace.com
Course Map
View
Larger Map
Share
Your Race Story
Ever run in Babcock State Park's annual Gristmill Grinder Half
Marathon?
Share
your
impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the event.
Discuss it in the HalfMarathons.Net Message Boards
|
|
|
