Saturday, January 7, 2017 • Alexandria, LA • Course Map
Carrying the title as being the longest running/hiking trail in the state of Louisiana, the Wild Azalea Trail is home to the 5th running of ultra and half marathon in early January 2017.
While participating in this race, runners can expect to pass through a variety of ecosystems as they wind through the hardwoods and creeks of the Wild Azalea Trail. Navigation should be fairly easy as the trail is well mapped and marked.
Half marathon runners will start at the intersection of the Azalea Trail and Louisiana Hwy 488, off Twin Bridges Rd. Transportation to the start will be provided and runners are asked to be at the Valentine Lake Day Use area by 8:00 AM. From there they will be shuttled to the starting line at Twin Bridges with the last shuttle leaving at 8:30AM.
From the starting line runners will head on an out and back for the first 1.2 miles before making their way north for a few miles and then heading west on the trail, passing camping sites and crossing rivers. Runners will be provided a map of the trail and the location of aid stations which are placed every 4-5 miles.
The trail is marked by yellow diamonds as well as mile markers every half mile. Turns in the trail are marked by double yellow diamonds, and blue diamonds leading up to the finish line along the lake.
At the finish line runners can expect to find camp fires, heaters, jambalaya, beer, race medals and a dry fit shirt.
For runners interested in camping, there is space available at the Valentine Lake Campground located a half mile from the finish line.
Race Weather & Climate
Located along the south bank of the Red River in Louisiana, Alexandria sits 2 hours north west of Baton Rouge and sees January temperatures that average between 38°F and 58°F, while rainfall totals average just over 6.1 inches for the month.
On the day of the race (Jan. 7), the average low is 38°F and the average high is 58°F.
Course Map
See the race route map for the Wild Azalea Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 6:00 AM – 50 mile ultra
- 8:00 AM – mt. bike and duathlon
- 8:30 AM – 27 mile ultra
- 9:00 AM – half marathon
Fees
- $35 for the half marathon
- $45 for the 27 mile ultra run or bike
- $65 for the 50 mile ultra trail run or bike
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2017 running of Wild Azalea 50 Mile Ultra, 27 Mile Ultra or half marathon, visit the event website here.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
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