Hello Wallace Falls Trail Runners,
Another reminder that Wallace
Falls State Park has a relatively small parking lot, and there is very
limited street parking. Please try to carpool if possible.
The course is marked. We’re sticking with normal loop, plus the out and back on the RR Grade to start. The Wallace Lake aid station might get moved next to the top of the Greg Ball trail.
All distances will run up the RR Grade trail to start. The 22.4 mi and 50k will turn around just past the first bridge, next to the picnic table just before the 1.5 mi marker. The half marathon will continue on for almost 1/4 mi farther before turning around. All distances will then return to the trailhead aid station. The aid station might only be minimally setup that early. Then you’ll continue on the normal loop course, up the Woody trail past the falls to the Upper Grade, out to Wallace Lake, left at the picnic table and kiosk by the bridge, to the Greg Ball trail, down the Greg Ball trail, and down the RR Grade back to the trailhead aid station/finish. The out and back and one loop for the half marathon, add a 2nd loop for the 22.4 mi, and add a 3rd loop for the 50k.
The normal loop is on this map as the 2nd loop of the 22.4 mi, and the 2nd and 3rd loops of the 50k:
https://caltopo.com/m/1KAV
The RR Grade out and back is on this map:
https://caltopo.com/m/S944
The upper parts of the Woody and Greg Ball trails will be a bit icy in the morning. It’s not anywhere near as bad as it was on Tuesday. I made it around with a 25 lbs pack while marking today without any added traction nor poles. But I mostly did so to test it. I probably would have used something on those sections if I was just out running.
I still recommend bringing traction and or poles. Either way, be careful, and take your time over the slick sections. I know it’s a race, but it only counts if you finish.
The Upper Grade between the upper falls and Wallace Lake will likely get rather soft later in the day. I was post holing quite a bit through the more sun exposed parts. Not very deep, but it’s enough to break your stride and make it more difficult.
You
might also consider sunglasses for that section. There can be a lot of
light reflected off the snow. While not necessarily likely, those
conditions can lead to sunburn or snow blindness.
When
putting on your bib, please make sure it is visible from the front. We
need to see who you are to keep track of all the runners, and to make
sure you get credit for finishing.
It’s going to be a beautiful day, if a bit cold in the morning.
See you all in the morning.
Happy running,
Brian Nelson
Director
Wallace Falls Trail Run
Wander Bigger Running, LLC