Tuesday, January 7, 2014

1-7-2014 LLTH update

Registration is still available at the official website of LLTH.   Entry fees increase after Monday, January 20.  Late registration & also packet pickup is available on Friday, Feb 7, at Ken Combs Running Store from 12 noon to 6:00 pm EST and on race morning from 6:30 - 7:30 am EST at the Horine Center (Lodge) at the FINISH area.

The Forest Service made good on their promise and closed off the most scenic section in Yost to the public.  Since the course went thru this area, it will be necessary to make major changes this year.

With the shortened Yost section, it's been decided to add in the Purple Heart Trail including a section around Tom Wallace Lake.  The Purple Heart loop was once a part of the LLTH course 10 years ago when the Scott's Gap loop was temporarily shut off for a couple years.  Even though the Purple Heart Trail thruout its history has suffered damage from horse traffic & the total lack of any trail drainage maintenance, the scenic views atop the ridges are the broadest of any other place on the course.  Just be prepared for trails that resemble ditches on the hills.

The links to the new 50k & 15m courses are listed in the side menu of this blog and here:  


15m
50k


The 6m course is the 1st section of the 15m & 50k and remains unchanged from last year.

Highlights of the course changes:

both 15m & 50k:

Shortens the trail segment in Yost from 4.5 miles to 1.8 miles.  Most of the 1.8 miles utilizes the one trail designated for foot travel only (no horses, bikes or ATVs) in Yost.

Adds in the Purple Heart loop (2.5 miles)

Removes the aid station in Yost & at the Tom Wallace parking lot.  Adds in a new aid station at the start & end of the Purple Heart loop.  15m will have access to this new aid station twice & the 50k 3 times.

15m only:

Increases (by a distance of 1 mile) the out'n'back portion of last year's race past the Welcome Center to connect to the Purple Heart loop.  The course will be longer than last year.

A training run has been scheduled for Sunday, the 12th.  Details are listed in the FAQ and for any future training runs.


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