The Spirit of Rock 50M and Half Marathon

formerly the Rock’n River 50M and Half Marathon

November 23rd, 2013 (50M)

November 24th, 2013 (Half Marathon)

NEW DATE!!

NEW NAME

AWESOME NEW THEME

CHANGE NOTES:

ERT is excited to announce the new name and format of The Spirit of Rock 50M and Half Marathon! Music is a huge part of our lives and our running, and we think you feel the same. Who doesn’t love to rock?! Rock out, rock the trails, rock and roll…and that’s what this event is all about. Each aid station will be themed with a particular rock artist, group, or genre, so when you feel tired or a little low, cruising into an aid station, you’ll quickly get amped up, remotivated, and refueled!

In keeping aligned with the theme, all runners will receive a custom set of earbuds, and the winners in each distance will receive ipods and the opportunity to choose an aid station theme for next year!

The Half Marathon is now on Sunday, rather than the same day as the 50M. 50-milers, use the Half as your shakeout run and receive the Spirit of Rock Series medal!

The 50M course remains the same as American River 50, run in the opposite direction.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

COURSE

The 50-mile course follows the American River using the Pioneer Express Trail through both the Auburn and Folsom State Recreation Areas. Starting at the American River Canyon Overlook Park, the first 23 miles are all trail, followed by 8 miles of a mix of dirt and bike trail. The last 19 miles are along the American River Parkway and the Jedediah Smith Recreational Trail. The trail is paved but the shoulder of the bike trail is run-able decomposed granite.

50M course has a total descent of approximately 3,474′ and ascent of 2,139′.

The course has been changed to eliminate the confusion of the initial loop around Auburn in the 50M. Updated course map will be posted shortly.

Both courses end prior to crossing Guy West Bridge, as they follow the American River Bike Trail on the north side of the river, to the golf course and turning onto Cadillac Drive to finish at the host hotel, the Larkspur Landing Hotel. The Half Marathon starts at Upper Sunrise Recreation Area and ends at the same location as the 50M. Both courses are exact distances and will be USATF-certified.

Course Map to follow

WEATHER

Typical temperatures will see a high in the mid 70s ⁰F and a low in the low 50s ⁰F, with some precipitation likely.

AID STATIONS

Aid stations will be located along the course and will offer fuel and hydration options in addition to water and electrolyte drink. Crew access and drop bags will be available at aid stations as indicated (see Aid Stations below), for 50-mile runners only.

Participants are encouraged to carry their own fluid and fuel and must retain all garbage for proper disposal at an aid station or the staging area. Under no circumstances should any trash or other litter be left out on the course.

Drop bags must be brought to the start area at least thirty minutes prior to race start. Drop bags must be clearly marked with name, bib #, and to which Aid Station they are intended. Drop bags will be transported to the aid stations for the runners, and transported to the finish area after the final participant passes that aid station. Please remain at the finish area to collect your drop bags if you wish to have them returned; drop bags will not be available for pickup after the event.

Aid Stations (TBD)

SUPPORT CREW & PACERS

Crews will be allowed and will have access to the runners from most aid stations on the course (see above). Be aware that most areas are fee areas; there is no free entry for crews.

Pacers will be allowed for the 50M.

Directions to Aid Stations for Crews (TBD)

PERFORMANCE RULES

Runners must wear their official race number on the front of their person, where it must be visible at all times.
Each runner must complete the entire selected course under their own power in order to be eligible for a medal.
Each runner must carry all their own food, fluids and other supplies needed for use between aid stations.
Runners may not accept aid from their support crew or any other source while on the course and in between aid stations and designated support locations, except in case of a medical emergency.
Any entrant who is unable or does not desire to finish the race must continue to the nearest aid station. The runner must relinquish their race number to the aid station captain and state their decision to withdraw.
Absolutely no littering. Please respect the natural beauty of our trails and the rights of everyone to enjoy them.

AIR TRAVEL & LODGING

AIR TRAVEL

The best option for air travel is Sacramento International Airport (SMF), approximately 40 miles west of Auburn. Some airlines fly into Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK), approximately 80 miles southwest of Auburn.

There will be shuttle service available from the finish area to the respective start areas only. If you plan to utilize the shuttle service, lodging around the finish area (zip code 95819) is preferable. If you have your own transportation from the finish area back to the start area, you may consider staying near the start area (zip code 95603 for the 50M; 95608 for the Half Marathon).

DIRECTIONS and SHUTTLE

50M
855 Pacific Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
Map of Auburn Overlook Park
*The race will start in the lower staging area

Half Marathon
Map of Upper and Lower Sunrise Recreation Area

For more information and directions to Upper Sunrise, click here.

**SHUTTLE**

All participants wishing to utilize the shuttle must purchase a ticket at registration. Shuttle tickets are not refundable. Shuttle service must be arranged weeks in advance, so please register early as we will not be able to provide last-minute shuttle service. Shuttle service is $20.

Shuttle will depart the Finish Area promptly at 4:10am on November 23rd for the 50M and 6:30am on November 24th for the Half Marathon.

HOST HOTEL

ERT is happy to once again have the Larkspur Landing Hotel as host for these events. Runners can enjoy a discounted rate as well as the convenience of proximity to the finish area and Packet Pickup in-house.

Special rates will be available no later than June 1st, 2013. Once available, to take advantage of the special runner rate, please call the hotel directly at 916-646-1212 and ask for a room in the Spirit of Rock block, or Click Here for Hotel Reservation (coming soon).

Reservations must be made by November 10th, 2013; thereafter, reservations will be on a space and rate availability-basis only.

Please take advantage of this opportunity and consider booking at the Larkspur Landing Hotel. This all-suite hotel is pet-friendly and offers laundry services, fitness facilities, complimentary continental breakfast, free high-speed internet, and a host of other amenities. For more information, please visit http://www.larkspurhotels.com/larkspur-landing/sacramento.

RACE START & TIME LIMITS

50M will start promptly at 6:00am at American River Overlook staging area (Saturday, November 23rd)
Half Marathon will start promptly at 8:00am at Upper Sunrise Recreation Area (Sunday, November 24th)

Please note, Upper Sunrise is a fee area. If runners do not wish to pay the entry fee, they must be dropped off. Entry is $5 per vehicle.

All times are local time (Pacific Daylight Time).

Time guidelines are 14 hours for the 50M and 6 hours for the Half Marathon; however, these are guidelines, only. We will not pull a runner from the course, provided they remain cognizant and in good physical and mental condition.

FEES

Until midnight, October 23rd:

50M: $115
Half Marathon: $70

October 24th to midnight, November 6th:

50M: $125
Half Marathon: $80

November 7th to midnight, November 20th:

50M: $135
Half Marathon: $90

Late Registration (at Packet Pickup):

50M: $145
Half Marathon: $100

Registration is available on

Online registration available until midnight, Wednesday, November 20th. However, you must register by Wednesday, November 6th in order to be guaranteed a finisher award, race shirt, and requested size, so register early!

CAN I GET A VOLUNTEER?!

Volunteers are an essential element of any race, but especially for an ultra. And we have some of the best! Interested in volunteering? Email us or sign up here. In additional to a sweet volunteer tee (you know you want one!), we thank you with free entry into any ERT race this year. And lots of hugs and kisses.

PACKET PICKUP and RUNNER EXPO

Friday, November 22nd, 2013
12:00pm – 4:00pm

Larkspur Landing Hotel Sacramento
555 Howe Ave
Sacramento, CA 95825

If the event does not sell out, we will accept late registrations at Packet Pickup. Fees increase $10 for each distance, and shirts and sizes are not guaranteed.

**There will be no race day Packet Pickup or Late Registration**

Please plan your travel accordingly. You may have someone pick up your packet for you. In case of emergency or unusual circumstance with no alternative, please contact us.

RACE DAY

All participants will receive a performance race shirt, a medal (upon completion of the registered event), and goodie bag with product and custom swag. 50-mile finishers will also receive a custom finisher bag. Awards will be presented for the top three men’s and women’s finishers in each race, as well as top age group finishers. Depth of awards will be determined by the participant field.

Each participant will receive a raffle ticket for entry to win one of the awesome prizes, courtesy of ERT and its partners and sponsors.

FINISH FESTIVAL

All spectators, crew, friends, and family are welcome to relax at the Finish area and enjoy the atmosphere while cheering on their runners. Plenty of food and beverages will be provided for all. Pastries, coffee, and juices will be available in the morning, with full meal options later in the day. Donations from non-participants will be greatly appreciated and passed along to the designated charitable beneficiary.

The festival area will include booths and displays by ERT partners, with product samples, demonstrations, and items for sale, so don’t forget to bring some cash.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, so contact ERT today if you or your organization wishes to be represented at the festival.