So you like Strava Challenges? We have another for you! If you haven’t already, join the Sir Walter Running Strava club! You can even go to SirWalterStrava.com and it will forward you to the right place.
The 2022 Pop Up Miles Season is over and the Tour de Walter has just begun! We’ll announce a new challenge every Monday (or maybe Sunday night), and it will run through the following Saturday at Midnight. All of these are in celebration of the 2022 Sir Walter Miler, which will be held Friday, August 5th at Cardinal Gibbons. We’ll talk about these Strava Challenges of upcoming episodes of the Summer of Miles podcast, so make sure and subscribe!
TDW Classic: Mid Pines Barn Run
What is it? The Mid Pines Barn Run, an out and back 2.5 mile jaunt over a gravel road in the heart of farm country.
Why again? Mid Pines is a Tour de Walter staple. We’ve done a few versions, and had a different version in mind, but with the recent heat, we scaled it back to the original from 2018. It’s 4k instead of 4 miles, and perfect for July 4th week.
Want to run with friends? Feel free to meet up Tuesdays at 7pm, just let the Pop Up Miles. No official start, so bring your own whistle!
Where is it? Mid Pines Road, which connects Lake Wheeler Road and Tryon Road. To set your GPS to the start, put in 5312 Mid Pines Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603. You can park on the side of the road, and you will start (and finish) where the gravel meets the asphalt.
Where is the start (and where do I run)? Once you park (see below), you will start like the photo above and go out for about 1.25 miles. You’ll pass a few State-run, and NC State-run farms (and some livestock). The surface is crush and run; so it’s soft, but a little rocky. Probably don’t want to wear your racing flats, unless they have some cushion. Make sure and run on the left side of the road, facing traffic! This is a live road, so run at your own risk.
Where do I turn around? After you go up a hill, you will see a few traffic signs near Lake Wheeler Road. Turn around at the 2nd sign, which is a square, not the pole with 2 signs. See below.
Where do I finish:? Back where you started! Once you’ve hit the asphalt, you’ve done it! Pat yourself on the back.
When should I run? We recommend Sunrise or Sunset, as it can be VERY tough in the heat, as there is no shade. Be careful!
Where will I see the standings? See below and filter accordingly. And we’ll update the cumulative weekly!
The Official Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/18121643 (and here’s the official route: https://www.strava.com/routes/2978740036523446500)
What do I win? We will have a random drawing for 2 Sir Walter shirts! Learn more about them below and check out the available colors and sizes in the Sir Walter Merch store.
Tour de Walter? Yes. This is the first of a 4 segment Challenge called the Tour de Walter, in honor of the Tour de France. Everyone that competes all 4 segments will get a Tour de Walter koozie, and the Male and Female with the lowest overall time will get VIP seating at the 2022 Sir Walter Miler.
Have questions? Let us know: [email protected]