Strava

Strava Challenge #11 – Derby Day 2k

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. New here? Here’s a primer to Sir Walter Running Strava Challenges.

What is it? In celebration of the Kentucky Derby, we thought we’d have a fun 10 furlong event of our own on the best “horse track” in Raleigh, the Lake Johnson Woodchip Trail. Since 1896, the Derby distance has been 2k, and while not exact, this out and back route is a popular spot for a local college team to do their k’s. It’s also the best “recovery” trail in Raleigh. In the Fall, when they build up the mulch, it’s as soft of surface you’re going to run, east of Pre’s Trail.

Where do I park? Lake Johnson has plenty of parking at 4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606. But if the lot fills up, drive just over the bridge to the spillover lot.

The main parking lot at Lake Johnson, located at 4601 Avent Ferry Road.

Where do I start? The first thing you’ll do is cross the road. From there, you’ll walk about 100 yards to the wooden post, where the asphalt hits the trail. That is the start, and the finish.

100 yards or so from here, the fun begins.
Once you get here, only a few more steps.
Start at this post, where the asphalt meets the dirt.

Where do I turn once I’ve started? There’s only one turn and it’s not really a turn, it’s a hard 180 degree turnaround. Make sure you touch the asphalt, and then head back toward the start.

Getting close. Stay to the left (or the right) to avoid the mud.
Touch the asphalt and head back.
The view when you make the turn. Only 1000 meters, or 5 furlongs, to go!

Where do I finish? Back where you started!

Getting close. Finish at the post!
Which post? The one where you started. It may have an old Sir Walter Miler sticker on it. If you run at 6:45pm on Saturday, please peal this off and dispose of it accordingly!

When can I run? During park hours, which is from dawn to dusk everyday. The challenge ends when the bugle is blown at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 4th at 6:50pm.

Where will I see the standings? Below, and here (Make sure you filter accordingly)! Also, if you haven’t already, visit the Sir Walter Running Strava Club page (make sure and join, so that your marks count).

What do I win? The fastest Female and Male competitor will get free entry to the 2019 Raleigh RunDown Downhill Mile, which will be held on Friday night, June 14th. Everyone that completes the challenge will be entered in a raffle for a chance to win a 2019 Sir Walter Miler logo shirt (multiple winners) at the Summer of Miles 2019 Season Kickoff Party, which will be announced soon!

Have questions? Let us know: [email protected]

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