10K Trail Run - Carkeek Park

• Date: November 09, 2008
• Address: , Seattle, Washington Get directions
• Country: United States
• Race type: Run (10k)
• Distances:
• Organization: Northwest Trail Runs
• Website: nwtrailruns.com
• Contact email: ericmergeocom
• Description: Venue information, Carkeek Park
  Parking
  
  Drive past the upper meadow area that includes the restroom building, play area, and picnic shelter, and proceed down the hill to the meadow in the valley bottom. Here is a map (Google maps, opens in new window) of where to park.
  Course information
  
  There are two course options:
  
  * 5 km (3.1 miles), with 480 feet of elevation gain*
  * 10 km (6.2 miles), with 960 feet of elevation gain*
  
  The course starts and finishes in the Lower Meadow next to Piper's Creek. The route is mostly in the forest (85%) and has a mix of fast, wide trail (64%) and narrower rolling trail (36%), with some flatter sections and some moderate to steep sections.
  
  The 5k course goes the length of the wide, Piper's Creek Trail, climbing first gently, then more steeply to the head of the valley before turning around and going over half the distance back. The route then turns left up the South Ridge Trail, which climbs steeply then becomes a rolling traverse through some of the older forest in the park. Upon reaching the Clay Pit Trail, the course turns right down the hill, then descends to the meadow on the Hillside Trail and goes a few hundred meters to the finish.
  
  The 10k course is two loops of the 5k course.
  
  * Distances were measured using a measuring wheel, and climb was measured using a detailed contour map. The distance is most likely within 1% of actual, and the climb within 10%.
  Aid station
  
  There will be aid/refreshments at the finish, which is the halfway point for the 10k runners.
  
  The refreshments will include at least water and some sort of carbohydrate-rich food, such as pieces of Clif Bar, bagel, fruity candy, and/or bananas. There will likely be a few choices of these foods, along with electrolyte-replacement drink (usually Vitalyte).
  Schedule
  two days before run, 11:59 p.m. Pre-registration closes
  day of run, 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. Check in and event-day registration
  day of run, 9:25 a.m. Pre-run briefing
  day of run, 9:30 a.m. Start
  day of run, 11:30 a.m. Course closes
  Safety and Trail Etiquette
  
  The trails will be open to other users during the event, including pedestrians and cyclists (on the wide Piper's Creek Trail). Please be courteous. Few cyclists use the Piper's Creek Trail, but the park is a popular oasis of forested trails for walkers and runners.
  
  In places, the trails have sharp turns and bumps (rocks or tree roots), and it pays to pay attention to where you put your feet in such sections. In addition, there are a couple wooden bridges (which could be a little slippery if wet) and nearby stairs, which will require some care to avoid falling from slipping or tripping. However, none of the trails are treacherous or demand any special skills or experience to navigate them. Anyone who is fit enough to hike or run the distance should be able to get through the course fine with a bit of care.
  
  Participants are responsible for their own safety while participating, and the organizers are neither qualified nor equipped to render medical care in the event of a serious injury. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. You are encouraged to bring a cell phone with you as a safety precaution, if you wish.
  
  Where the trails are narrow, please let other participants pass you if they want to get by. It is a passing runner's job to tell the person in front that they wish to pass.
• Members who are scheduled to race: