Saturday, June 20, 1998, 10:00 AM - Base to Summit (7.6 Miles)

PRESENTED BY

HEALTHSOURCE

A CIGNA HealthCare Company

This race is different from the average road race. You will need to read and follow directions to avoid race day problems. SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR DRIVER, TOO!

THE START: 10:00 A.M. at the base of the Auto Road in Pinkham Notch on Rte. 16 Between Jackson and Gorham, NG. Arrive Early!

PARKING: You will be directed to park when you arrive. SUPPORT VEHICLES SHOULD NOT GET IN LINE AT THE GATE UNTIL THEY ARE COMPLETELY READY TO GO UP. (The will need to organize auto passes and runners' gear, ect., first). Also, once through the gate no stopping is allowed for these preparations.

VEHICLES GOING UP: Your vehicle may go up for free if you follow the rules exactly. Otherwise you must pay $15 for the vehicle and driver, plus $6 per passenger.

  1. The vehicle must be empty of ALL people except the driver (yes a small child counts)
  2. The driver must have 3 or more passes from runners who he/she will later bring down.
  3. The vehicle must get into line and through the toll booth before 9:30 a.m.. Go early to avoid being stuck in the line and missing the start.
  4. Before driving into line at the tool booth, be sure you are ready to go right up. You will need to have the runner's passes and gear. Once through the tool booth, you must keep going. (No stopping for last minute details.)
CHECK-IN: Number pick-up (plus T-shirts, auto & refreshment passes) must be done prior to 9:00 AM on race day. Each runner must pick up her/his own number, ect. We will not give them out to anyone else. If you are in the area on Friday the 20th please check in then, from 4:00 to 9:30 PM at the Eagle Mountain House in Jackson. Race day check-in is from 7:30 to 9:00 AM in the large tent. Be sure to allow plenty of time for travel (about 3 1/2 hours from Boston) and to get your driver through the gate by 9:00.

INJURIES, WEDDINGS, AND OTHER PROBLEMS: Every year dozens of entrants are felled before race day with the unexpected. In fact, we let in 1000 each year and get about 900 finishers. However, this 900 is all we can handle, so we plan on about 100 "no shows" each year. So, please don't call and ask if you can switch with a friend if you decide not to run. Numbers are NOT transferable. If someone else runs with your number, they will be disqualified and you both will be banned from the race in the future. Several have been caught doing this (the video is seen after the race, and faces that don't match the printed results are noted). This also violates USATF rules and causes errors in the results. To make this process a bit less painful, you may cancel your entry and bypass the lottery in the next year IF you follow these instructions exactly:

  1. Write a letter stating that you are dropping out.
  2. Mail the letter before June (Postmarked by May 31).
  3. Forfeit your entry fee and race shirt(s).

Then when you apply the next year (following all of the usual procedures), you may check "lottery bypass". You will need to pay, of course, as this is not being done to add runners but as a favor to those who run into problems. Sorry, after May 31st it is too late to do this. No exceptions.

UNREGISTERED RUNNERS: Absolutely NO unregistered runners are allowed! There has been excellent cooperation in past years. Very few try to run unofficially. Please do whatever you can to discourage others from doing this to prevent overcrowding and delayed results. And please don't allow someone else to use your number (see "No Shows" above). Remember, anyone who finishes is recorded on video tape. Violators may be refused entry to future Mount Washington races. Unofficials are a threat to the future of the race.

T-SHIRTS: Your T-shirt (and long sleeve souvenier shirt, if ordered) must be picked-up at check-in on Friday or Saturday (prior to 9:00 AM). Or if you decide not to come to the race, you may send a friend with a note to pick it (them) up for you (include your name, date of birth, and signature). Sorry, but we do not mail shirts out to anyone. All unclaimed shirts are sold at the race.

FACILITIES: Portable toilets behind the tent. No changing or showers. Please come ready to run. Please do not use facilities in the stage office on the east side of Rte. 16.

NUMBERS: Please pin your race number to your FRONT side and keep it VISIBLE throughout the race. Do not fold or tear the number. Thank you! A photographer en route will need to see your number in order to identify you and send you your proofs. At the finish, we will need to see your number as you apporoach as well as at the end of the chute.

PRECAUTIONS: The weather on the mountain can be extremely dangerous, even in June. Plan to send warm clothing to the top (mittens, hats, winter jackets). BE PREPARED! It can be very cold at the top and during the sections above the tree line. You may wish to carry extra clothing with you when you run. There will be a weather update, including summit temperature and wind chill, at the information table prior to the race (listen for P.A. broadcasts). BRING EXTRA CLOTHES.

THE COURSE: There are mile posts along the 7.6 mile course. Mile one is actually 0.9 mi. (since measured from the stage office). Mileposts 2-7 are thus 1.9-6.9 miles. From milepost 7 to the finish is 0.7 mi. There will be a digital clock at the exact halfway point of the race (3.8 mi.) The course rises 4650 vertical feet at an average 11.5 percent grade.

TRAFFIC: Runners will encounter vehicles on the road and thus should be careful. Though the road is closed at the bottom from 9:45 until 12:30, there are cars already on the road when the cannon fires. Also, Auto Road Stages, which serve as mobile communications links, will be traveling up and down during the race. Traffic near the top will be especially heavy once cars full of runners begin descending. Runners who take more than 2 hours to finish will encounter a lot of traffic near the top. Drivers should excercise extreme caution at all times. Remember, please carpool to minimize unnecessary traffic.

WATER/AID STATIONS: Polar Water will be provided along the course, at the base tent, and in the Summit House. The Medical Team is in communication with the aid stations via the Auto Road Stages which will check for problems, so stop if in need of assistance. Shaklee Performance drink will be available in the base tent.

FINISH: There will be a digital clock and computer timing system at the finish line. Be sure your number is visible as you approach. Stay in the chute until you are checked at the end. Stay in the order in which you finished and move quickly through the chute. Your tear tag will be spindled at the end.

TIME LIMIT: After 1:00 PM (3 hours) all timing will stop and any runners still on the course will be asked to accept a ride down. The awards are at 2:00 PM and it takes time for race officials to get back down the mountain.

ONCE UP, HOW DO I GET BACK DOWN? A few choose to run back down. Runners are sometimes seen shivering at the top in their wet race clothes trying to hitch a ride. Preparation is a must!

  1. At the very least, find someone to bring a bag of dry, warm clothing to the top and meet you there. Plan the meeting. The Summit House (Sherman Adams Bldg.) is the most likely spot. There you will find warmth, water, restrooms, and emergency aid, if needed. When you leave the finish chute, you will be facing the summit house.
  2. Better yet, find a driver who will also take your auto pass and save a seat for you for the ride down. Each entrant gets one auto pass at check-in.
  3. Be sure the driver has at least 3 passes and NO passengers in order to be allowed free passage on the auto road. This is a problem every year as drivers with plenty of passes try to go through the toll gates with passengers. Even if you have a van with seating for 9, you must have no passengers. A small child is considered a passenger. Sorry but these are the rules of the Auto Road and are necessary to prevent abuse for the free passes. If you do not follow these rules exactly, the auto passes become useless and your vehicle will be charged at the regular rate of $15 per car and $6 per passenger. SINCE THE DRIVER IS NOT AN ENTRANT IN THE RACE, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY THE DRIVER OF THESE RULES.
  4. The above steps should be taken as early as possible, preferably prior to race date. Drivers who wait until 9:00 AM to leave the parking lot for the summit may find themselves in a long line and may not get through the gate in time. The road is closed from 9:45 AM until 12:30. Late drivers will miss the finish and will be late picking up passengers.
  5. To help those who do not have a ride get up, we will have a RIDES table in the tent where runners and drivers can meet. There are more runners than available drivers, so it is better if you plan this ahead of time. Check the list of race posted on our internet web site. Call people you find from your area and arrange your rides before race day. Don't wait and leave your ride down to chance.
  6. Honda. Acura, Sterling autos with automatic transmitions not showing a "1" (one) on the shifter are not allowed on the Auto Road.
    Saturns with automatic transmission are limited to 300 lbs.
    No Lincoln Continental 1969 or earlier.
    Maximum wheelbase on any vehicle: 155" (this excludes most club cab pickups & limousines
    No trailers, RV's, campers or oversized vans converted to RV's. No mopeds.
    No dual wheeled vehicles.
    No pickups with permanent additions that extend wider then the cab (campers, rack bodies, very wide mirrors.
Carpooling is a must Drivers, please come to the rides table and offer rides to runners. There isn't much parking space at the top, so take as many as your vehicle will safely carry. Suggested passenger (average size adults) limit guidelines: Compacts (4), Mid-size (5), Full-size Cars and 3/4 ton vans (6), One ton vans (8). Drivers will recieve safety instructions at the toll house- READ THEM. Thanks.

EMERGENCY PLANS: Although the race has never been cancelled or altered due to extreme weather conditions, that possibility certainly exists. Under severe conditions, every effort will be made to hold the race, but it might be delayed, shortened, or even cancelled to provide for the safety of every runner. No refunds would be possible. This decision would be made by the Race Director, Medical Team, and the Auto Road Management.

TEAMS: No "pick-up" teams please. RRCA or USATF clubs, school teams, or business teams only. Score is by total time. Men's teams score 5 while women's teams score 3. Five open teams and three masters teams (men and women) will recieve awards. The individuals who score for these 16 teams may bypass next year's lottery. Masters (40+) runners are automaticaly eligible to score as open and masters team members. Each individual member must register for the team competition by writing the team name on the entry form. No team lists will be accepted. Team rosters will be posted at the race. All changes must be completed at the information table by 9:30 P.M. on the eve of the race at Eagle Mountain House.

AWARDS: Ceremony at 2:00 PM at the base tent. Traditional cups, plaques, and medals will be awarded. Cash awards will be mailed within 10 days. Winners of open cash prizes must have a USATF card. A Direct Payment License is required for winnings of $500 or more. All award winners may bypass the following years lottery (must still enter by March 15). Every finisher will recieve the traditional Award Certificate and complete race results in the mail. Complete results and photos will be posted on Cool Running.

SKYRUNNING CIRCUIT: The Mt. Washington Hill Climb is one of twelve events on the 1998-99 US Fila Championship Skyrunning Circuit. The top seven US male and US female finishers in this year's race will qualify to participate in the US National Skyrunning Championships to be held in Aspen, CO in September 1999. Additionally, Fila in conjunction with the Federation for Sport at Altitude (FSA) will provide a $500 prize to both the top US male and top US female finisher in this year's Mt Washington Hill Climb. If you have any questions about the circuit, please contact Nancy Hobbs at (719) 633-9740 or e-mail trlrunner@aol.com.

REFRESHMENTS: Refreshments will be served at the base tent after the race. You will be served at the base tent after the race. You will receive a ticket at check-in. Don't lose it. If you would like some Bud Light you should have a picture I.D. if you look young enough for us to ask (must be 21). T. H. E. New this year, we will have a Tuscan Bean & Pasta Soup with fixin's prepared by the Thompson House Eatery in Jackson. Anyone wishing to purchase refreshments at the summit should bring money for that purpose. The White Mountain Milers Club will also sell refreshments in the tent.

AREA LODGING: Ask for the MOUNT WASHINGTON ROAD RACE RATE when booking your room. Arrival date is too late. Contact one of the following in Jackson, Barlett, & Glen for special rates:

INFORMAL POST RACE GET TOGETHER: Everyone is welcome at Eagle Mountain Resort in Jackson on Saturday evening. The race video will play continuously.

RACE VIDEO-TAPE: If you like the tape and want a copy to keep, send $20 and we will make a copy for you (VHS). Past years are also available.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Call (603) 863-2537. After June 12, call Bob Teschek at Eagle Mountain Resort, (603) 383-9111. Good luck with your running. See you on the 21th!

Bob Teschek, Race Director, Granite State Race Services
P.O. Box 990, Newport, NH 03773 - (603) 863-2537 - racetime@gsrs.com.
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