Rails-to-Trails Race Description
Don’t let the race name fool you: While the race proceeds benefit the Rails-to-Trails Project, very little of the course is actually run on trails. This is a flat, fast course that is run 90% on paved streets. With a nice down-hill start, many PR’s have been set on this course. The course also offers several other benefits: Runners and walkers start a minute apart to help ease congestion at the starting line. Every half mile is clearly marked with split-timing coming at the one- and two-mile marks. Aid stations are also at the one- and two-mile markers with plenty of ice, water, and PowerAde for everyone. Participants also get to run through the historic train tunnel. The course is also unique in that the one-mile mark is near the registration area/finish line so that your loved ones may cheer you on several times during the race without having to move around all that much. When reaching the finish line, you’ll be greeted by D.J. Mister Twister’s music to help give you that little extra “kick” during the last tenth of a mile. Volunteers assist you at the finish line with a bottle of cold water and a race towel, courtesy of our sponsor Emerald Pointe/Cumberland Pointe.
Due to the growing popularity of this event and in light of the problems with the “tear-off-tag” timing method, we have enlisted the help of RS Racing Systems. They have timed such events as the Parkersburg News & Sentinel Half-Marathon, the Charleston Distance Race, the Ogden 20k (now a half-marathon), the Sam Mumley 5k, and the Athens Marathon. Not only do they offer chip timing that helps produce faster, more accurate results, but the chip is ingrained within the bib so that participants need not worry about picking up the wrong chip or be hassled with returning it or losing it.
Besides the actual race course itself, the event is unique in several other ways. First and foremost are the awards. We proudly offer more awards than most 5k events anywhere. And when I say awards, I don’t mean some little medal. These are unique, hand-crafted awards with an authentic railroad spike. Veterans of numerous races over the years tend to put their medals and cheesy-looking trophies in junk drawers or boxes in the basement. This is an award you’ll be proud to display for years. And, we have lots of them: 190! We also have lots of door prizes. Every year, we collect between 100 and 150 door prizes from generous businesses/merchants in and around the tri-state area. Your chances of winning one are good. Those who pre-registered are given a race packet generally found only at marathons: jammed full of goodies and samples. Once you’re done racing, it’s time to eat! Some of the menu has included: Domino’s pizza, Subway subs, Bob’s Carry Out pizza, Fox’s pepperoni rolls, Hollie’s Cookie Hut home-made cookies, and all the beverages you can drink. If you leave this race hungry, it’s your own fault!
Finally, we have the shirts. Everyone is guaranteed a shirt. Even if you sign up on race day and we run out, I promise to make sure you get your shirt in your size. The shirts aren’t the cheap cotton variety. They are the A4 brand athletic mesh shirt. Runners and walkers love ‘em because you can work out in them and they feel cool against your skin.
Did I mention the kids’ race? After the 5k awards, the 200 yard Tunnel Fun Run for Kids is held. Every child wins an award, handed to them by Spike, the Wheeling Nailers’ Mascot. The cost is only 5 bucks. And, the first 100 children to register are given an athletic bag jammed full of toys, coupons, certificates, and other goodies!
