Race Day Information
Welcome to the 21st annual Spring Backyard Burn Trail Running Series!
This Sunday, March 3, you and over 300 other trail runners will gather at Wakefield Park in Annandale, VA for an awesome trail running adventure!
I wish you the best of luck.
Please read this email carefully as it contains detailed information on check-in procedures, course description, course marking, aid stations, post-race food, etc.
We have about 30 spots available in this race. Please let your friends know to register soon to secure their spot on the starting line.
Wakefield Park
8100 Braddock Road
Annandale, VA 22003
Race Day Schedule
Sunday March 3, 2024
- 7:30am to 8:45am – Check-in open
- 8:50am – Pre-race briefing
- 9:00am – Wave 1 start (sub 10 min/miles)
- 9:02am – Wave 2 start (10+ min/miles)
- 9:30am – Post-race food available
- 10:45am – Free kids race**
- 11:00pm – Awards (top 3 overall and top 5 in each category) and sponsor giveaways.
The average pace on this course is about 10:20 per mile.
** Kids race is for ages 2-11ish. We split into age groups and run short out and back "race." Kids who participate can pick from the EX2 treasure box (little toys like pop its, etc.). No pre-registration is required.
Kids Program During Race
Long-time EX2 staff member (and teacher), Sanna Adams, is again offering a race-day kids program at three of the Backyard Burns this spring, including this race at Wakefield. The program is for kiddos ages 4 to 8 and enables you to bring your kids to the race, but then do the race without having to worry about child care. Pre-registration is required and more information is located on the Little Fern website.
Parking
Wakefield is always busy on the weekends so please arrive early and carpool if possible. We will be controlling the flow of traffic and parking to maximize available space. Please follow the direction of the parking volunteers.
Check-in
Check-in will take place between the two softball fields, on the left about a quarter mile after you enter the park. Follow the signs to check-in after you park. Check-in opens at 7:30am. It takes time to park, check-in, use the bathroom, warm up, and attend the pre-race brief. We recommend arriving by 8am.
Changing Race Distances
You can change distances (e.g., 10 mile to 5 mile) via RunSignUp or by sending me an email. You can also change on race morning by letting our check-in team know. If you are registered for the 10 mile race, but decide to only run 5 after the start of the race, you will receive a DNF.
Pre-Race Brief
The pre-race briefing will take place at the race start at 8:50am. Please note that we are trying out a new starting line location this year (closer to check-in) and going to keep everyone on the softball side of the park road instead of crossing over and queuing up on the other side of the road. I'll make lots of announcements on where to go when.
Race Start Times (2 Waves)
We are continuing to use a few staggered starts for our races. Staggering the starts even by a few minutes will space runners out on the trails a bit more than a single mass start while still having a great "race" feel at the beginning. As of today with the number of participants that we have and the long "prologue" stretch on this course, we'll have two start groups. We are NOT separating the start by race distance (5 miles or 10 miles), but rather by anticipated pace across both races. This is because the 10 mile course is two loops, and starting the race by distance would cause some ungood strangeness from a passing perspective.
The average pace on this course is about 10:20 per mile. See the 2023 results.
I know that knowing your anticipated pace is difficult, especially when you are newer to trail running and/or have not raced this course before. Do the best you can in your estimates.
We will have two start groups separated by 2 minutes.
- Wave 1 @ 9:00am - Sub 10 min/mile pace
- Wave 2 @ 9:02am - 10+ min/mile pace
Restrooms
We will have porta-johns by check-in. There are also restrooms in the Audrey Moore RECenter that will open at 8:00am. These restrooms are just a short 3 minute walk from the check-in area.
Course Description
This race course includes a mixture of twisty singletrack hiking trails, a few shallow stream crossings, and some pavement and gravel. This is the flattest course in the series (but there are still some hills!). The course begins with about 1.7 miles of mixed surface including pavement, gravel, and grass before you enter the singletrack trails. The 5 mile course measures 5.5 miles and the 10 mile course comes in right around 10 miles.
The course maps, GPS tracks, and elevation profiles are on the race website.
Aid Stations
This race has three on-course aid stations and a post-race aid station. All aid stations will be stocked with water and Gatorade. The 5 mile racers will have three opportunities for on-course aid (at about mile 1.2, 2.5, and 4.5). The 10 mile racers will have six opportunities for on-course aid (at about mile 1.2, 2.5, 4.5, 5.7, 7, and 9). First aid kits and emergency communication will be available at each aid station.
Course Conditions and Weather
The forecast for Sunday is calling for perhaps a light shower with nice race-time temperatures in the 50s. We're still too far for an exact forecast, so please check the weather the night before the race and dress accordingly.
Course Marking
The course will be marked with pink surveyors tape hung on tree branches. Red arrows will also be posted at all trail intersections. Yellow caution tape will block off the trails that are not part of the course. Course marking will be heavy before and after all trail intersections but very light along the rest of the course unless there is a decision to be made.
Race Strategy/Trail Etiquette
This race starts with a longer "prologue" than most of our other venues. There is amply room to pass for most of the first 1.7 miles of the race. Once you reach the singletrack though, the trails become more narrow and passing can be more difficult. Passing runners should use audible signals "passing on your left" or "passing on your right" and, when possible and safe to do so, slower runners should allow them to pass. Keep in mind, however, that it is the responsibility of both runners to accomplish safe passings. Be super cool and communicate with each other.
Mile Markers
Mile markers are located throughout the course. Keep on mind these mile markers were placed accordingly to my GPS and it will be different than your GPS watch. All the mile markers are "ish."
NO EARPHONES or LOUD AUDIBLE MUSIC
The use of in-ear EARPHONES or AUDIBLE MUSIC that restricts hearing is not permitted during any EX2 race. Why, you may ask? Well, for the following three reasons:
- Safety - we need to look out for each other! Our courses are held on trails in remote areas. If someone gets injured out on the trails, we rely on racers to notify us so we can activate emergency response. So, we need racers to be alert and able to hear calls for help.
- Courtesy - trail races are very different than road races. Passing is usually not a problem in road races but passing can be a challenge on singletrack hiking trails. To pass safely, trail etiquette suggests using audible signals such as passing on your left. Passing someone who can't hear you is difficult and frustrating.
- Community - at EX2 Adventures we strive to build community. Please use your time with EX2 to unleash yourself from your device and have fun!
The in-ear headphone and no audible music policy will be strictly enforced.
Recovery Tent/First Aid
Basic first aid will be available at the aid station, and more complete first aid is available at the finish.
Post Race Beverages/Food
Water, Gatorade, coke, diet coke, non-alcoholic craft beer from Athletic Brewing, breakfast burritos, pizza, chips, bananas, granola bars, cookies and other snacks will be available at the finish.
Kids Race
We split the kiddos into age groups and run short out and back "race" at 10:45 before the awards. Kids who participate can pick from the EX2 treasure box (little toys like pop its, etc.). No pre-registration is required.
Pets Not Allowed On Course
While we love our 4-legged friends, for the safety of the animal and racers, dogs and other pets are not allowed on the race course.
Awards
The awards ceremony will take place at 11:00am. Awards will be given to the top 3 overall and top five racers in each age group. We have lots of awesome giveaways as well! Stick around and cheer on your fellow racers.
Photos
The best photographers in the business from Swim Bike Run Photography will be at the race to capture the spirit of adventure and friendly competition. Digital downloads will be available for FREE. The talented photographers at SBR take thousands of photos at each race and they all go online within 7 days of the event. A link to their website will be available from our results page and you will also be notified via email when the photos are ready for viewing.
Share Your Photos on Social Media
We also encourage you to share photos on race day! Please tag @ex2adventures when you post to social media. Make sure you follow EX2 on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and check out the EX2 Racers and Volunteers FB group.
Charity Partner - Homestretch
Homestretch is a wonderful organization based in Falls Church that breaks the cycle of homelessness for their program’s graduates and their families. One thing that makes Homestretch so unique is that it exclusively serves homeless families with children. In fact, the average age of someone in Homestretch is only 8 years old. EX2 is thrilled to support Homestretch and we are grateful for any donations that you made during registration. To date, participants in this race alone have donated over $2,600 to Homestretch. Over the past 3 years, EX2 events have generated over $180,000 for Homestretch and over $240,000 across all our non-profit partners. EX2 always adds 10% to everyone's donation before it goes to Homestretch. Thank you for your support of this amazing organization.
Our Amazing Sponsors
A huge thank you to these amazing organizations that support EX2. Please show them some love!
Baird Automotive
Benjamin, C-note, Hundie, Charlie, 100 Clams, Big One..call it what you will but it all means the same thing...$100 of cold hard cash. We’ll be giving away a $100 bill during our awards ceremony after the race. This is courtesy all around good guy, Joey Baird of Baird Automotive. Joey's shop in Arlington is OPEN...give him a call at 703-527-1770. All EX2 races receive 10% off any service. Joey is the best!
Integrated Financial Partners - Erik Scudder
Fellow racer and IFP Financial Advisor, Erik Scudder is the go-to resource for all all your financial, retirement, investment, business owner and estate planning strategies! Give Erik a call at 703-840-4291. At the awards ceremony, Erik will be giving away a few $25 gift cards. Coffee will also be served post-race courtesy of Erik!
Positively Chiropractic
Dr. Kathy Coutinho, is the local “chiropractor to the athletes.” Stop by Positively Chiropractic in Annandale, VA and you will see for yourself – her office walls are filled with photos from appreciative athletes who she has helped recover from and/or prevent an injury. Dr. Kathy and her accomplished staff offer chiropractic, massage, active release therapy, nutrition, and acupuncture services. Come see how Dr. Kathy can help you “always move forward.”
Sheehy Auto Stores
EX2 is thrilled to again partner with Sheehy Auto Stores. Vince Sheehy, President of Sheehy Auto Stores, is an EX2 racer and a big supporter of grassroots racing! If you are thinking about purchasing a new or preowned car, definitely checkout Sheehy.com. With 27 dealerships and 14 brands through VA & MD, Sheehy has the largest selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs in the Mid-Atlantic. Plus, with Sheehy Direct, you can complete the entire process from home, and they’ll even deliver your new car right to your door!
If you are interested in a new or used car, you can let me know and I'll put you in contact with Vince directly (seriously). He'll then personally connect you with the correct sales manager at the right dealership. How is that for personal service? He did that for an EX2 staff member, Sanna, and also several EX2 racers...and they all had a wonderful and stress-free buying experiences.
We'll be giving away some awesome outdoor gear from our friends at Good Wolf Gear in Herndon courtesy of Sheehy!
Wander Wellness
Come join Allison and Wander Wellness for yoga prior to your run! Stretch, loosen up, and get ready physically and mentally for an awesome race! Allison will lead a few different sessions starting at 7:45am by check-in. We'll make announcements when she is starting. All are welcome and there is no fee to participate.
Mackenzie's Tonic and Tunes
Mackenzie's in Fairfax City makes our famous race breakfast burritos! Owner, Josh Alexander, has been involved with EX2 in one way or another for well over a decade and we are grateful for his partnership. Mackenzie's is names after Josh's 9 year old daughter. If you are looking for a bite to eat, live music, and an all around awesome time...check out Mackenzie's!
Athletic Brewing
Athletic Brewing Company makes awesome craft, non-alcoholic beer! It's perfect for athletes to avoid the effect of alcohol, but still enjoy great-tasting craft beer in a variety of styles. We’ll have samples at the race for you to give it a try. You can find Athletic Brewing online and at Total Wine, Whole Foods, and Wegmans - just to name a few!
Good Wolf Gear
Good Wolf Gear in Herndon, VA is an awesome local outfitter and go-to for high-quality new and experienced (used) gear. Stop into the store for a visit!
Thanks for participating in the Spring Backyard Burn Trail Running Series. We are looking forward to a fantastic race. See you Sunday!
If you have any questions, please give me a shout.
Andy
Andy Bacon
Race Director
EX2 Adventures
703-338-3965
