Required Reading
for the Cactus Rose 100 Mile Trail Run
at the Hill Country SNA in Bandera Texas
on 1-2 November 2008
5:00am Start - 36 hour Cutoff - 4:00pm Stop

I have made an attempt to create an event that required the least amount of volunteers as possible. A sort of Self-Serve setup of aid stations and support systems. Of course, some things we cannot do without, and these are what we need help with. So if you want to help and can... please call or email and note the day(s), time(s) and means to contact you (name, phone, email, when to call)
Thx/Joe Prusaitis-RD

Email:
Phone: 512-294-6456
4 AID STATIONS: (every station is self-serv)
Here is how it works. I will set up the aid stations prior to the race. It will be a large tent that is enclosed via tarps. You will be given the details of each location so that you can place your own necesities at each place that you want to use. All the stations are an easy drive within minutes of the start and directly off the park roads, such that you could drop gear at each of the stations in a very short amount of time. We tested this last summer and it worked great. A pad and pen will be left at each station for you to write down your name, bib, and time so that we can keep track of where you are at all times. We will put water at each station and a table, with a lantern, but that's it. Might even place a propane stove at each as well. Still, there might not be any volunteers there.
Equestrian 5mi on the run5 minute drive from the Lodge
Nachos 10mi on the run10 minute drive from the Lodge
Equestrian 15mi on the run5 minute drive from the Lodge
Boyles 20mi on the runA very short walk from the Lodge
Lodge Start/FinishYou are there
Pacers: pacers are allowed AFTER 50 miles or AFTER it gets dark. As many as you want but only one at a time. Only start from Aid Stations. If runner is over 60, then a pacer is allowed the entire 100 miles. No muleing.
Aid Station Crews: If you have crew and you want them to be somewhere, then have them take care of the station while they wait for you. Heck they might as well even help anybody else who happens to come in. And if you just want to hang out and adopt a station, then have at it, but keep in mind that as many runners might appreciate your help, as many others don't want it or need it. Please be considerate when rendering aid. Some prefer to do it all themselves. A good crew might be talked into a drive into town for a hot meal or what not to be brought back. Thats your business.
Aid Station Support: I will check on the aid station at intervals just to make sure nobody is making a mess of the station or themselves. Also to make certain no critters are getting into your food. I would suggest putting everything you own in a container with lid, do not leave out your food or trash, as it will only attract bees, bugs, and other wild beasts. I will make certain we always have water and depending on the weather, might bring some ice.
DROP Bags: Well this is what this one is all about... your skill in providing for yourself, in your own drop bags at each station. You bring it, you clean it up, you take it home. Its all yours. But on Sunday at 5pm, I'll tear down the stations and close the race, so if you leave anything behind, its gone.
COURSE CONTROL: At this, I do plan to excel. We will mark and manage the course. Place all course markers (signs, ribbons, trail blocks, wrong ways, glow sticks) and then tear down all course markings after the last runner. Every effort is made to make it so obvious that anybody can follow the route. Glow sticks will be hung at every intersection before it becomes dark Saturday night. We intend to over mark every turn but only the turns.
Wednesday-ThursdayFlag the course & place signs
FridayPut up the aid stations, tents & tarps
Saturday 2pmhang glow sticks
Sundaystart tearing down the course behind last runner
Set up and Tear Down: This will require some work. Would love to have some help. I'll attempt a rolling tear down following the last runner. This includes all course markings, blocked trails, trash, and aid stations.
Trail Guides: You need only keep a map with you at all times which I will provide and pay attention to the markings. There will be no course guides or aid station volunteers. Still you should be fine. We did a test run without markings this past summer with only a few hang-ups. And with good markings, this should be reduced to almost none. Still. I can count on at least 1 lucky person to wander off course. But this is not all bad, as you should not get too far lost before you figure it out and find the park road to get back.
KITCHEN STAFF: There is none. We are cooking no meals and providing no food. All we provide is water. But, we do plan to go into town for Friday Dinner, Saturday Lunch, Saturday Dinner, Sunday Breakfast, and Sunday Lunch. heck, we might even could be talked into bringing you back some food. Thats your call, but I aint taking no orders for 10 or more.
RESULTS & DATA BASE: I will maintain a complete data base and provide some excellent awards for winners and a finishers belt buckle. This may be self-serve but its still a full grown kick you in the pants 100 mile race. So I will eventually provide a registration process, late registration, and race shirts to be handed out. Results will be posted and sent to all the usual places including Ultra Running and Trail Runner.
TIMING: I will have somebody at the finish at all times to make certain your loop splits and final finish times are recorded. We will also make trips to each station to keep track of all your aid station splits. You MUST write down all your split times to get credit for each loop.
MEDICAL: yes... Medical will be there, just because the park will expect some sort of coverage. Otherwise, I'd let you duct tape your own wounds.
MAPPING & COURSE CERTIFICATION: As usual, Chris Matus has again made certain of the distances. The loop will be a 25mi round-a-bout that we have made every attempt to avoid what is flat and to find what is nasty. That said, this is the Bandera 50km route minus the flat sections. Still, it aint all hills.