Description

Join us on December 13th (Sunday) at the Looped Playground in the Watchung Reservation (40.686383, -74.374978) for a Choose Your Own Adventure-style race. Pick any distance you want from 5k to a full marathon. Since this a Choose Your Own Adventure race, you will be provided a map of 10 checkpoints throughout the Watchung Reservation. Based on your distance will determine which checkpoints you will have to reach in any order. Find each one, make it back to the start, and you are all set.

Runners are recommended to arrive at 8 am so they can receive the map of where all of the checkpoints are located. The race will officially begin at 8:30am. Half Marathoners and full marathoners will have to complete multiple maps to get their total distance. Small aid will be provided for people completing the 10 miles, half marathon, and full marathon event. We recommend people bring their own supplies as well if you prefer a specific electrolyte, food, or specific fuel. We will have typical prepacked supplies. A volunteer will help you. All distances will start at the same exact time. The event is capped at 30 participants.

Race Breakdown

8:00 am Registration and map collection. 8:30 am Race officially begins. All distances will start at the same time and we will wait for everyone to finish before cleaning the course.

COVID Compliance

Participants are required to wear a mask when at the start/finish location, when at checkpoints, and when passing pedestrians. At the start and finish line, we will remind people to be 6ft apart and to spread out. Participants are allowed to run solo or in a group, just maintain a reasonable distance. Hand sanitizer will be provided at each checkpoint under the cone and at the start/finish. At a checkpoint, rip off one piece of tape and try and eliminate touchpoints.

Leading by Example

Please remember, we are not the only ones at the park and this is not a closed-off course. You will pass other runners going in opposite directions, park visitors enjoying their day, and families having a nice walk. Please be kind to all people you pass by and set a positive example for trail runners and hikers.

When trying to pass a family of hikers, say things like "Passing to your Left," "Runner coming by" or "Excuse me, Thank You" while having a mask covering your nose and mouth.

It is strictly PROHIBITED to go off-trail. If another runner or park visitors report someone off the trail, that will result in an automatic DNF. Staying on the trail helps prevent social trails from forming limits erosion degradation, and keeps our park healthy. The only time you are allowed to go off trail is if there is a tree blocking the path. Get muddy.

Finally, Union County parks have experienced a significant increase in park visitors and trail runners before and during COVID. We recommend everyone look into volunteering at their local parks to give back and care for our trials. The first Saturday of every month is when the Watchung Reservation hosts their volunteer opportunities. Please let us know if you are interested.

Who is MissionCleanWater?

100% of your registration goes towards MissionCleanWater.

MissionCleanWater is a 501c3 nonprofit organization working to bring clean drinking water and sanitation to underserved communities. Our organization is focused on the fact that 60% of all clean water projects in Africa have failed. Instead of rushing through the development of projects, we focus heavily on the grassroots level. We work every day on the ground with communities to develop a solution together. Through community relationship building, training, and long-term involvement, we want to fully maximize the investment of clean water and bring out its full potential.

Our team has been involved with the trail running community both as a hobby and professionally. We want to develop new race experiences that challenge runners to be more engaged, think on their feet, and work together. From these races, registration will act as a donation going towards our clean water efforts.

FAQs

When can I see the map? You will be provided the map one day before the race begins and 30 minutes before the race starts. We will email you a few days beforehand with a more official race packet where you do have the option to see the map beforehand.

What is the route? There is no route. It is up to the participant to decide the path that they want to take to reach as many checkpoints as possible. Shortcuts are key.

What does a checkpoint look like? A checkpoint will be a 3ft orange traffic cone that is covered in strips of duct tape. You will run up and take one strip of duct tape and wrap it around your finger or hydration pack string.


Are there Hydration Stations? When on the course, there are no hydration stations. If you need a hydration pack, we recommend having one with you. There will be a rest station at the start/finish line that will have basic supplies available such as small snacks, water, and electrolyte mix.

What If I am not from the area or bad at navigating? Visit www.missioncleanwater.org/race to see some of the tips and tricks we recommend people use. You will also have access to the map one day beforehand giving you the chance to create a game plan. Try and talk to some participants at the beginning that know the area well and to team up with them.

Are there any prizes? Yes! For this race, we are going to have some giveaways for each participant.

How is my registration used? Your registration is used as an active donation towards our clean water and sanitation initiatives.

Event's current local time: 12:38 PM ET