Quest for the Crest 50k
When / Where:
50k - Saturday, May 21, 2022 5:30 AM
Neal's Creek Field
Burnsville, NC 28714
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Packet Pickup - Friday May 20, 2022 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Albert's Lodge - on the grassy field in the back (please don't park in front, follow the signs to the back)
We will have food truck!
76 S Toe River Rd
Burnsville, NC 28714
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Race Day - Saturday, May 21, 2022
Packet Pick up 3:30 AM - 4:30 AM Race start 5:30 AM
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Mandatory shuttle
pickup is 4:45 AM departure
You will be shuttled from Neal's Creek Field to the race start line and then run the course back to Neal's Creek Field where your car is parked. NO drop offs at the start line, you must take the shuttle. No friends or family at the start line, there is no parking space.
IF YOU ARE NOT ON THE BUS BY 4:45AM YOU WILL GET LEFT BEHIND. No exceptions.
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Neal's Creek Field:
From Alberts Inn, continue down South Toe River Road
In 1 mile, the road will turn to gravel
Continue straight for apx 2 miles until you reach a 90 degree bend in the road.
This is where you will park - follow instructions from attendant
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Camping Information
76 S Toe River Rd
Burnsville, NC 28714
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If you purchased camping on Ultrasignup. Camping will be at Albert's Inn. Camping is for the 50k only and one car per person. Check in after 5:00 P.M. and check out by 9:00 A.M Sunday. Pick up all trash and be respectful of the other campers.
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Food and Lodging
Call Albert's Inn at (828) 675-4691. They have 10 rooms that usually sell out when the race goes on sale, but they also rent properties in the Toe River Valley. There are a couple of hotels in Burnsville.
There are a couple of nice restaurants within walking distance to Albert's Inn.
Hawtree's Pub & Grill at the Mount Mitchell Golf Club in delicious!
Mandatory Gear
1. Headlamp. We start in the dark so you need it but you must keep it with you the entire race. Even if you finish in the daylight per USFS permit!!!
2. Charcoal filter. Such as Life Straw, mini-Sawyer or BeFree Katadyn. You must show your filter to receive your bib! (Tablets and or drops do not count). Every year people don’t think they need it. 60% of the DNF's ran out of water. Even the winners ran out of water between aid stops. Take the few minutes to filter water so you won't run out!
3. Collapsible cup for fluids.
4. Space Blanket
5. Jacket
Drop Bags
Drop bags -
Colbert's AS - Mile 18
Mt Mitchell - Mile 27
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Your drop bags will be collected at the start line. Be sure to legibly label your drop bags with your name, bib number & aid station and then please place them in the correct piles at the start line. You are allowed a 1 gallon freezer style ziplock bag. We will do our best to bring back the drop bags to the finish line in a timely manner but can’t guarantee you won’t be waiting for a couple hours. We don’t have the capacity to mail / transport them so please do not put anything in them you’re not willing to part with. Thanks!
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Cut Off Times & Pacers
The cutoff time for the 50k is 15 hours. Cut off times are SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME for weather, safety, etc, as the race director deems necessary. All cutoff times are for leaving the aid station, not getting to it.
NO Pacers.
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Aid Station Info
Bring your own collapsible water container for drinking.
Full aid stations will be stocked with bananas, clementines, Coke, Gatorade, quesadillas, broth, salt & potatoes, chips, PB&J, etc. Lite aid stations will not have any warm food.
WE ARE A CUPLESS RACE! BRING A COLLAPSIBLE CUP OR EXTRA BOTTLE FOR FLUIDS.
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Special Notice Regarding Water!!
There are several water sources that runners access along the course. (see locations and descriptions below)
Every runner will have to filter water. Practice using your water filtration device before the race.
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Crew Information
Crew access will be available at Colbert Ridge and Mt Mitchell State Park. Colbert Ridge Aid Station we will allow crews to park on the side of the road, but DO NOT block any driveways or the road! You will have runners on the road that you're driving in on, so be cautious! If you purchased a pass to crew Mt. Mitchell State Park to see your runner, note that they may beat you to the finish if you come here!
50k Overview
Quest for the Crest 50k is a point to point 50k race that has 3 major climbs and 3 major down hills. 12,000 ft gain and 12,000 ft loss. This is not remotely easy. If you’ve never run an ultra we can not allow you to run. This is deep end of the pool stuff. However it is insanely beautiful.
You will park at the finish and everyone must take mandatory shuttle to the start.
BIG THANK YOU to the UFSF, Mt. Mitchell State Park, NC High Peaks, Alberts Inn, Yancey County EMS, and Victor Mariano!
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