Here’s the scoop on what to do before the starting gun sounds:
CHECK IN
Runners should arrive on Shelter Island by 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18 for packet pick-up and check-in at the Shelter Island School gymnasium. Packets are available starting Friday, June 17, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration closes on race day at 4 p.m. with NO EXCEPTIONS. Anyone failing to register by 4 p.m. may be allowed to run, but there’s no guarantee they will receive a bib number.
Your “champion chip” GPS tracking device will be included with your packet.
Those in the competitive 5K are asked not to bring strollers, baby joggers or pets on the course. Those who aren’t competing, but enjoying the 5K walk are welcome to make it a family event with strollers, baby joggers and even pets, but are asked to position themselves at the rear of the walkers.
No backpacks will be allowed. Participants will receive transparent plastic bags to store their belongings.
THE RACE
USA Track & Field Certified Course
STARTING INSTRUCTIONS
The 10K race starts promptly at 5:30 p.m., rain or shine, on Route 114 near the traffic circle in front of the Shelter Island School. The staging area is on the school grounds. School Street is a detour for through traffic — please cross with caution and do not delay traffic. Do not gather on Route 114 near the starting area until called by the official starter, Ken Auyer of Auyer Timing (auyertiming.com). When called, enter the section that indicates your anticipated average pace per mile.
SPLITS
Splits are measured at each mile mark. A digital clock will be on display on the right side of the road at every mile of the 10k and at the first, second and third mile of the 5k.
WATER
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE! Water will be available outside the school from 2 until 5 p.m. Runners are strongly urged to take fluids within one hour of the start of the race. Water will also be available at stations at miles 2, 4, 5 and 6 and at 1.5 miles for 5K walkers.
Signs will alert runners to official water stations.
DO NOT ACCEPT FLUIDS from unofficial sources along the course.
FIRST AID
A professionally staffed medical tent will be open on the finish field from 12 noon until after the race.
COMPETITIVE 5K RUN/FUN 5K WALK
The 5-kilometer community run/walk begins at 5:50 p.m., 20 minutes after the start of the 10K. The top male and female finishers in the 5K will receive medals, but the 5K walk remains open to those who aren’t competing for time.
All entrants will receive a runner’s packet and T-shirt.
THE ROUTES
Both the 10K Run and the 5K Walk begin on Route 114 at the Center roundabout and head east. Turn left on St. Mary’s Road and continue to the next roundabout.
•The 5K Walk goes left at the roundabout onto Manwaring Road to Route 114, then north to West Neck Road, where the 5K merges with the 10K course to the finish field behind the American Legion Hall.
• The 10K Run goes right at St. Mary’s roundabout onto Ram Island Road, left up Cobbetts Lane, then right on Manhanset Road past the golf couse. Make a right on Havens road and follow to Sylvester Road. Keep right of the Dering Harbor Village Hall on Shore Road until Shore becomes Winthrop Road.
• Follow Winthrop across the bridge to Route 114. Go left on 114 to West Neck Road.
• Make a right onto West Neck and a quick left onto Midway Road. Follow Midway to Bateman Road, go left on Bateman for 200 meters and exit right onto the school athletic field and around to the finish line.
FINISH AREA
Racers cross the finish line at the school’s playing field, Fiske Field, behind the American Legion Hall.
