1. Are there alligators?
I've been advised by a <...deleted to protect the individual...> that I should deny that there is any dangerous wildlife on the course, so I won't tell you that I've seen gators sunning themselves on the trail in the past and I won't mention that I saw a stick with fangs, deer, turtles or a rabbit when I was out on the trail Thursday night, and I CERTAINLY won't suggest that if you see a 300 pound sow with her babies on the trail like someone did this past Tuesday that you should avoid getting between her and the little ones.
Suffice it to say that "organic speed bumps" could make for a very bad race experience if you don't pay attention at all times to where you are going.
Speaking of speed bumps, there is one fairly nasty one between the entrance to Starkey Park and the sprint turnaround. I found water bottles and other debris after the race last year, so apparently somebody wasn't listening when the volunteers told them to slow down for the bump. We'll have volunteers there again, so please watch for them and the speed bump signs.
The International distance route has a second set of bumps just before you get to the Starkey Trail. The same thing applies. Slow down enough to safely navigate the bumps.
2. Will you do something about the cheaters?
We will have USAT race marshalls out on the course. They like to sneak up behind you and gig you for drafting and blocking. Needless to say, everyone should behave while on the course and play fair.
3. What is the course like?
The sprint course goes up Starkey Blvd to Wilderness Rd (the entrance to Starkey Park) and all the way in to the Education Center Parking lot, where it loops around and goes back to the transition area. It's wide, flat, and there is only one set of speed bumps.
The international course goes through Starkey Park, out the Starkey Trail (10-12 feet wide) to the Suncoast Trail, south to SR54 and back in a reserved (with cones) lane all the way back to Starkey Blvd. The trail portions are somewhat technical and the run back to the start along SR 54 should be wicked fast.
Last updated 10/9/2009