This is a prediction run with a staggered start format.
When you register, you predict your finish time for the 5K course. The clock is set to the highest predicted finish time of all the runners and set to count down. As the clock reaches the prediction time of each runner, that runner starts running.
With this format, the slower runners start first, followed by the middle of the pack runners, and then finally the fast runners. If everybody predicts their time perfectly, they will finish at the same moment.
Of course, that never happens, as some runners are overly optimistic with their prediction, while others are overly conservative. Once the last runner starts, i.e., the one with the fastest predicted time, the clock is covered.
Thus runners cannot see the time on the clock when they are approching the finish line, and therefore, don't know if they should speed up or slow down before the finish line. This creates a very unique racing strategy. If you find yourself alone along the course in the latter portions of the race, it means your prediction was way off. If you find yourself amongst a mass of runners finishing close to one another at the finish, it means you've predicted well.
Runners are not allowed to wear watches or have ipods, walkmans, etc. Strollers are also not allowed.
The countdown clock will be set so that it reads 50 minutes and counting down at 10:00 AM. Thus if your predicted finish time is more than 50 minutes, you will start prior to 10:00 AM. If your predicted finish time is 40 minutes, you will start at 10:10 AM. If your predicted finish time is 30 minutes, you will start at 10:20 AM, etc.
Awards
The six runners closest to their predicted time take home a turkey (the frozen fowl kind, not the person kind).
The runner furthest from their prediction take home a cornish game hen.
Giveaways
Bring one of your favorite sweet tooth items. These will be used for random prize drawings.
Runners from Harrison High School at the 2006 race.
This event has been around since 1978. It's always been on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
The unique format provides a very interesting race strategy and adds tons of fun.
Flat course on pavement and cement sidewalks. Elevation is about 6100 feet. It's somewhat of a figure 8 course, with one of the loops around the criterium bike course, and the other loop around Prospect Lake. 5K runners will loop twice around Prospect Lake.
5K runners do 2 loops around the lake
280 S Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO
From I-25, take the Bijou Exit (Exit 142), or the Cimarron Exit (Exit 141)
more information from RRCA on the policy Following guidelines from the Road Runners of Clubs of America (RRCA), Pikes Peak Road Runners discourages and in most cases, does not allow use of headphones in its races. The rationale for this is simple: the majority of our races are held on trails, which are crowded with many other runners (and sometimes other trail users). Maintaining one’s sensory capacity during such situations is paramount for the safety of all participants.
