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Greetings Runners!

We are less than a week out from the 28th Annual Afton Trail Run. 130+ volunteers are coming together to put on this year’s race. We are thrilled to be hosting 879 runners from 3 countries, 27 states and 194 Minnesota cities!. This email is long, but it is very important that you review it in its entirety.

NOW is also the time to review all of the information on the website again, so you are as prepared as possible come race day. I cannot stress enough how important it is to review the information associated with the distance you are running (links below) along with taking the time to review other important sections of the website.

50KM Info: https://www.aftontrailrun.com/50km-info/

25KM Info: https://www.aftontrailrun.com/25km-info/

Maps / Diagrams: https://www.aftontrailrun.com/maps-and-data/

 

Below are some important reminders and a few updates:

 

Covid Considerations:
If you are not feeling well, stay home. All race activities are 100% outdoors. We will have plenty of hand-sanitizer at the start / finish area, at aid stations, outside of toilets, etc, please use it.

 

If You Can No Longer Run:
If for any reason you will not be running the race, there is no need to contact us to let us know – we will know you are not starting when you do not pick up your race number.

 

Bib Number Assignments:
Bib number assignments have been made and are available on our website HERE https://www.aftontrailrun.com/2022-bib-assignments/

 

IMPORTANT: Parking (and the long walk to the start for most participants):
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you understand how parking works for the Afton Trail Run. Most participants will park at Afton Alps and will have a 10 to 15 minute walk up to the race start. Detailed information is available via the 25KM and 50KM race info pages and a recap of the information is available HERE https://www.aftontrailrun.com/parking/

 

Heat:
Afton is a hot weather race. In order to be successful the vast majority of runners will have to adjust their pace down. We strongly encourage you to carry a water bottle. Aid stations will have water, ice, Coke and Ginger Ale, along with pre-packaged salty snacks. Due to the dizzying array of products on the market, and most people having their own preferred one, we do not have sports drink at the aid stations. You can procure your own individual serving packets of most popular brands and add to your water bottle after refilling at the aid station. Additionally many people choose to supplement with their preferred electrolyte pill or ‘fizz’. We will have some Succeed Caps at the aid stations for those that run out / are in need.

 

Cupless Race:
A reminder that Afton is a cupless race, so carry your own water bottle, hydration bladder or cup.

 

Course Markings:
The course will be marked with ORANGE FLAGS which will always be on the left side of the trail. We mark the trail you are supposed to be on and DO NOT block off trails that you are not supposed to go down, so you need to pay attention.

 

Crew, pacers, family and spectators:
If you have crew, pacers, family or spectators joining you at this years race they need to review THIS https://www.aftontrailrun.com/spectator-info/ page and associated links in its entirety, please make sure you forward this information to them.

 

Results
Race results will be posted as runners finish. The link to the results is HERE https://www.athlinks.com/event/42751/results/Event/1023175/Results

 

Medals:
All 25K and 50K runners will be awarded a medal.  We started doing new medals in 2021, a scaled back design sans year / date with space to write it in or add other info helps us to cut down on waste (no more throwing out / burning dated medals and creating more waste). https://www.aftontrailrun.com/new-afton-finishers-medals-2021-and-beyond/

 

Post Race Meal:
We will have fresh hand-made pizza and soft drinks for race finishers and volunteers at the end of the race. Family / spectators may partake as well, there will be a can out so they can make a donation.

 

Swag for Sale:
We will have some t-shirts, hats, posters, stickers, sweatshirts and more for sale throughout the day. You can get an idea of some of the items we will have for sale HERE https://www.rocksteadyrunning.com/shop/?filters=product_cat%5B15%5D Cash or check is preferred but we will take PayPal or Venmo.

 

Afton Trail Run Charitable Legacy:
Each year the Afton Trail Run donates dollars and volunteer hours to Afton State Park. Since To date we have gifted over $60,000 to the park for trail and infrastructure improvements, equipment and programming.

 

Sponsors:
Please be sure to check out our awesome sponsors.

Mill City / Saint City Running
Salomon
Vaniply / Vanicream
Trail Transformation
Steve Smillie Edina Realty
Art and Science Family Dentistry
RunMN Coaching
Hastings Sport and Spine
Northwoods Running
Performance Running Gym
Bell Bank Mortgage – Jerry Schmidt
Bridge Realty – Bill Pomerenke
St. Croix Law
Critical Connections Ecological Services

 

OK, that is all I have for you. If you have any questions, shoot me an email. I can’t wait to see you all at Afton!

Thank You,

John Storkamp
Race Director
[email protected]