Greetings Runners!
We are just under a week out from the 30th Annual Afton Trail Run which will be held on on Saturday July 1, 2023. 140+ volunteers are coming together to put on this year’s race. We are thrilled to to have 980 registered runners from 3 countries, 28 states and 202 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:
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.
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 15 to 20 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/
Bib Number Assignments:
Bib number assignments have been made and are available on our website HERE https://www.aftontrailrun.com/2023-bib-assignments
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 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/1054188/Results
Beanies!
We did beanies for our other races this year – in the interest of continuity, we did the same for Afton. Admittedly, you will not need a beanie at Afton, but this handsome toque will bring warm memories of Afton when the weather turns chilly, enjoy!… https://www.aftontrailrun.com/2023-race-beanie/ – All registered runners and volunteers will receive one, and we have purchased extra which we will be selling at the race (and on our website after the race) if you would like to purchase additional for friends or family members.
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:
Post race we will be providing complimentary 12oz canned beverages (Coke, Ginger Ale and Sparkling Water), fresh made Neapolitan style pizza, and cookies. Beverages and pizza are free for runners. Crew, pacers, family and spectators may also enjoy for a cash donation – there will be a can / jar out.
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 can also take PayPal or Venmo.
Afton Trail Run Charitable Legacy:
Each year the Afton Trail Run donates dollars and volunteer hours to Afton State Park. To date we have gifted over $60,000 to the park for trail and infrastructure improvements, equipment and programming.
Afton Alps Trailhead Treats at the Crest:
A huge thank you to Afton Alps Ski Area for providing overflow parking for the Afton Trail Run. Just minutes from the Afton Trail Run start / finish area, Trailhead Treats at the Crest is an awesome option for a post-training-run or post-race beer, lunch or snack. Enjoy great views of Afton Alps and Afton State Park from their deck while unwinding with friends after your run. You can preview their menu HERE (subject to change from time to time). Please support them if you have time!
Sponsors & Partners
Please be sure to check out our awesome sponsors and partners.
Mill City / Saint City Running
Salomon
Vaniply / Vanicream
Trail Transformation
Afton Alps Trailhead Treats at the Crest
Steve Smillie Edina Realty
Art and Science Family Dentistry
Bell Bank Mortgage – Jerry Schmidt
RunMN Coaching
Northwoods Running
Performance Running Gym
Mile in My Shoes
Bridge Realty – Bill Pomerenke
St. Croix Law
Critical Connections Ecological Services
Run a Cool Down?
Join us for our third installment of the Endless Summer Trail Run Series on Wednesday July 5 at Lebanon Hills Park in Eagan. Run or volunteer, your choice! https://www.estrs.com/lebanon-7mi/
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]