Start line photo by Dave Miller at the Fire on the Mountain 50K (pres. by Sheetz) point-to-point-trail run at Point Lookout, Little Orleans.
2012 race page (results, photos, split times, video)
Early entries for Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013. Regular registration will open on June 1. Check the PHDC Facebook group page for race and club updates.
Changes for the 2013 race include:
- Aid Station 3 will now be manned
- A seventh Aid Station will be added
- What is now AS 6 will be relocated to near its original (2010) location at the newly constructed Zumbrun Overlook.
- Other changes to be announced later.
FLINTSTONE, Md., Oct. 28, 2012 — Congratulations to all the individual and relay finishers of the 3rd annual Fire on the Mountain 50K (pres. by Sheetz).
Thanks to all the volunteers – scheduled or not – who helped out where ever necessary. Without you, the success of this event simply would not be possible.
* Link to 2011 results, video and tons of photos (links to race reports and course descriptions, too!)
* 2010 results and photos by TriStateRunnur.com
FLINTSTONE, Md., Oct. 27, 2013 — Entry for the third annual Fire on the Mountain 50K presented by Sheetz will open June 1, 2012.
What: Fire on the Mountain 50K (presented by Sheetz) point-to-point trail run and 2-person relay
When: Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013 (snow/ice date of Nov. 3)
Where: Green Ridge State Forest, in eastern Allegany County, Md. (about 80 minutes from the start line of the JFK).
What else: This 4th annual event, staged by the Potomac Highlands Distance Club, is a point-to-point trail 32-mile trail run inside one of the east coast’s hidden treasures. Located about 10 minutes west of Hancock, Md., participants park at the finish line, catch the bus and run from the start (Point Lookout, in Little Orleans) back to the finish — only, not exactly in a straight line.
Shirts: We’ve had issues dealing with shirts in the past (though not in 2012). So here’s what seems to have worked:
This year, those who pre-register (on or before about Oct. 10) and order a shirt will be guaranteed that shirt IF the runner (or friend) picks it up before or on race day. If the shirt is not picked up, it will not be mailed (even if you offer to pay for shipping). We simply don’t have the time. We also won’t guarantee the shirt will be waiting for you on race day 2013.
If you do not order a T-shirt at time of registration, there could be a shirt available for you on race day (if there are shirts that are not claimed by the end of the race). In addition, we are willing to place a re-order of shirts. However, the cost will increase to $25 (from $15) to cover increased costs of a smaller order (and re-shipping to you, the runner).
Under no circumstances will there will be refunds of shirt money.
Refunds on entry fees: There will be no refunds on entry fees. In 2011, a freak snowstorm caused the postponement of the race due to unsafe, icy conditions. In 2012, Hurricane Sandy threatened (but did not impact) the event. We can not offer refunds – generally, the money is spent on an as-needed basis well before event day, in preparation for the race and all participants.
We will continue to consider deferments on a case-by-case basis. The goal is to keep it to a minimum. Hopefully we won’t have to begin asking for documentation. Questions? Send an email to run@phdispatch.com.
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Race weekend timeline of events:
Saturday, Oct. 26
2-4 p.m.: Packet pick-up at Green Ridge State Forest Headquarters (Exit 64 off I-68). Also serves as final day of registration. Course map (JPG)
Sunday, Oct. 27
5 a.m.: Packet pick-up begins at finish line (Mountain Bike Loop trailhead off Wallizer Road)
6:30 a.m. – Bus departs (on time) finish line area for start line
7:30 a.m. – 50K begins
4:30 p.m. – cutoff time for official finishers
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Aid Station information — yet to be updated for 2013
* Please note items are subject to change, but the general goal is to only add to, not subtract from, items listed available for each aid station.
Course map (JPG)
Aid Station 1 — 5.6 miles
Supplies: Water, Gatorade, bananas, power gel, cookies, pb & j slices, pretzels
Aid Station 2 — 3.3 / 8.9 miles
Supplies: Water, Gatorade, bananas, power gel, cookies, pb & j slices, pretzels, baked potato wedges with kosher salt, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Pringles chips, M&Ms, gummy bears
Aid Station 3 — 3.8 / 12.7 miles
Supplies: Water only
Aid Station 4 (a.k.a. “the oasis” and relay exchange zone)
— 3.7 / 16.4 miles (a.k.a. the “Oasis” and Relay Exchange Zone)
Supplies: Water, Gatorade, bananas, power gel, cookies, pb & j slices, pretzels, baked potato wedges with kosher salt, Mountain Dew, Pepsi, Pringles chips, M&Ms, gummy bears
Aid Station 5 — 6.4 / 22.8 miles
Supplies: Water, Gatorade, bananas, power gel, cookies, pb & j slices, pretzels
Aid Station 6 — 4.4 / 27.2 miles
Supplies: Water, Gatorade, bananas, power gel, cookies, pb & j slices, pretzels
Aid Station 7 —
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Spectator information
Last year, for the first time, we had spectators park in areas that were not designated as spectator parking. One driver, instead of obeying to the rules and adhering to the race director’s request to move the vehicle, asked “why” when asked to move the vehicle WHILE THE PERSON WAS PARKED ON THE COURSE. The first runner came through the area without the issue resolved, which put the runner at risk. This was completely unnecessary.
This year, we will be strictly enforcing spectator-related rules. If the spectator does not comply with the first request of an event staff or volunteer (and/or common sense), the runner the spectator is following risks disqualification. It’s a safety issue, folks; one I never thought I’d see come up on what could very much be a spectator-friendly course.
This year, spectators are allowed at the start (but no parking on Carroll Road), Aid Station 4, Aid Station 5 and the finish line. There is simply not enough room at Aid Station 2 to allow parking.
Spectators – some of you offered, in the days before the race, to volunteer and follow your runner through the race. This is not only permitted (limited to a certain number of people) but encouraged — and we are grateful for your help. Contact the RD at run@phdispatch.com if you’re interested in being a part-time event volunteer.
