Rules - Warnings - Frequently Asked Questions
The Bull Run Run is about having fun. We don't have a lot of rules, but since we have over 300 runners, we have to have some.
Additionally, there are several admonitions ("warnings") that we think you should consider.
Finally, there are questions that many have. We put the answers to those common questions here. If you have other questions that you think should be answered here, please let the RD know.
If anything on this page is unclear, ask the RD for guidance. Contact the RD.
Rules
- Littering: Littering is strictly prohibited. Nothing should go on the ground. Even in the aid station, trash should go in the proper receptacle. For us, littering is a death penalty offense.
- Relieving Yourself: Solid human waste should be buried well off the trail and away from water. Liquid waste should not be deposited on the trail itself or near water. A non-entrant in the race should not see you relieve yourself.
- Volunteers: Be polite to all volunteers. Abuse of a volunteer will lead to disqualification. You should be equally polite to any park officials you might encounter.
- Bib Number: You may wear your race number any place you want as long as it can be seen from the front at all times.
- Entry is not Transferable: Your entry is not transferable and you may not give your number to another person. We put in the effort to maintain a waiting list and give refunds, but after the final date to get a refund, we expect some attrition in the field. Our entry limit is based on that expectation. To put it another way, if we let you transfer your number, we would not be able to admit as many people into the race. Additionally, such an action subverts the waiting list process.
- Cutoff Times: You must have departed each aid station with a cutoff time before that cutoff time to continue in the event.
- Official Finishers: You must finish the race before 7:30 pm to be an "official finisher." If, however, you leave the Bull Run Marina aid station not later than 6:00 PM and make steady progress but finish after 7:30, you will receive the finishers' award and be listed on the results. You will not receive credit for this run, however, as a finish for the purpose of priority for entry or multiple finish recognition, and if you are a member of a team, it will be disqualified.
- Drop Bags: We do not transport drop bags to aid stations. You may leave a bag in the designated area at the start/finish area for your use at the Hemlock aid station (16.6 miles).
- Pacers: Pacers, or anyone not an entrant in the event, are not allowed to accompany runners.
- Other Trail Users: There will be other users of the trail. They have an equal right to be on the trail. They are not required to get off the trail for you.
- Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited in the park.
Warnings
- Medical: You are responsible for your own health and safety. We do not provide medical support. You are responsible for the cost of any emergency services that you might require. Please be careful out there. Among the medical problems we have experienced are cuts, bruises, hypo- and hyper-thermia, and dehydration. Also, expect that you will come in contact with poison ivy.
- The Road Crossing: There is only one significant road crossing. We will again go under the bridge and avoid the traffic. If, however, the water is high, you may have to cross Yates Ford Road near the Marina aid station (just after on the first pass, just before on the second pass). Cars go very fast on that road, and they will not stop for you. Look both ways, wait for a break in traffic, and use great care.
- Trail Congestion: The first few miles of the course can be congested. There is a loop around the parking lot to allow the field to spread out. If you don't want to be caught behind slow runners, you should run fast on this loop.
- Mud and Water: Most of the course drains very well. There are a few course sections that are always muddy. Unless it has been dry for several days before the event, you will likely have muddy feet. There are several stream crossings. Most can be navigated without wet feet. If it rains before or during the event, some stream crossings may require wading.
- Parking: We all need to cooperate to make parking work. Please arrive early, follow the instructions of the parking attendants, and don't waste space. While it may not seem this way, the further you drive into the parking lot, the closer you are to the start. Parking Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where are the pre-race meal and the bunk houses? The pre-race meal, race packet pickup, and the start/finish are located at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park. This is also the location for the Friday night accommodations. Post race showers are available…bring your own towels and soap. Directions to Start/Finish at Hemlock Overlook Regional Park
- What's at the aid stations? All aid stations have water, a replenishment drink, Coca Cola, Mountain Dew, cookies, chips, and, crackers. Additionally, some of the later aid stations will have sandwiches, fruit, candy, and even ice cream at our infamous Wolf Run Shoals aid station.
- Should I carry a water bottle or fanny pack? We recommend this. While the average high temperature for this time of year is below 70 degrees, it can and has been unseasonably hot and humid in past races. Five miles is a very long way to go between aid stations without supplemental aid.
- How is the course marked? The course is marked with blue ribbons hanging from tree limbs. Double ribbons designate a turn…keep attentive. Most of the course also has blue blazes (paint) on the trees, but other colored blazes are on some sections. Follow blue ribbons…they take precedence over colored blazed sections. As a rule of thumb, you should not go further than two minutes of running time without seeing a blue ribbon. Red ribbon blocking the trail (on the ground) designates the WRONG WAY. Do not jump or otherwise cross a red ribbon!
- Is there a map for crews? An REI local road map is available on the PATC Web site [126kb download]. This map should help crews navigate the area.
- How do I form a team? Information about teams is available on the teams page.
- Why does the application process list fewer finishes than I have? There are two possibilities for this. First, you may have used a different name than you previously finished under. The application process consults the prior finishers list to determine how many finishes you have. If there is a problem with that list, you should have let us know about it during the application process. (The most common problem is that you have run BRR under different names. Let us know and we can make all your finishes be under the same name.)
The second possibility is that you have crossed the finish line after 13 hours. BRR has a 13 hour cutoff. A time of 13:05 is not a finish. (See "Rules" above.) We give 13+ hour runners a finishers award and list them in the results. But for the purposes of priority, recognition of multiple finishes, and team awards, we only count official finishes, which must be under 13 hours. - Will there be drug testing? Only for Joe Clapper! Although there well could be alcohol testing for VHTRC Eagle Run RD, Gary Knipling as well.
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