The Inaugural Forest Service Road 100 Mile Run - October 26, 2024 - Participant Guide

Start/Finish: Thunder Rock Campground in Copperhill, TN.

Course: The FSR course is 100% on forest service road, but do not let that fool you. There is ample gain. Specifically 11,254 ft. To be clear, this is not a road run. This is forest service road and it is located in a pretty remote area. The FSR 100 course begins and ends at Thunder Rock Campground in Coper Hill, TN. It is 100% forest service road. One single loop, minus a 3 mile section at the beginning of the race.

You can find the course HERE

We will have orange in ground Project 42 Running flags (P42) marking the right side of the course as well as white Project 42 Running turn signs. Despite the fact that we will have the course very well marked, we still encourage you to download the GPX file and follow it.

We also have the course on All Trails. If you have an account, you can follow the course this way as well. You can find that HERE

Familiarity with the course is very important whether we mark the course or not.

If you believe at any time that you may not be on the correct road, do not attempt to find your way cross country. If you are sure of your route, backtrack to where you last saw a trail marker and try to find other markers showing the direction of the road. If you are unable to find your way, stay where you are! Wandering randomly will likely take you farther from the course and reduce your chances of being found. If you do become injured, exhausted or ill, STAY AS CLOSE TO THE ROAD AS SAFELY POSSIBLE. You will be found there either by another runner or the sweeps who stay behind the last runner and have radio communication. If you feel dizzy, disoriented or confused, do not risk falling. Sit or lie down on the trail until you recover or are found. If you are assisted by individuals who are not associated with Run Management and you elect to leave the trail, you MUST notify the official at the nearest checkpoint of your decision to withdraw and surrender your official wristband

THE OVERALL CUTOFF FOR FSR 100 IS 32 HOURS.

There are cutoffs along the course. Be sure that you are familiar with those. They will not be compromised.

MEDICAL AND OTHER RISKS

The FSR 100 presents numerous medical risks, many of which can be extremely serious or on rare occasions fatal. Participation in this event is at the runner's own risk. Although Run Management has experienced medical personnel at various points along the course, the inaccessibility of much of the course may make it difficult or impossible for medical assistance to reach the runner in a timely fashion. Each runner is encouraged to consult with his or her own personal care physician regarding any physical or medical limitations before attempting the Run. Runners’ weights will not be taken at check-in or at aid stations during the race. Rather than (potentially inaccurate) weight data, the medical staff will focus on how the runner feels and looks and his or her mental status at each medical aid station. It is important for each entrant to recognize the potential physical and mental stresses which may evolve from participation in this run. Runners may be subjected to extremes of heat and cold. They may develop hypothermia, hyperthermia, dehydration, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, disorientation and mental and physical exhaustion. Run Management and the medical staff strive to work with runners. They will do all they reasonably can to ensure “safe passage” back to Copperhill, but ultimately runners must understand their own limitations. Adequate physical and mental conditioning prior to the Run is mandatory. If you have not been able to prepare properly, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RUN! Runners should appreciate the risks associated with participation in this event. Actions may have to be taken on your behalf under extreme time constraints and adverse circumstances. We will make reasonable efforts to give assistance whenever possible. Ultimately and primarily you are in charge, and you are likely to be solely responsible for creating your own crisis that we must then respond to. Be careful, be responsible, and do not exceed your own abilities and limitations.

IN THE EVENT THAT A RUNNER REQUIRES EMERGENCY EVACUATION BY GROUND or HELICOPTER-AMBULANCE, THE RUNNER ASSUMES ALL FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS CONNECTED WITH THIS SERVICE. RUN MANAGEMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DEBTS INCURRED.

VEHICLES ON COURSE

100% of the FSR 100 is run on Forest Service Roads (hence the name). These roads are NOT closed to vehicles. While they are not heavily travelled, you do need to be aware of your surroundings and be aware of cars so that you can avoid injury. It is your responsibility to make sure that you keep out of harms way. We are very deliberately minimizing crew driving on the FSR 100 course simply to keep you as safe as possible and keep as many cars off the course as we possibly can. IF YOUR CREW DOES NOT ADHERE TO CREW DRIVING DIRECTIONS, YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

DROPS

If you have to drop out of the Run at a point where your crew is unavailable, we will make every reasonable effort to get you to the finish or to the nearest major checkpoint that is still in operation, particularly if you are in need of medical attention. In non-emergency situations, you may have to wait several hours before being evacuated. Our principal responsibility is to put on a Run, not to run a shuttle service for non-finishers; so please be patient. Aid stations will close when the sweeps arrive.

WEATHER

Traditionally, temperatures can range from below 40 degrees to above 80 degrees. Participants should be fully prepared for both hot and cold. Participants should also be prepared for storms that might pop up, wind, etc…

VOLUNTEERS

Many dedicated volunteers are helping make FSR 100 possible. They are truly the life-blood of the Run and will do everything possible to make your day a success. Many spend more hours out on the trail than do the runners themselves. Please be polite and make a point to thank them. Without the volunteers, there would be no FSR 100

PERFORMANCE (RUN) RULES

The purpose of these rules is to ensure the Run’s integrity as a test of individual performance, providing equal conditions for all. The guiding principles of the Performance Rules are as simple as play fair, be safe, and respect the land and others.

Runners must abide by all rules and directives of the FSR 100 as set forth in the FSR 100 Participant Guide, the FSR 100 website, the Performance Rules, Crew Rules and Pacer Rules, and all other official Run communications, including any final written or in-person briefing instructions.

1. Each runner’s official run number must be worn prominently on the front of the body or hat and be easily visible at all times. No unofficial runners are allowed on the course.

2. Runners must follow the road course  at all times. Cutting switchbacks or taking other off-trail shortcuts is not permitted. Any runner departing from the official trail must return to the point of departure on foot before continuing.

3. Runners may not accept aid or assistance from their crew or other spectators in between crew-accessible aid stations. No muling by pacers is allowed. Runners may not store supplies along the trail.

4. Runners must complete the entire course under their own power. No physical or mechanical aids are allowed.

5. Runners are responsible for the actions of their crews and pacers. Everyone, including crews and pacers, must comply with all Run Rules (including all parking, aid, and access instructions) or risk disqualification of their runner.

6. Each runner must be checked in at all aid stations and must leave the aid station before the designated cut-off time. Runners returning to the aid station after the cut-off time will be pulled from the Run. All cut-off times will be strictly enforced.

7. Medical personnel may evaluate the condition of any runner at any time or place during the Run and have complete authority to determine whether the runner may continue in the Run. Refusal by the runner to cooperate in any way may result in immediate disqualification.

8. Injection of fluids or drugs (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous) during the event may result in immediate disqualification.

9. Any runner who intends to drop out must turn in their Run wristband to the nearest aid station captain. This serves as official notice of the runner’s withdrawal from the Run. Runners who drop from the Run without turning in their wristband will be classified as “lost” and may be responsible for any costs associated with a search and rescue.

10. Littering of any kind is prohibited. Please respect the natural beauty of our mountains and the right of everyone to enjoy them.

11. Runners must refrain from any act of bad sportsmanship.

12. Runners must finish within the 30-hour cutoff time to be included as an official finisher of the Run.

Rule Violation Procedure

Alleging violation of a Run Rule is a very serious matter. Any runner determined to have violated a Run Rule may be disqualified from the Run and/or subject to other penalties, such as a time penalty, fine, disqualification from an age group or other award, a one-year, lifetime, or other ban from the Run, or such other penalty or sanction as deemed appropriate under the circumstances. This will be left to the discretion of the FSR 100 RD.

CREW RULES

Crews must abide by all rules and directives of the FSR 100 Run as set forth in the Participant Guide, the website, the Performance Rules, Crew Rules, Pacer Rules, and all other official Run communications, including any final written or oral instructions at the Pre-Run briefing in Copperhill, TN.

1. Crews are only allowed at aid stations specifically designated for crews in the current year’s FSR 100 Participant Guide. 

2. Crews must comply with all instructions of aid station personnel, including where to meet their runner and requests to remain in certain areas. 

3. Crews must remain within a 200-yard radius of the aid station while attending to their runner. Exception: Crews (and pacer, friends, and family) may accompany their runner from mile 50.8 to the finish. However they may only pick there runner up or swap pacers at crew accessible aid stations.

4. Crews must never park in such a way as to block traffic, access to the trail or an aid station, or other parked cars. Vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense, and their runner may be disqualified. 

5. Bicycles are permitted to get to crew-accessible aid stations. However, bicycles may not be used to pace a runner.

6. No dogs or other pets are allowed at any of the aid stations or the finish line.

7. No smoking is allowed at any of the aid stations.

8. Littering of any kind at any aid station, or at the finish line is strictly prohibited. 

PACER RULES

1. Runners are allowed to have one pacer at a time accompany them, starting at 50.8 Miles.

2. Pacer changes can only be made at aid station with Crew Access

3. Each pacer must pick up their pacer number and sign a release form at The Pre-Race meeting at or from FSR 100 headquarters (Thunder Rock Campground) after the race starts on Saturday. Pacer numbers will correspond with the entrant.

5. Pacers must be at least 18 years of age. Exceptions may be requested in advance of the Run by contacting the Race Director. 

6. Pacers must enter and leave each aid station with their runner and must clearly identify themselves to aid station personnel. Pacers may accept aid at aid stations. 

7. Pacers may assist their runner with the filling of water bottles or replenishment of supplies at aid stations but may not come into the aid station ahead of their runner, or depart after their runner, in order to speed up the re-fueling process. 

8. Pacers may not carry water, food, flashlights, shoes, clothing, or other supplies for their runner or provide any other type of mechanical or physical assistance to their runner on the course. Muling is expressly forbidden. Pacers may carry their own supplies and food. 

9. If a runner withdraws from the Run and their pacer wishes to continue, the pacer must remain at the aid station until another runner requests the services of a pacer. The pacer may not continue on the trail without an official Run entrant. 

11. Littering of any kind at any aid station, on the FSR 100 course, or at the finish line is strictly prohibited. 

Aid Stations

We have incredible volunteers who will be working the FSR 100 aid stations. They will each do their best to give you excellent support. The Aid stations will be well stocked with a variety of foods and fluids that you expect at an aid station.

Fluids:Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, CeraSport, Hot Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Broth (At night) and of course water.

Food: Salt replacement foods (saltines, pretzels, chips), fruits (oranges, bananas, melons), potatoes, cookies, candies, sandwiches, etc… Hot food will also be available, including but not limited to soup, and grilled sandwiches.

FSR 100 IS A CUPLESS RACE. You are required to carry a hydration pack during the event and you must bring your own cup or bottle for aid station beverages.

WE WILL NOT GIVE OUT MEDICINE AT THE AID STATIONS.

DROP BAGS

Drop bags will be delivered to the Aid Stations after the race begins on October 26th. They will be returned to Thunder Rock aid station as volunteers are available to bring them. No later than 2pm on Sunday, October 27th. We ask that you plan to retrieve them on after the race concludes. Any drop bags not retrieved may be disposed of.

Drop stations are clearly marked.

Drop bags must fit in a 6x8 opening and can be no longer than 16 inches.

You are limited to one drop bag per aid station.

Pacers are not allowed drop bags.

Please do not use paper bags, shoe boxes, or anything made of paper-like products.

It is imperative that runners do not leave perishable items in their drop bags.

It is strongly recommended that warm clothing and an extra flashlight be placed in the drop bags that will be delivered to each of the night aid stations. 

Do NOT place glass bottles in your drop bags.

Do not leave valuables in your drop bags.

Run Management is not responsible for lost or damaged drop bags and their contents

Race Week Schedule TBD