Fire on the Mountain 50K presented by Sheetz

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.

* List of confirmed 2012 entries (88 runners as of 8 p.m. on 10/1, up 14 from Sept. 27). We might close out entry at 92 runners this year. However, only 85 runners count against that 92 right now (the other 3 are relay partners). Plus, if there is sufficient interest, there’s no problem contracting a third bus to transport runners to the start. So, if you want to enter, please enter.

* 2012 FOTM training schedule announced

* Link to 2011 results, video and tons of photos

* 2010 results and photos by TriStateRunnur.com

FLINTSTONE, Md., Oct. 28, 2012 — 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. 28, 2012 (snow/ice date of Nov. 4)

Where: Green Ridge State Forest, in eastern Allegany County, Md. (about 80 minutes from the start line of the JFK).

What else: This third 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 the past two years. 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. Last year, a freak snowstorm caused the postponement of the race due to unsafe, icy conditions. We can not offer refunds – generally, the money is spent on an as-needed basis before event day, in preparation for the race and all participants.

If you were impacted by last year’s freak snowstorm and were unable to make the new date. As a gesture of good faith, we are letting those runners enter the 2012 run AT NO COST by using the paper entry form (not online registration). However, you must state you were registered for the 2011 event, provide email documentation as evidence (if applicable)  on the paper entry form. Still, you must pay for a custom-designed, full-color 2012 event T-shirt.

We will continue to consider deferments on a case-by-case basis. Questions? Send an email to [email protected].

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Race weekend timeline of events:

Saturday, Oct. 27

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. 28

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

Course map (JPG)

Aid Station 1 — 5.6 miles

Aid Station 2 — 3.3 / 8.9 miles

Aid Station 3 (unmanned) — 3.8 / 12.7 miles

Aid Station 4 — 3.7 / 16.4 miles

Aid Station 5 — 6.4 / 22.8 miles

Aid Station 6 (possibly unmanned) — 4.4 / 27.2 miles

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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 [email protected] if you’re interested in being a part-time event volunteer.