As questions come in, we'll post them here for everyone to see (as well as on the website).

Q: What kinds of scores have placed in the top for past events? Miles, weights, etc. just to give me an idea of where I would need to set a target training goal?

A: This event will be our very first weighted race, and only the 3rd known race of this format. That being said, there was recently (October 18) a weighted race in MA. The course was a 3 2.5 mile paved/fine packed gravel pretty flat type.  It was a down & back.

The top men scored: 1,470 kz, 1243kz, and 668 kz with the heaviest lap coming it at 117 lbs!

The top women were: 877 kz, 693 kz, and 514 kz.  Heaviest lap was 61.8 lbs.

No data on the number of laps anyone completed.

This is still a new racing format and everyone's strategy for racing is basically untested. Our recommendations are:  Get comfortable with moving at a decent pace with weight.  Be decisive about how you will (or won't) change the amount you carry for a lap.  Make your transitions quick, but not so fast you forget something.  Be as practiced as you can taking off your pack/vest/whatever to make your transition time smooth. Don’t forget to hydrate! Our course is a 3-ish miles long loop. It is also trail, so the terrain will be varied— trail shoes or hiking boots are strongly suggested!

Q: What is the elevation gain?

A: This is definitely becoming our most frequently asked question. Both online and in person! Over the 3-ish mile course the elevation gain is approximately 323.031562 feet. Again, that’s approximate and according to Garmin, which as we know is never, ever, wrong.

Q: What time does the race really start? The web site listed two different times and I’m confused.

A: That was an “oops” on my (Race Director John) part. I updated an older event but didn’t quite get it all updated. The 6-hour race begins at 10 am sharp. If I’m still giving a speech and 10 am happens, the race is on. You go. It ends at 4 pm. If you’ve not crossed the lap line (check-in area) by 4 pm, only the last checked-in lap will count. Even if you’re 1 second late.

Q: Can I use a weighted vest instead of a Ruck?

A: You betcha! We don’t care what you carry. Backpack, ruck, over-the-shoulder sandbag, weighted vest, 5 gallon buckets, you can carry a giant stuffed teddy bear— it doesn’t matter. It can even be a kitchen sink. The key thing is that IT MUST BE CARRIED (and please, we need to be able to weight it too!) No dragging, no rolling, no levitating.

Q: Will weights be provided?

A: Hell no! There is no way we could provide enough weights for more than one or two people and we don’t want to anyway. You bring what you think you’ll be carrying— please! You can keep your spare weights wherever you want, but we’ll try to set an area near the transition for competitors to quickly and easily change out their load.

Q: What if we add weight to our pack somewhere along the route? Will it count toward our Kz?

A: You will weigh in and out for each lap. The lesser number will be the one used. SO… If you leave with 30 lbs and arrive with 28 lbs, then 28 lbs is used in the math. On the other hand, if you find a very pretty rock that makes your bag weigh 35 lbs on arrival, then the lesser number, your 30 lbs weigh-out number is used.

Q: Do I need to do the entire 6 hours?

A: Not at all. You can do as little as a single lap— anything less won’t be counted toward your Kz. All you need to do to tap out is first let the Race Director or another staff member know. They will take your bib. They will then hold a little ceremony of some sort. (Thinking about a bell tolling…) And you’re done. And once the ceremony is over YOU CAN’T CHANGE YOUR MIND. It’s over. No take backs.

Q: But can I take a break?

A: Absolutely. Just hang up your bib at the designated “I’m taking a break” spot and let the RD know. Then go grab some food, take a nap, change clothes, whatever you want. When you’re ready to return to the course, come on back, let us know, grab your bib, and probably do another weight check before you head on out.

TEAM EVENT

Q: Is there a team event?

A: Not at this time, no. Maybe if all the participants ask for it, I’ll reconsider. But until then, you’re on your own. And may the odds be in your favor.

Q: How do we sign up for the team event?

A: There is no signup option on the registration page, so if you are doing the weighted race as a team, let us know over email prior to the event or inform the staff at race check-in and give them your team name and partner-- preferably with the partner's knowledge!

Q: Is the team race a relay? Do we have to take turns?

A: No. Not a relay. Each participant will be competing in the open event as well. Total score will be calculated for team standing. So, get out on the course as much as you can!

Q: Do team members have to stay together?

A: No. Do your thing. If you *want* to stay together, that's up to you and your teammate.