The race starts and ends at Kemper-Mason Ware Masonic Lodge, 411 Little Falls Street, Falls Church VA, adjacent to the W&OD trail.

The course is entirely on the W&OD Trail. You cross Great Falls Street, Oak Street, Spring Street, West Street, and Grove Street early in the race, then over the bridge across Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) to a turnaround point east of Shreve Road. Then on the return, you surmount the bridge across Route 7 and cross Grove, West, Spring, Oak, and Great Falls. We thanks Falls Church Police for protecting us at those crossings and our Boy Scout Troops for being there also.

The W&OD Trail is almost completely flat, except when you go over Route 7. After the start, please stay to your right and be courteous to other trail users. The trail is open to cyclists and other users during the race. Also, watch for rabbits, box turtles and snappers, dragonflies, cardinals, meadowlarks, and maybe even deer.

The day before the race, Friday, March 27, from 12 noon to 3 PM, we assemble goodie bags at
Road Runner Sports
1120 West Broad Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
(703-237-3636)
We welcome you to join us for this volunteer activity.

Then on Friday, March 27, from 3 PM to 6 PM, we host packet pickup at
Road Runner Sports
1120 West Broad Street
Falls Church, VA 22046
(703-237-3636)

You can get your t-shirt, bib number, and goodie bag at pre-race packet pickup.

On race day, Saturday, March 27, from 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM, we host packet pickup at Kemper-Macon Ware Masonic Lodge, 411 Little Falls Street, Falls Church VA. Call me at 703-505-3567 if you need directions, or see our website www.mc-coop.org/wod

You can get your t-shirt, bib number, and goodie bag at race-day packet pickup.

We use lightweight, easy-to-affix IPICO timing tags to score the race. You can pick up your timing tag only on Saturday, March 27, 2:30 PM to 3:45 PM. If you pick up your packet on Friday, please allow adequate time to pick up your IPICO timing tag on Saturday. Affix your IPICO timing tag firmly to your shoe. You can use your shoelaces, safety pins, twist-ties, or pull-ties that we provide. Your IPICO timing tag is the only way we know when you start and finish the race. Please don't pin it to your shirt or put it in a pocket or leave it in your car.

Please wear your bib number visibly on the front of your shirt. We record bib numbers as a back-up to the electonic timing tag system. Please do not remove the tear-off tag at the bottom of your bib number. We collect that tag after the race. We also use the bib number to identify you as you approach so we can cann out your name at the finish.

We host an aid station on the far side of Route 7 so you go by it at 1 mile and 2 miles. We also provide refreshments at the finish.

After you finish, please step into the cooling tent to take off your IPICO timing tag before you go to the post-race refreshments.

We present awards as soon as possible after the race. We thank our sponsors for providing prizes and supporting our race.

Throughout the race, we will be diligent stewards of our environment, cleaning up post-race and recycling everything we possibly can.

We publish the results post-race at www.mc-coop.org/wod/20090327.html as soon as we can after the race. We will update that page as needed with any additions or corrections.

Thank you again for joining us. We look forward to seeing you maybe Friday and for sure Saturday.

-- Jay Jacob Wind, Race Director

The conditions during this race may be hot and humid. You should know your body and race according to your ability. Please read and understand this safety information. This information will also be available at packet pickup.

Emergency Contact Information

On the back of your bib number, please write the name and phone number of a race-day emergency contact.

Water and Medical Aid

Water and medical aid will be available before, during, and after the race. We encourage you to take water while you run, and to reduce your level of effort in case of extreme heat. If you experience any physical difficulties, please immediately seek assistance from a course marshal or volunteer. All course marshals have the authority and the responsibility to assist or to remove from the race anyone who is in danger. The course marshals at the street crossings, at Route 7, and at the turnaround have cars to take you back to the finish line if you are unable to complete the 5K.

Extreme Weather Conditions

In the event of extreme or unsafe weather conditions, the race director reserves the right to cancel the race. We can still have the post-race refreshments, weather permitting. In case we have to cancel, please be sure to return your timing tag.

W&OD Trail Etiquette

The W&OD Trail remains open to other trail users during this race. Please stay to your right at all times, please do not impede other trail users, and please be courteous. Be aware of your surroundings and to the presence of other trail users. Roller skates, bicycles, and unleashed pets are not allowed in the race, and we discourage the use of headphones. Walkers and runners with baby strollers immediately after the runners. You may wish to protect your baby with small bike helmet -- see http://www.helmets.org/tiny.htm for advise.

Thank you for joining us!
Jay Jacob Wind, Race Director