North Face Endurance Challenge Racer Info

From The North Face EC Organizers:

The inaugural The North Face Endurance Challenge Road event in Kansas City, MO is less than a few weeks away and we're looking forward to supporting you every step of the way. The health and safety of our runners is the number one priority of the Endurance Challenge. To assure a great event for everyone we will be taking extra precautions, particularly in light of recent record high temperatures this summer in the Kansas City area. Kansas City Endurance Challenge Participant Guides have recently been updated with important event information. Click here to download your Participant Guide.

Inclement Weather Policy

Pre-Race:
The Endurance Challenge encourages all runners to frequently check the weather forecast for Kansas City, MO at www.weather.com or other weather sites in lead up to the event. The Race Director and Medical Director will monitor the weather forecast leading up to race day paying special attention to the possibility of extreme heat, humidity, thunder and lighting to determine if any action will be taken to modify the race. Possible changes include: altering the start time for the race, requiring participants to carry fluids with them for the duration of the race or in extreme situations, cancellation of the event.

During race week, Endurance Challenge email, website, Facebook and Twitter communications will inform participants of the current weather predicted, notify runners of any modifications to the race and provide preparation tips based on advance weather forecasts. In addition, updates will be made throughout the Endurance Challenge Expo and Packet Pickup, Pre-Race Panel Event and will be posted in the lobby of the host hotel (Marriott Country Club Plaza).

Race Day:
Please listen closely to all public address announcements at the starting line of the race. A color-coded Flag Alert System will communicate the status of course conditions at the start line and on course at all aid stations. Please familiarize yourselves with the Flag Alert System prior to the race and be on the lookout for directions from race officials and announcers during the race.

Flag Alert System:

Safety Rules in Affect Race Day: 

• Participants are responsible for their recognition and understanding of the Flag Alert System. 
• Medical personnel authorized by the event to do so may examine any participant who appears in distress. 
• If in the sole opinion of authorized medical personnel it is in the best interest of the participant's health and welfare, medical personnel may remove the participant from the event.
• Participants must retire at once from race if ordered to do so by a member of the event's official staff, official medical staff, or any governmental authority, including fire and police officers. 
• IMPORTANT UPDATE: ALL Marathon and 50K participants are required to check-in with official medical staff at the designated hard cutoff points on-course before they are permitted to continue racing.  
• First hard cutoff for the 50K is at the mile 13 aid station (Grand and 2nd Street). 50K racers must be through this area at 9:46AM (3 hours, 46 minutes).  
• Second hard cutoff for the 50K is at the mile 25 aid station (Olive and 9th Street). 50K racers must be through this area at 1:15PM (7 hours, 15 minutes).  
• First hard cutoff for the Marathon is at the mile 13 aid station (Grand and 2nd Street). Marathon racers must be through this area at 10:28AM (3 hours, 28 minutes).  
• Second hard cutoff for the Marathon is at the mile 20 aid station (Olive and 9th Street). Marathon racers must be through this area at 12:20PM (5 hours, 20 minutes).  
• If extreme heat is predicted, all participants will be required to carry a hydration system with them for the duration of the race. This system could be a hand held bottle, waist belt or hydration backpack. Minimum number of ounces that the athlete will have to carry is 16oz. Complimentary water bottles will be available for all participants at the start line.  
• Visible lightning will cause the race to be postponed for a minimum of 15 minutes. Additional sightings will continue to delay the race in 15-minute increments. 
• Event officials reserve the right to delay, cancel, or suspend the race due to extreme weather in accordance with emergency protocol on severe emergencies and or/inclement weather. In the event that the race is cancelled on race day after the race has begun, runners will be notified of this cancellation at the nearest aid station by volunteers and through the Flag Alert System. All runners will receive transportation back to Frank A. Theis Park.

Aid Stations:

Aid stations are located approximately every two miles and will offer the following support for runners:

• Water 
• GU Brew 
• Nuun electrolyte tablets
• Volunteer support team 
• Medical support team 
• Ice bath with towels and sponges to help cool core body temperatures 
• GU Gels (select aid stations only; see participant guide for aid station with GU gels along your course route)

An additional aid station has been added to the 50K, Marathon and Marathon Relay courses. The new aid station is located at Gilliam and 25th (mile 28 for the 50K, mile 23 for the Marathon/Marathon Relay)

Medical Staff:

Each aid station will be equipped with a team of certified medical personnel and emergency and first aid supplies. The Medical Headquarters is located at the Start/Finish line at Frank A. Theis Park. For the safety of all participants, only those requiring medical assistance will be allowed access into the Medical Tent.

If you have any questions regarding these policies, please contact us at endurancechallenge@hawkeyeww.com. We look forward to seeing you on race day!

SALES
Buy 1 item get 10% off, 2 items 15% off, 3 items 20% off with coupon code AFLAUG4! Exclusions may apply. Ends 8/27