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Run Toto, Run
Even More Information
General Event Description:
This is a REAL
TRAIL event. Yes, I said TRAIL event. If you want to run on a sissy, paved course, this isn't the race for
you! The course's trails can be challenging due to rocks & roots and the sometimes muddy conditions, and the constant
barrage of rolling hills. But remember: This is Kansas, so how tough could it really be??? Actually, only
22% is flat, and the rest of the time you are either going up or downhill, and some of those hills are very steep. There
is also a 1/3-mile section of paved road that you will run on at about mile 5 of each loop. But, in keeping with the
theme of the race, you will be going severely uphill, while on the pavement. If you haven't done a trail race
before, don't go for time, but go for a "good time" and just have fun! The trail is so well-marked, that a blind and
stupid politician could follow it. If you somehow take a wrong turn, please return the way that you came and continue
the race. DO NOT CUT THE COURSE, or you will be disqualified. If you get lost, please let me know, so that we
can make the course markings even better for next year. We also have the infamous "Totally Flabbergasted Award"
for anyone who takes a long detour. Trail running shoes are highly recommended for running on this course to avoid
foot/toe trauma. Regular running shoes will work, but if you're not used to running on rocks, roots, mud, and steep
hills, you will "feel the course" for a longer span of time after the race than you would, if you wore trailrunning
shoes. Weather:
The weather can be a factor. We will run the race in snowy, muddy, or rainy
conditions, or a combination of all conditions. Historically, the temps can be anywhere from zero to 65 degrees F.
Most of the time you will be shielded from any wind by the woods. Dress appropriately...(I usually dress for 20-degrees warmer
than it actually is). If it is snowy or icy on the day of the race, I highly recommend that you "screw your shoes"
or wear a "YakTrax" type device on you shoes. (Yes, even for trailrunning shoes). The web site has instructions on how to "screw your shoes." We will have "shoe screwing stations" set up at the main start / finish area, if it's icy on race day. Please
pay attention to the race time limit. On the multiple-loop course, you will not be allowed to leave the start/finish
aid station to start your final loop after 1:59 p.m. There will be an additional time limit for reaching the middle
aid station. If you arrive after 3:45 p.m., you will be driven back to the finish area. This is not only for
your own safety, but also for the safety of the furry, sharp-toothed animals that will gnaw on your free-radical-filled carcass,
(if you happen to end up "ass over tea kettle" along the trail, somewhere). We wouldn't want them getting
sick, now would we? Race Management also reserves the right to pull a runner or a pacer for their own safety, or
for "other" reasons. We appreciate your help and understanding with this policy.
If you are registered for one of the longer distances and want to drop
out a loop (or two) short, you can do so and still get a finisher's medal. This is for runners that have "bit-off
more than they can chew." Don't worry, it happens to the best of us!
Timing: This year we will again have Chip Timing provided by Raul Flores Race Day Timing Solutions.
Amenities and aid stations:
There
will be "normal" ultra foods at the three "staffed" aid stations on the course. You will pass through
the first aid station twice, so you actually have 4 staffed aid stations, (not including the start/finish area. The
farthest you will travel without aid is 2.8 miles, to the first aid station. The main start/finish aid station
will also have hot soup and other goodies for you.
Post-race,
we will have homemade soup (regular and vegan), coffee, other "hot stuff," and an assortment of calorie-laden stuff
for you (and your paid-for support persons to consume). "I never met a carbohydrate I didn't like."
Our graphic designer is (trail runner) Jason Crosby. There will be
prizes for age group winners, but due to the length of the event and the cold weather, there will be no "official"
post-race awards ceremony. Just get your prize at the finish line.
History of the race:
2005 was the first year for this event, which was held on Feb, 19th, 2005.
That first year we had 41 starters and only 23 finishers. In 2006, we added the 10-mile and 20-mile distances. We had over 200 participants,
total. We also had a much higher finish rate in 2006. For more information click here. 2007
was a record year with 281 participants on race day. For 2007 race reports, photos, and video, click here. 2008
had over 440 signed-up for all of the events, including the new 5K. We moved the 5K to another date in 2009, to make
room for parking for the longer events. In 2009, we had 400 starters for the event. In 2010, we had 495 human starters,
and 13 registered dogs. Two women broke the sub-6-hour barrier, and Andy Henshaw set a new course record. Read race reports and view photos from 6 previous years.
Origins of the race's original name:
"WyCo"
stands for "Wyandotte County," where the race is located. The term "Psycho" will become obvious
after running one of the course loops. "Run Toto Run"...well we are in Kansas now, aren't we? In
2010, we decided to drop the "Psycho" reference, and just call it "Run Toto Run," (the Winter edition),
out of respect for our friends at NAMI. Some of last year's race proceeds were donated to NAMI,
as well as to our normal Trail Advocacy causes. Please donate to NAMI, if you can. Speaking of Toto, there was a horrific tornado
that blew through this part of Kansas in 2003. It demolished many homes and buildings near the park, and dropped all
sorts of debris into the woods of the park. You will see some of this debris, (mainly aluminum & steel siding and
roofing), while on the course. If you see a witch that's had a house dropped on her, be sure to get her slippers;
there will be a special reward for you. Something to consider: The
use of Poles on the course is allowed; and the use and abuse of Gemans, Irish, or Canadians is allowed, as
well. Just don't let your poles get in the way of another runner, ethnic group, or nationality. Pacers
are allowed for 20-mile and 50-K entrants, but they cannot "mule" for you They can only run your last 10-mile
loop with you. Pacers don't need to pay, but they must sign a race waiver. Pacers can enjoy
all of the food/hydration/service of the aid stations, but must not be an "overbearing burden" upon the race organization
(or their assigned runner). Please buy a $5 meal for your pacer (to help with race costs), and/or purchase
an extra mug or hoodie for your pacer. We reserve the right to pull any pacer who we deem as "burdensome"
either to us, or burdensome to their runner, or if they mistreat our volunteers. Dogs as Pacers:
We
are a dog-friendly bunch, within reason. After all, a dog designed one of the trails that you will run on
in this event. You can run with your (well-mannered) dog, but it must be on a leash, and you must not let it get entangled
with another runner. You should also start toward the back of the pack. Please register your dog:
Email Ben Holmes for the 90% discount code to register your dog...it only costs $5 for your dog to run (and receive a finisher's medal).
Your dog will be issued a bib number that needs to be attached (with your name and cell # written on it with a sharpie).
Your dog will also be included in the official results. We won't allow any cruelty to animals, so you must attest
to your dog's "trail conditioning." If it appears that your dog is heat-stressed or otherwise physically
stressed or injured, we will require you and your dog to pull out of the race and seek out immediate veterinary help.
Please provide water and food for your dog. You can refill your dog's water at the aid stations. Wildlife???
You may see deer, wild turkeys, racoon, bald eagles, squirrels, and maybe even bobcat. But there are none of the "harmful
animals" out and about in the Winter that we have in the Summer here, namely copperheads and rattlesnakes. There
could be a very slim possibility for ticks, if the temperature rises above 50 degrees for a week or so.
Even
though there are more than enough aid stations on the course, this is a decently-tough trail run. For
the run, you will need to bring along a water bottle or hydration device. This is for your own safety.
You might also want to think about bringing the following items: TP, something to eat, electrolytes,
and your wits.
Some optional items: someone else's wits, defibrillation unit
& jumper cables, GPS locator unit, satellite phone, golden hoop ear rings, a satin thong, a sequined black leather teddy, cougar
repellent, redneck repellent, extra screws, a rescue beacon, a talisman with protective Elvish Runes (that only appear
when heated by a fire), a Hattori Hanzō Samurai sword, salted pork & hardtack, a photo of Uranus, last
will & testament, a shovel, a black tee-shirt, black trousers, $300 burial money, and a pre-engraved tombstone. Whiners Don't come whining to us. Whining is not allowed. Trailrunning requires a slightly higher pain threshold,
but this is balanced-out by all of the fun you will be having. The Trail Nerds' motto has always been: "All
whiners will be buried in shallow, unmarked graves." We really mean it. Why do you think the trees grow so
big, in Wyco park? Yup...you guessed it...lots of "fertilizer."
| Winter 5K information |
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| Winter 5K information |
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