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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!
Course Description:
The course consists of rocky, rooty, and
hilly bridle trails & single-track trails. It's a Loop course, and you will be in the woods, for the most part. The length of each loop is a wheel-measured 10.35 miles; you do the
math; 3 loops is 50 kilometers long. 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 uphill on the pavement. The "Psychopathic
5K" race will be an out-and-back, delicioulsy tough romp through the woods. Expect it to be the toughest 5K
race you've ever run. 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 "Johnny Gooch 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.
Time limit for all four distances: 10 hours.
On the loop
course, you will not be allowed to leave the start/finish aid station to start your final loop after 7-hours into the race.
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 "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! You will receive a finisher's award, but your results will not count in the age group or
positional awards. This eliminates this as a Psycho-WyCo-Ninja-stealth-devious race strategy, for those so inclined...we're
sure that you understand.
Timing:
This year we will again have Chip Timing provided by Raul Flores Race Day Timing Solutions.
Amenities and aid stations:
There will be hot soup and "normal" ultra foods at the two
main "manned" aid stations, (at the start/finish aid station and at the Amos Family aid station at mile 7.5). The mile
3 & 4 aid station will have water and (maybe) some form of calories for you. There will also be an unmanned aid
station (with only water) at about mile 5.2, after the paved section.
Post-race, we will have homemade soup (regular and vegan), coffee, other "hot stuff," and an assortment of calorie-laden
stuff. "I never met a carbohydrate I didn't like."
We will have nicely-designed, high quality event shirts & unique "finishers hardware". Our graphic
designer is (trail runner) Jason Crosby, who also designed our logo and the 2006 & 2007 KC Marathon shirt & medal.
There will be prizes for age group winners.
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.
Origins of the race's 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? Speaking of Toto, there was a horrific tornado that blew through this part
of Kansas 4 years ago. 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 & steal 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.
Other information:
Drop bags and crew for
the 50K and 20-mile race are ONLY allowed at the start/finish area and at the other "Amos Family" manned aid station.
How many drop bags do you need for a 10-mile loop, before you're considered a total wuss, though?
There will be porta-potties at the start/finish aid station and at the Amos Family
aid station.
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.
Pacers are allowed for 20-mile and 50-K entrants, but they cannot
"mule" for you. They can also run the entire distance with you. Pacers don't need to pay, but they must sign a
race waiver and be issued a numbered "pacer bib." 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). We reserve the right to pull
any pacer who we deem as "burdensome" either to us or to their runner.
Dogs:
We are a dog-friendly bunch, within reason. You can run with your (well-mannered)
dog, but it needs to be on a leash, and you must not let it get entangled with another runner. Your
dog will be issued a pacer number that needs to be attached (with your name and cell # written on it with a sharpie).
Your dog will get a finisher's medal, if you sign it in at the starting line. Please keep in mind that we won't
allow any cruelty to animals, so you must attest to your dog's "trail conditioning." You should also have dog booties
for your dog, if it is a snowy or icy day. Please provide water and food for your dog. You can refill your water
at 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 has been above 50 degrees for a week or so.
Even though there are aid stations on the course,
this is a decently tough trail run. You might want to think about the following:
For the run, you might want to bring
along a water bottle, TP, something to eat, electrolytes, and your wits.
Some optional items: someone
else's wits, defibrillation unit & jumper cables, GPS unit, satellite phone, Darth Vader helmet, satin thong, sequined
black leather teddy, bear repellent, redneck repellent, helicopter beacon, salted pork & hardtack, last will & testament,
shovel, tombstone.
AREA LODGING - HOTELS, MOTELS
| Psychopathic 5K Information |
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| Psychopathic 5K Information |
| This race will be the last in the 2007 series. |
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| This race will be the last in the 2007 series. |
Map to Start/Finish Area
Article about the 2005 event.
E-Mail:info@badben.com
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