Fire Tower Relay Flyer

The Fire Tower Relay is a four-person team race run on a challenging single-track trail at the Big M Bike & Ski area, part of the Manistee National Forest in the Northern Lower Peninsula.  Runners receive a premium shirt and a post race celebration.

 

Date: August 16, 2008

Start time:  9:00 a.m.

Distance: 32 (+ or -) Miles

 

Fee: $200.00 per team.

 

Entry Form: Check back for an entry form and updates on the day’s activities.

 

Teams: Teams consist of 4 runners. Each runner will run the same 8 mile loop that will start and finish at the Big M parking lot. Minimum age for participation is 14 years of age.

 

Course: The race uses a challenging loop of one of the trails through the scenic Manistee National Forest.  Team members will have contact with their runner only at the start/finish area.  Runners are encouraged to carry fluids with them; we will have a fluid station midway on the loop.

 

Awards: The winning team will be the one with the fastest handicapped time based on age and gender. Teams will complete in one of three divisions; Male, Female and Mixed. A handicap system for scoring will be used: Women 13%. Men and women age 14 – 5%, age 15 – 5%, age 16 – 3%, age 17 – 1%. Men & women 39 – 49 years old 1% for each year over 39.  Men & women over 49 years 10% plus 1.5% for each year over 49 years. Each participant will account for one-sixth the team handicap.

 

Post Race Celebration: Grilled chicken, chips, water and cold soda pop.

 

Driving Directions To Big M: The Big M trail system is located east of Manistee and west of Cadillac. The

easiest access is from M55. From the intersection of US 31 & M55 in Manistee go east on M55 14 miles to

Udell Hills Road. Go south on Udell Hills Road for 3.4 miles to the Big M Trails (sign at entrance). If you’re

coming from the east, get to the intersection of M37 & M55. Go west on M55 11.5 miles to Udell Hills Road.

Go south on Udell Hills Road for 3.4 miles to the Big M Trails (sign at entrance).

 

Accommodations

Lodging: Manistee: (18 miles from race site) Microtel 800 260-2515;  Super 8 231 398-8888; Days Inn 888 626-4783

Cadillac: (30 miles from race site) Cadillac Woods 800 654-8375; Day’s Inn 231 775-4414; Super 8 231 775-8561

 

Other Lodging in nearby Wellston area:

Country Crest Motel 231 723-7500 (they only have 11 rooms, 5 miles from Big M)

Cabins by the Pond 231 723-9003 (3 miles from Big M)

Website for area lodging www.ilovewellston.com

 

Camping:

Heart of the Forest Campground – This campground is located on M55 in Wellston next to the Cozy

Restaurant. Located about 7 miles from Big M. 20 sites with electric hook-ups, hot showers.

Call 231 848-4161 for reservations.

 

Pine Creek Lodge & Campground – This facility has cabins & 25 campsites. Electric & hot

showers are available. Located on M55 about ˝ mile east of Udell Hills Road. It’s about 4

miles from Big M. Call 231 848-4431 for reservations.

 

No camping at Big M.

 

For more information: Brian Buchanan, 5075 Coltons Run, West Olive, MI 49460.9345,  Phone - 616.786.2945, e-mail - nctrelay@nctrelay.org or check the web site at www.nctrelay.org for the latest information on the race.

 

 

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