Ellerbe Springs Marathon

13th ANNUAL ELLERBE SPRINGS MARATHON

SATURDAY March 27, 2004
8:00 AM

REGISTRATION

$30.00 postmarked by Monday March 8, 2004, $45.00 thereafter including race day. NO REFUNDS.
Make checks payable to the ELLERBE SPRINGS MARATHON. Mail check with completed entry to:

ELLERBE SPRINGS MARATHON
129 SPRINGER MOUNTAIN ROAD
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. 28379

The early start is a non-competitive event designed for those who need more than 6 hours to finish. Early starters must register before the March 8 deadline and check "Early Start" on the entry form. Check-in for early starters will be at 5:40 a.m. race morning. Early aid stations (probably the first 4 aid stations) will be unmanned and consist of water bottles beside the road. We will use a separate finish line for early starters. Those starting early may receive age group awards if less than 3 people in their age group.

This course is a wheel-measured loop starting and finishing in front of the Inn. This is a low traffic rural area with many farms and large tracts of uninhabited woodland. Most runners consider this a hilly course.

The race will start right in front of the Inn beside the white horse. There are 11 aid stations at approximately 3 mile intervals. Stations 1 and 11 have water only. All other stations will have water and an energy drink.

Fifteen very nice rooms are available at reasonable rates at the Ellerbe Springs Inn and restaurant. Camping may also be possible. For information about staying at the Ellerbe Springs Inn call 1-800-248-6467. Other accommodations are available in Rockingham 12 miles South. Call 1-800-858-1688 for that information.

The Ellerbe Springs Inn and Restaurant will have an all-u-can-eat salad bar and pasta bar on Friday evening from 6:00 until 8:00. The cost is $6.50 per person with beverage extra. No reservations are required and you can pay at the dinner. Do not send money for the dinner with your race registration.

Packets may be picked up at the Spring House on Friday night from 6:00 until 8:00. Late registration will also be accepted. Packet pick-up and race day registration will be from 7:00 until 7:30 Saturday morning.

All runners will be served free chicken and dumplings after the race. Non-participants may purchase plates at a nominal fee.

Ellerbe Springs Marathon shirts to all finishers only. Medallions to the first 250 finishers as they cross the finish line. Those who register after March 8th may have their shirts mailed to them if we run out. Additionally, anyone completing their fifth Ellerbe will receive a special shirt. To receive the special shirt you must pre-register by the March 8th deadline. Anyone completing their 10th Ellerbe will be assigned a permanent race number for all future events. (Example, if you're the 4th person to complete 10 Ellerbe's, you will be permanently assigned the race number "4". Other awards are to the top 3 overall male and female, top 3 masters male and female, and to the top 3 male and female in the following age groups: 24 and under, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69 and 70 and over. There will be no duplication of awards. No awards will be mailed.

The Ellerbe Springs Inn is giving a gift certificate for two, good for one night lodging with dinner and breakfast to the first overall male and female finishers. Also prize money will be given as follows: Overall male and female 1st – $100.00, 2nd - $80.00, 3rd - $60.00. Also each first place age group male and female winner will receive $50.00. For purposes of money awards only 2nd and 3rd masters will be considered as part of their respective age group.

Friday March 26

6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Pasta dinner at the Ellerbe Springs Inn and Restaurant
6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Packet pick-up and registration at the spring house

5:40 a.m. Early starters report to briefing.
6:00 a.m. Early starters to starting line
6:00 a.m. Restaurant opens for breakfast
7:00 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. Packet pick-up and registration (Be Prompt)
7:50 a.m. Pre-race briefing at the starting line
8:00 a.m. Race begins
11:00 a.m. Lunch is available
1:00 p.m. Awards presentation begins (Approximate)

DOUG DAWKINS, RACE DIRECTOR
129 Springer Mtn. Rd.
Rockingham, NC 28379
910-895-2626
Email Doug: Boogie@highstream.net

MARK LONG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR 910-582-6747
E-Mail Mark