2017 Summer Newsletter from Southeastern Trail Runs

We have never sent out a newsletter before, but there is just so much going on right now, we decided it's time. We are not going to bombard you with weekly or even monthly mail-outs but plan to send out one newsletter each quarter in the future. The newsletters will cover the latest information on upcoming races, important changes or additions  and updates that we feel you need to know about. We will also have some great special promotions from our sponsors so be sure to look through each newsletter.

Upcoming Races for 2017

Next> 7/15 - Hotter 'N Hell Trail Race - Oak Mountain State Park, 7:30 AM Start at Lakeview Pavilion, 9 and 18 Mile Races
​        8/26 - Ridge to Blazing Ridge - Oak Mountain State Park, 7:30 AM Start at Redbud Pavilion, 10.5 and 21 Mile Races
​        9/22, 23 & 24 - Birmingham Stage Race - 3 Days - 3 Mountains - 56 Miles, Stage1- Ruffner Mtn Park, Stage2-Red Mtn Park, Stage3-Oak Mtn State Park
        10/20, 21 & 22 - Endless Mile - Veteran's Park in Alabaster, Alabama, 20 miles south of Birmingham, 12, 24 and 48 Hour Solo or Relay Race
        10/28 - BOO Run for Down Syndrome Alabama - 100% Charity Race - Veteran's Park, Hoover, 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
        12/2 - Blood Rock 25K and 50K - Oak Mountain State Park, 6:30 AM Start at Redbud Pavilion
        12/9 & 10 - Blood Rock 50 and 100 Mile - Oak Mountain State Park - 5:00 AM Start at Cabin's on Tranquility Lake


​The Blood Rock 50K is the 2017 RRCA Ultra Championship Race for the State of Alabama.
 December 2nd - 6:30 AM Start - Redbud Pavilion - Oak Mtn State Park - Pelham, Alabama. Just south of Birmingham.

Starting with Ridge to Blazing Ridge, shirts are included with race registrations.

Starting with Ridge to Blazing Ridge, all runners that register early will receive race shirts, and that's for all remaining races in 2017. Each race will have a specified cutoff date to receive a shirt. We must place the shirt order at least 11 to 14 days before the race. The cutoff date for shirts is also the date of the final price increase. Register by that date and save on registration and get a shirt too.
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​The picture to the left is just an example of what the race shirts for Ridge to Blazing Ridge will look like. The color for the shirts has not been selected yet.

Announcing the Alabama Slam, "Bama Slama" for Short

Southeastern Trial Runs now has three races in which runners can complete 100 Miles, Lake Martin 100, The Endless Mile and Blood Rock 100. So, we decided to have our own "SLAM." Complete all three races in any 12 month period and you are a "BAMA SLAMA" winner. For those of you that finished the 2017 Lake Martin 100, you are 1/3 of the way there. We will have a very special buckle for this one.

Preview Run  for Hotter 'N Hell Race - July 1st, Oak Mtn State Park - South Trailhead at 6:30 AM

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Lisa Booher with Resolute Running Training Center in Homewood leads preview runs for all Southeastern Trail Runs Races. The next preview run is July 1st for the Hotter 'N Hell Trail Race. The preview run will be one full lap of the 9 miles course. Be sure to bring a hydration pack or hand held bottles. The run will start at the South Trail Head parking lot at the end of Terrace Drive. Contact Lisa at Resolute Running for all the details and let her know to expect you. No one will be left behind.
​Link to the link: to the "Event" on Facebook
​And, by the way. If you want to take your running to "Next Level" contact Alex Morrow or any of the RR team and find out what you can achieve.

SAVE 15% at Mountain High Outfitters, for Southeastern Trail Runners ONLY!

​Click the coupon to the left
​ ​to download a PDF Copy you can easily print.
Mountain High Outfitters has set up this 15% off offer just for those of you that receive this Southeastern Trail Runs Summer Newsletter.
​It is good at the following store locations in Birmingham: The new Avondale Store (right next to Cahaba Brewery - Isn't that handy!) The Cahaba Village Store, The MHO store at the Summit and the Location in the Shops at Grand River. It's also good when shopping online. Just use the promo code - "SHOE15" and save. Coupon is good for purchases of ON Footwear, SALOMON Footwear and HOKA OneOne Footwear.

The F.A.R.M. (Functional Athletic Rehabilitation & Movement) Will Sponsor your first ever race with Southeastern Trial Runs

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Dr. Beau Beard and Dr. Sloan Beard, owners of the FARM Chiropractic Center have offered to sponsor your first Southeastern Trail Runs Race. (Let me translate: Of you have never run a STR race, the FARM will cover your registration fee.) If you have never run a Southeastern Trail Runs Event and would like to enter the Hotter 'N Hell Race on July 15, or Ridge to Blazing Ridge on August 26th, contact the FARM and tell them you want to be "Sponsored" by the FARM.
 Email: thefarmchiro@gmail.com   or  205-419-1595
Human performance specialists providing chiropractic care, injury rehabilitation and sports therapy,
​to keep you in the game, while getting you out of pain.

Altra Running Shoes and Apparel - Southeastern Trial Runs newest sponsor.

We are really excited to announce that ALTRA is now a sponsor of Southeastern Trail Runs Races. We will be giving away ALTRA running shoes at all remaining Southeastern Trail Runs races in 2017. 
​If you ever wondered why Altar Running Shoes are so successful competing against the big guys like Adidas, Nike and New Balance, listen to this MRuns Podcast with Altra Founder Golden Harper and you will understand. You will also go buy a pair. I did!!

Salomon has added Arc'Teryx as a Southeastern Trail Runs Sponsor.

We are thrilled to now have Arc'Teryx as a STR sponsor. We have been sponsored by Salomon and Suunto since the beginning. Salomon and Mountain High Outfitters combine forces to offer STR runners almost $4,000 in products at Southeastern Trail Series Races. Most gift certificates are give to race winners, but some are given away in drawings. These gift certificates are now redeemable at Mountain High Outfitters Salomon, Suunto and  Arc'Teryx Apparel.

The 2017 Southeastern Trail Series Points Championship

Each year since the inception of Southeastern Trail Runs and the Southeastern Trial Series we have had a points championship for all those running our races. Runners earn points for each of the 7 Trail Series races completed throughout the year. Most STR races consist of a short race, one lap of the course and a long race, two laps of the course. The  points are calculated based on how far behind the winners each runner finishes in the long and short race. At the end of the year the runners with the most points win. Winners receive a nice Salomon Jacket and Salomon Gift Certificates. Full details are on the "Points Championship" page of Southeastern Trial Runs webpage.

Trail Shorts - ​"Best Laid Plans..."
​Or maybe "The Cruelty of the Jewel" is more appropriate.
How a simple mistake can destroy your ultra race, even with careful planning.

​This is the most recent post from my Blog, "Run Your First Ultra. I started the blog in 2010 and to date there are 161 posts. The old blog posts are on BlogSpot. All future blog posts my this website.

Pictures from the Start of the Memorial Day Trial Race

​Marathon Runs (MRuns) took over 800 photos at the Memorial Day Race. ​Just follow this link .
​You are welcome to download any of these low resolution images you like. If you want to download free high resolution photos, please subscribe to MRuns' email at http://www.mruns.com/email/ . MRuns will email when photos are uploaded.

Our Next Race:

​The next STR Race is the Hotter 'N Hell Trail Race at Oak Mountain State Park on July 15th. The race starts at the Lakeview Pavilion, just off Terrace Dr., at 7:30 AM. Register at Ultrasignup.com.
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Full details at Hotter 'N Hell website. Register no later than July 5th if you would like a race shirt. Select the 9 mile or 18 mile option. The course follows the Red Bike Road up "Blood Rock" and over the top of Double Oak Mountain before descending into Peavine Gorge with the help of a rope. There may be plenty of water going over the falls to cool off this year.​

 The Endless Mile - October 20th through the 22nd - Run Solo or set up a Relay Team

The Endless Mile is one of the most unique and fun races we have ever done. Runners circle a 1.00203 USATF Certified paved course. This is a great chance to set a PR or even a state age group record, or even a national record! The Endless Mile will be held at Veteran's Park in Alabaster, Alabama on October 20, 21 & 22, 2017. The park is 26 miles south of downtown Birmingham, and 16 miles south of I 459. The asphalt walking path that we will use is flat, winds through wooded areas and past several lakes. The 90 acre park also contains picnic areas, picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, soccer fields and a youth baseball complex. Full details about the Endless Mile at SoutheasternTrailRuns.com

Birmingham Ultra Trail Society

Southeastern Trail Runs would not be able  to put on most of our races without the incredible members of BUTS.  If you are a Birmingham area trail runner or think you might enjoy the trails and are not a member of BUTS you are missing out. BUTS is an amazing group of trail runners, ultra runners and people who simply love the trails. Become a member and enjoy group runs at various parks around town, compete in BUTS events and save at many retailers around town. Individual or family memberships are available. BUTS members save 10 % on all Southeastern Trail Runs Races.

​Next BUTS Event:
Race to the Lake
August 12 - Oak Mountain State Park, 
Come join the BUTS crew for the Race to the Lake! In addition to the 10 mile race, we also have a 3-mile option. In true BUTS fashion this race will be TOUGH (about 2k of vertical gain) and HOT HOT HOT!

 And Finally - a Blood Rock Update - You do NOT want to miss this race!

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Link to Runners Manual
Blood Rock is now 5 months away and everything is set. Here are some things you need to know about BR 2017.
​1) The Blood Rock 50K and 25K will take place December 2nd. The start will be at Redbud Pavilion at 6:30 AM.
​2) The 50 and 100 Mile race will be December 9 & 10. The start is at the Cabins on Tranquility Lake at 5:00 AM.
​3) All of the cabins are now rented. We will maintain a waitlist. I am sure there will be at least one to come open.
​4) There are many changes in the course from last year. The changes are primarily minor adjustments to eliminate potentially confusing place and a couple of out-back sections. The maps are updated with the adjusted course although the distances listed on the map legend are not correct. Distances on the pace chart are correct.
​5) The 2017 Runners Manual is now available online. Just click on the Blood Rock Image on the Left.