Late Breaking Race News

Can Lake 50

Late Breaking News
Updated February 27, 2010

What's New for 2010!

Thanks to all the runners who replied to the 2009 post-race survey. In December, Rick, Barry, Doug and I went over every comment plus feedback from the volunteers at each aid station and the finish volunteers. The following changes reflect our desire to continue to improve the quality of the race.

Fix Problems Identified with 2009 Race
Key problem areas for 2009 were washed out course markings with record number of off-course runners, drop bags delivered to wrong stations and traffic issues at Naples aid station. Changes for 2010 to address these key problem areas will be:

	Use waterproof permanent paint for course markings instead of spray chalk used previously.
	50 mile route from Bristol Springs to Naples aid station will use Rte. 21 (aka "The Low Road"), eliminating the two right hand turns most likely to be missed and the need to cross Rte 21 to reach the Naples aid station.
	We will provide one-page running directions that runners can carry with them (similar to cycling cue sheets).
	Drop bag delivery will be separated from delivery of water to each station, reducing probability of errors.

Improve Safety, Convenience and Quality of the 50K Race Experience
For the past two years we have had separate finishes for the 50K and 50 mile ultras. Key problems for the race have been the cost of providing two finishes and the difficulties in adequately supporting the back of the field in the 50K. While a runner can get in trouble at any point in a race, most problems are identified at the finish. EMT services and response times will be significantly better at FLCC than at the Village of Middlesex.

The separate finish has also presented problems for the 50K runners who have missed the opportunity to share in the post-race festivities with the 50 mile and relay runners and who have had to provide their transportation back to their cars parked at FLCC. The 7:30 time limit for the 50K has also been a problem for some runners.

For the 2010 race, we will have one finish for all three races by busing the 50K runners to a new start. Specific changes for 2010 will be:

	All three races (50K & 50 mile ultras and 50 mile relay) will finish at Finger Lakes Community College.
	50K race route will be the final 31 miles of the 50 mile route.
	50K start will be on Rte 21 about 4 miles north of Naples.
	50K runners will check in and pick up timing chip at FLCC and then be bused at no charge to 50K start.
	50K time limit will be approximately 9 hours.
	Back of the field runners in the 50K and 50-mile will be finishing together and can be monitored/encouraged by same rovers.

Additional Changes for 2010

	The "Naples Detour" will again be used as the rail-to-trail between Rte. 21 and Parish will still be closed.
	Snacks & soft drinks will be provided at the Friday evening Packet Pickup / Social Hour at FLCC.
	Minimum age for all three races will be 18 years of age at time of registration. Tom Perry, RD Rick Cronise, RD Barry Erickson, Volunteer Coordinator Doug Jones, Medical Coordinator

Continuing from 2009

The CanLake50 is owned and coordinated by Ultrarunning Matters. Ultrarunning Matters is an ultrarunning club open to members from every region. It is a member club of USA Track & Field and of the Road Runners Club of America. The race management team (Tom, Rick, Barry & Doug) continues unchanged except to now have the support of an organized ultrarunning club behind them.

Additional support for first time ultrarunners and first 50-mile ultrarunners. A whole section of the race web site is devoted to Training for the CanLake50. While the primary focus is on getting runners ready for a first ultra or a first 50-mile ultra, there is also content for experienced ultras also.

Short sleeve technical shirts are back. A short sleeve technical race shirt is included with entry in both ultra races. The technical shirt is a $20 extra-cost option for relay entrants. The race shirts are available in both men's and women's styles.

Personalized apparel to top runners in each ultra. Personalized technical jackets or vests will be awarded to the top man and woman in the 50 mile and in the 50K. Winners will receive their awards about three weeks after the race, allowing time for Fleet Feet Sports to have the garments embroidered.

Age-Graded Medals for 50 Mile. All finishers will receive gold, silver or bronze medals based on age-graded standards for each single year age. The Gold standard represents 65% of the World Masters Athletics (WMA) standard for each age. It's a tough but achievable performance. The Silver standard is significantly easier to achieve at 55% of the WMA standard for each age. Bronze medals will be awarded for times slower than the Silver standard. All medals will be awarded at the 50 mile finish.
Comment: Age-graded awards give every runner (male or female at any age) an equal chance to win a gold or silver medal.

Personalized awards to age group winners in each ultra. First place age group awards to top man and woman in 18-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ divisions. Personalized awards will be mailed to winners about two weeks after the race, allowing time for the winner's name to be printed on the award.

Professional Timing. All three events will again be chip timed by Fleet Feet Sports Rochester. All solo runners and each relay team will need to pick-up their timing chip at the race day check-in. Relay runners assigned to leg 10 finishing at FLCC will need to wear their team's timing chip.

Changes to Make the Race Easier for the Race Directors & Volunteers:

	No Race Day Entry. By closing entries the day before the race, we will be able to simplify race day check-in.
	Online Entry Preferred. If practical, we prefer you register online via Active.com. Online registration has several benefits: It's quick and easy for the runner. and it reduces significantly the work of your volunteer race director. A printable entry form is still available if you don't want to use Active.com.
	50K Intermediate and Total Time Limits. All 50K runners must leave the Middlesex aid station (at 12.2 miles) by 3:30 (approximately 1:30 pm). All 50K runners must finish within 9 hours. Both limits require a 17:30 average pace per mile.
	50 Mile Intermediate and Total Time Limits. All 50 mile runners must leave the Middlesex aid station (at 31.8 miles) before 7:30 (2:30 pm); that's a 14:09 average pace. All 50 mile runners must finish within 12 hours (7:00 pm) for an overall 14:15 average pace.

More Race News Updated for 2010

Fleet Feet Sports - Presenting Sponsor for Relay and Ultras
We are pleased to again have Fleet Feet Sports Rochester as the title sponsor of the Relay and presenting sponsor for both the Relay and Ultras. "Boots" and Ellen Boutillier, owners of Fleet Feet Sports Rochester, are working with us to improve many aspects of both the relay and the ultra.

doRochester.com returns as sponsor. Check out the website for things to do while visiting the Rochester area.

Hammer Nutrition returns as sponsor. Hammer returns for the eighth year as our supplier of sport drinks and gels. We (the race directors) use Hammer products in our everyday training and racing.

Check the Entry List for your name. The entry list is updated weekly until September and then daily. If you have registered and don't see your name listed or see any errors in your listing, please send the race director a note immediately.

No Headphones, please. We are a sanctioned USATF race. For your own safety on the roads, leave your iPod or radio in the car. If you insist on using headphones, keep the volume down so you can hear cars approaching and instructions of course marshals.

Start & Finish at Finger Lakes Community College
No race day registration. Race day check-in will again be at the Gym... plenty of room to gather and chat before the race with no shortage of bathrooms. The 50 mile start/finish line will be right outside the Gym. The bus for the 50K start will load in the parking lot outside the Gym. Post race food and awards will be in the Cafeteria Annex. Again, plenty of room to sit, replenish and share adventures.

Hotel Reservations - Book Early. Looking for a hotel for the race? Check out the maps posted showing hotel locations in Canandaigua and nearby towns. It's a good idea to reserve a hotel room as soon as you decide to do the race. Columbus Day weekend is popular for weddings in Canandaigua and the hotels tend to fill up.

Check out the Visitor Info page for Canandaigua Weather and Fall Foliage Forecasts. New York Wine and Culinary Arts Center is open in Canandaigua... Columbus Day weekend is popular for weddings; make your hotel reservations early.

//Tom