FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2021
Contact: Tiffany Hoover
Assistant Recreation Superintendent
Parks and Recreation
479-444-3463
thoover@fayetteville-ar.gov
Frozen Toes 5K & 15K Trail Run on Kessler Mountain this Month
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department will host a modified, in-person version of the Frozen Toes 5K & 15K Trail Run on Saturday, January 23. This event is perfect for runners looking to transition to a longer distance trail race or for those who want to race on soft-surface trails for the first time. The singletrack trails of Kessler Mountain are technical, challenging and beautiful! In order to offer a safe experience for runners and our community, the modified event will follow strict COVID protocols that have been approved by the Arkansas Department of Health, focusing on staggered starts, physical distancing, limiting contact/interactions and minimizing onsite activity. The race will be limited to 200 participants. An alternative challenge option is also being offered that will allow participants to complete their run on the marked course at a time that is suitable and safe for them between January 24 and January 31, 2021.
Race and Challenge Details:
The trail race will start and finish at Kessler Mountain Regional Park. Runners will be assigned a starting time in advance. Start waves will consist of no more than 20 runners and will take place at intervals between 9 and 10 a.m. The 15K runners will be assigned the early start times, followed by the 5K runners. Runners should plan to carry water/nutrition as there will not be a water/aid station on the course.
Those participating in the challenge option can complete their run during the week of January 24-31. Maps will be available via the Strava app and the course will be physically marked. City staff will be marking the course on Friday, January 22. Course markings will remain in place to accommodate the participants of the challenge options and will be removed on February 1.
Trail users should note that the trail system on Kessler Mountain will be closed to the public for the race on Saturday, January 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The trails will be open to the public outside of that time.
Registration Fees:
The registration fee is $30 and includes a goody bag with custom logo socks, finisher medals, and downloadable race photos. Register online at www.fayetteville-ar.gov/recreation.
Awards and Age Groups:
Prizes will be awarded to the overall top three male and female finishers and to the top male and female finishers in each age group participating in the in-person race. (<14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-49, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, >70).
Sponsors and Volunteers:
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Department would like to recognize 2021 Frozen Toes race partners: Clif Bar, Rise Physical Therapy, Fayettechill, Sequoyah Performance Run Coaching, Sportea and UAMS.
Several volunteer opportunities are available for this event. If you are familiar with the Kessler Mountain Trails or just like supporting trail running events, please contact visit the volunteer registration information that can be found on GivePulse for the 2021 Frozen Toes Trail Run.
For more information on Parks & Recreation racing events, please call 479-444-3463, or visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/raceseries.
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