Post by CoachSpongeBob on Nov 19, 2009 6:34:01 GMT -5
For those running the Footlocker XC Northeast Regional Championships, they are running it on a new course this year. Someone that has run this course (and calls it his favorite course) gave me some info on the course that might be useful for both the runners, and anybody going to watch. I thought I would post it here in case anybody wanted it.
Good luck to all our county runners heading up!!
Sunken Meadow Course
The course is very flat for the first 3/4 of a mile followed by a long up hill climb that ends in a very steep hairpin turn. The steep part is only about 40 yards long but it is steep. That is followed by a very steep drop and a long downhill that eventually winds around a picnic area. Halfway through the picnic area the runners start the long climb towards cardiac hill which is about 2 1/4 miles into the race. Cardiac is a brutal, long, steep at times hill with loose dirt that winds upward and twists so it seems to never end. Once at the top the runners have about 1/3 of a mile of downhill followed by a fast and flat finish.
When watching the race I suggest starting about 1/4 mile from the start at the wooden bridge that goes over the river. You can watch the runners pass and then race across the bridge and up the hill slightly to see them start up the first hill. From there you only need to head a short distance to see them come down the hill a few minutes later. Then you can watch them head up towards cardiac hill a short distance away. From there you can watch them again come back and head for the last 1/2 mile or race back across the bridge to the beginning. The course has a beautiful view of Long Island Sound.
Good luck to all our county runners heading up!!
Sunken Meadow Course
The course is very flat for the first 3/4 of a mile followed by a long up hill climb that ends in a very steep hairpin turn. The steep part is only about 40 yards long but it is steep. That is followed by a very steep drop and a long downhill that eventually winds around a picnic area. Halfway through the picnic area the runners start the long climb towards cardiac hill which is about 2 1/4 miles into the race. Cardiac is a brutal, long, steep at times hill with loose dirt that winds upward and twists so it seems to never end. Once at the top the runners have about 1/3 of a mile of downhill followed by a fast and flat finish.
When watching the race I suggest starting about 1/4 mile from the start at the wooden bridge that goes over the river. You can watch the runners pass and then race across the bridge and up the hill slightly to see them start up the first hill. From there you only need to head a short distance to see them come down the hill a few minutes later. Then you can watch them head up towards cardiac hill a short distance away. From there you can watch them again come back and head for the last 1/2 mile or race back across the bridge to the beginning. The course has a beautiful view of Long Island Sound.