WARRIOR TRAIL PRESENTS THE INAUGURAL 2024
Dark Sky 220 & Cherry Springs 110 REGISTRATION MANUAL
Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 11:00PM – Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 9:00PM
REGISTRATION MANUAL CONTENTS
PLEASE NOTE: As we work to create the best experience possible for our inaugural year races, it is INEVITABLE that there will be changes to the manual prior to race week. These updates will be clearly marked and released on the website as well as through our Warrior Trail Running Facebook page.
This REGISTRATION MANUAL is for initial planning purposes, and thus we have provided only essential details to start your planning and training. The OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL and CREW + PACER MANUAL are forthcoming. Please feel free to contact dani@warriortrail.run with any questions on the contents of this manual. Thank you for your patience!
Welcome
The Experience
Local Community Impact
Entry Requirements
Entry Process
Pre-Race Meeting
Event Overview
Post-Race Celebration
The Experience
Mandatory Runner Gear
Recommended Additional Gear
SPOT Devices
Runner Tracking
Navigation
Participant and Finisher Swag
Course Support Table
Aid Stations
Sleep Stations
Volunteers
Drop Bags
Medical
Dark Sky 220 Route Details
Dark Sky 220 Elevation Profile
Cherry Springs 110 Route Details
Cherry Springs 110 Elevation Profile
Cutoffs
Refunds
Transfers
Paid in Full
Policies and Dates
Run Cancellation
Payment Plan Details
Terms of Payment Plan
Rules
WARRIOR TRAIL ENDURANCE RUN OVERVIEW
Welcome
Join us on an exploration of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Starting just outside the city of Lock Haven, climb and descend (and climb and descend…) through the historic Hyner View, Hyner Run, Patterson, Denton Hill, Lyman Run, Cherry Springs, Ole Bull, and Upper Pine Bottom State Parks. The race traverses sections of the Donut Hole, Susquehannock, Black Forest, Mid-State trails and more. Come experience the wilderness that crowned PA’s nickname, “Rocksylvania.”
The Experience
Warrior Trail endurance events are considered an endurance run rather than a race. As such, it is not intended as solely a competitive event but rather an experience of a lifetime. We will record finish times and award top finishers, but the accomplishment of the runner is in the journey of the run, not how fast you can finish.
Local Community Impact
The vision of Warrior Trail is to create a positive impact in the lives of the people and communities in which our race abides. Through the help of our runners, crew, volunteers and sponsors, our goal is to make a significant economic and social impact to the region. A portion of event proceeds will be donated to scholarships or special projects designed to benefit the communities connected by these trails. Additional donations will be solicited through RunSignup. Please help us reach our goal! More details on this to be released in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
ELIGIBILITY
Entry Requirements
Warrior Trail Running endurance races are graduate level trail events. All participants must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the run. Please consider all these factors carefully before registering for this event:
Physical & Mental Endurance
The Dark Sky 220 is a single loop, 118-hour continuous, multi-day event.
The Cherry Springs 110 is a point to point, 48-hour, (potentially) multi-day event.
The course routes are very physically and mentally demanding with relentless climbing and descending, including steep and technical terrain.
Runners are likely to experience significant sleep deprivation and exposure to unfavorable weather.
Experience & Preparation
Runners should have ultramarathon race distance experience, fastpacking and/or backpacking experience, be properly physically and mentally trained, and equip themselves to carry a heavy pack between aid stations that includes all required gear.
Though there are NO QUALIFYING RACE requirements for either the Dark Sky 220 or Cherry Springs 110 at this time, we do ask that runners evaluate and respect their current level of experience before embarking on this challenging journey.
In addition to required gear, runners are expected to know what they need to carry to be safe at all times, even beyond what they think is necessary.
Runners must carry enough water for each section. There are frequent streams and water sources throughout the race where water can be filtered. We highly encourage runners to carry a water filter.
Course & Navigation
Much of the terrain is rugged and remote. A few of the trails are rarely used. There will likely be little to no cellular reception throughout the majority of the course.
Please note that there may be exposed sections, dangerous cliffs, potential for rock fall, interactions with flora and fauna, and other hazards throughout the route.
This level of endurance running is inherently dangerous and taxing. Runners are expected to be able to navigate in the case that course markers are difficult to see.
This includes being prepared and confident in using the course GPX handy AT ALL TIMES.
Much of the course will depend on existing trail marking as opposed to flagging.
Weather
Northern Pennsylvania in April can exhibit unpredictable weather - cold temperatures can vary from below freezing with high winds, and unseasonably warm temperatures can get up to 80F or more with high humidity.
Trail Maintenance
Warrior Trail requires a minimum of 8 hours of trail maintenance in order to participate in the Dark Sky 220 or Cherry Springs 110. We hope you will try to join one of our work days!
In lieu of trail work, an optional $50 donation may be made to be used for the purchase of trail maintenance expenses, supplies and tools.
RUN TIMELINE
Entry Process
Registration through RunSignUp will open June 15, 2023 at 11PM EST. A maximum of 300 slots are available between the Dark Sky 220 and Cherry Springs 110.
Pre-Race Meeting
There will be a pre-race meeting held prior to the race start on April 11, 2024. The time and location will be announced in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
Event Overview
The Dark Sky 220 race start is 11:00 PM on April 11, 2024. The route is a single loop of approximately 220 miles that will be run in a clockwise direction, starting and finishing in Lock Haven, PA. There will be aid stations located at regular intervals along the course, some of which are available to crews and pacers. Some of the aid stations will provide tents for sleep stations (see Course Support for details). The cutoff for this event will be 118 hours.
The Cherry Springs 110 will begin at 9:00 PM on April 14, 2024. This race is approximately 104 mile point to point run. You will begin at Lyman Run State Park and finish in Lock Haven at the same finish line as the Dark Sky 220. Competitors in this race will use the same aid stations and sleep stations as the 220 runners. These stations are further apart than in most 100 mile events. The cutoff for this event will be 48 hours.
Post-Race Celebration
The race cutoff is 9pm on April 16, 2024. We invite all runners, pacers and crew to join us for the golden hours (last 3 hours of the event) to welcome home our final finishers for celebration and fellowship with the trail community. More on this event to come in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
RUNNER EXPERIENCE
The Experience
These are nonstop events. When the run starts the clock does not stop until 118 hours later. Runners must LEAVE each aid station before the designated cut-off in order to continue. Runners will be well supported on their journey with 15 full-aid stations, serving up hot food to order and 2 LockBox stations (details forthcoming). Seven of the full-aid stations are designated sleep stations and conveniently spaced along the journey. Stations are staffed with medical and communications teams as well. Crew and pacing teams are allowed at designated areas. All participants are asked to respect the Rules of Conduct.
Mandatory Runner Gear
Due to the potential for cold nights, extreme weather, and the remoteness of the run, we require mandatory gear. Athletes will be checked several times throughout the run for mandatory gear and will be disqualified or penalized if they are not carrying it.
CLOTHING
Jacket with a hood - waterproof may be required based on weather conditions
Gloves
Hat or buff
Long pants
Insulating layer and/or long sleeve shirt
EQUIPMENT
SPOT Tracker (included with registration)
Device with GPX track of the course pre-loaded
Cell Phone
Headlamp or waist light
Extra batteries
Whistle
FOOD
500 extra/emergency calories
SUPPLIES
Ziplock baggies for your TP/wipes
Collapsible cup (as this is a cupless race)
Recommended Additional Gear
Recommended gear is for your own safety and that of your fellow runners. Running in the remote backcountry doesn’t leave you with many options in the case of poor weather, injury, or other potential problems. If something were to go wrong during the run, this gear will help you be more prepared to help yourself and your fellow runners.
CLOTHING
Gaiters
Puffy jacket with hood
Neck Gaiter - for warmth and protection from wind/cold/sun
EQUIPMENT
Extra headlamp or waist light
One set of extra batteries (or more)
Trekking poles (HIGHLY recommended)
FOOD & WATER
Extra calories
At least 3L water at all times
Hand bottle (or as secondary water carrying method)
Water purification method: tablets, filter, filter bottle or Steripen
IDENTIFICATION & MEDICAL
ID (Personal Identification with name, age, etc)
Lists of emergency contacts, allergies and medical conditions and medications
Compact first aid and foot care kit
SUPPLIES
Sunscreen
Toilet paper and wipes
SPOT Devices
Mandatory Spot Devices are included with runner registration for the Dark Sky 220. Use of the SPOT provided by Warrior Trail is mandatory. No personal devices will be allowed.
Runners will pick up their SPOT devices on the day of race.
A trained volunteer or staff will attach the SPOT tracker to the runner’s backpack or other appropriate gear to ensure proper operation.
The SPOT will already be turned on and verified operable in the tracking system. Once the device is on for a bit no lights will be visible, this is normal and prolongs battery life.
Only trained aid station personnel are authorized to reset or replace a runner’s assigned SPOT.
Safety
All progress and locations are monitored for the duration of the race by the Warrior Trail Runner Team. The Tracking Team works alongside the HAM Radio Communications Team giving communications to all Aid Station locations. This allows for quicker response times in the event of a runner getting off course or a medical situation.
Live Tracking
Family, friends and everyone else can follow the runners making their way around the 220 mile loop.
Live Tracking is available, and the link will be posted in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
*Live SPOT tracking is not always accurate due to terrain and/or environmental factors. This can cause delays in location updates (generally updated approximately every 7 minutes) and jumping to random locations.We do not guarantee devices will work or that the live tracking will work or be accurate. We rely on our vendor for this service.
Navigation
Download GPS Tracks (Mandatory)
All runners and pacers are required to have the latest course map loaded onto their phone, GPS watch, handheld GPS or other device.
At race check-in, all runners will need to show that they have the GPS tracks and know how to use them.
Participant and Finisher Swag
All finishers get a unique, distance-specific, belt buckle. The top 3 male, female, and open category finishers receive special awards in addition to finisher’s awards. At check-in, all runners receive a variety of swag that may include a swag bag, t-shirt, bumper sticker, etc. More details forthcoming in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
COURSE SUPPORT
Aid Stations
There will be 15 full-aid stations and 2 LockBox stations across the Dark Sky 220 mile loop. The Cherry Springs 110 will utilize 7 of these full-aid stations and 1 of the LockBox stations.
PLEASE NOTE: More details forthcoming with exact GPS locations of these aid stations. Please refer to the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL and CREW + PACER MANUAL for more specifics and logistics.
*Please note, mileages are approximate. It is inevitable to have variation between devices and maps.
Sleep Stations
Out of the 15 aid stations, 7 will provide designated spaces for runners to sleep. More specifics to follow.
Volunteers
Interested in volunteering? We welcome your help! Please visit our Volunteer Portal on RunSignUp.
Drop Bags
Drop bags are optional. Runners may choose not to have drop bags or may choose some locations and not others.
We are only allowing drop bags at crew accessible aid stations.
If you choose to use drop bags, we will do our best to care for your bag and get it to each location. Though it is highly unlikely, drop bags may be lost, mishandled, or not make it to your specified location, so please consider wisely what you choose to put in your bags. Please do not leave valuables or breakable items in drop bags. If you choose to pack valuable or fragile items, you do so at your own risk.
Size Limits
Maximum Size – Drop bags should be no larger than 16 inches x 24 inches x 10 inches. Drop bags larger than these dimensions will not be transported.
Bag construction – Please use a bag that is re-closeable and sturdy.
Bag retrieval reminder – We suggest that you put an alarm on your phone or on crew member’s phones to remind you to pick up drop bags after the run as we do not mail drop bags. Everyone will be sleep deprived by the end and this can easily fall through the cracks. Plan accordingly!
Labeling Drop Bags
All drop bags must be labeled clearly in bold lettering with the following identification:
Runner's full name
Bib number
Aid station name
Unclaimed Drop Bags
We will not mail drop bags after the event.
If you drop out of the run, or run really fast and leave early, you may need to drive to the aid stations to personally retrieve your bags. Drop bags will not be returned to the finish line until an aid station has closed.
We are unable to transport unclaimed drop bags after the run. If you leave yours at the finish line, due to limited space in our vehicles, we will donate them to our local running store or dispose of items.
Medical
Medical support at aid stations will be provided. More specifics to follow.
COURSE OVERVIEW
Dark Sky 220 Route Details
Race Headquarters (Start/Finish): Castanea Fire Company Picnic Grounds, Lock Haven, PA.
Dark Sky 220 Elevation Profile
Total Mileage: 220.14 mi. - Loop
Total Gain: 39,692 ft.
Please note: individualized elevation profiles for each segment will be released in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
Cherry Springs 110 Course Details
Cherry Springs 110 Elevation Profile
Total Mileage: 111.85 mi. - Point-to-Point
Total Gain: 20,447 ft.
Please note: individualized elevation profiles for each segment will be released in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
Cutoffs
Overall Dark Sky 220 Cutoff: 118 hours. Overall Cherry Springs 110 Cutoff: 48 hours (yes, you read that correctly). More specifics of individual cutoffs per segment forthcoming. Please check back for the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY
We do not offer refunds, however through Run Signup and their partnership with ProTecht RegShield, you have the opportunity to purchase insurance to protect your entry fee. We highly recommend you consider this option. Insurance premiums are approximately 8.1% of the registration fee. Details on what is covered by the policy are available in the checkout process. Please keep this in mind before signing up for this event.
Transfers
Transfer credit can only be applied once, as outlined in our policies.
Transfers are good for two calendar years.
To be eligible for a transfer, the entry must be paid in full.
Paid in Full
For clarity, “Paid in Full” means those who have paid the entire entry fee and does not apply to payment plans, previous transfers or refunds.
To request removal from the event and a transfer, a runner must email brian@warriortrail.run on or before the dates listed below. You can remove yourself from the event on RunSignUp by logging into your account and going to your registration history, but you must also email us for transfer credit.
Policies & Dates for Transfer Credit:
For those who request transfer before October 1, 2023 and have paid in full, a transfer credit of 75% of your entry fee can be applied in either of the next two years.
For those who request transfer between October 1 - December 31 and have paid in full, a transfer credit of 50% of your entry fee can be applied in either of the next two years.
For those who request transfer between January 1 - March 1 and have paid in full, a transfer credit of 25% of your entry fee can be applied in either of the next two years.
Transfer credit must be used within the next two calendar years. If you end up being unable to run within the following two years, you will forfeit your transfer credit.
No transfers after March 1, no exceptions.
PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR SPECIAL TREATMENT. We do not take any special exception requests, even with doctor’s notes.
Deferrals due to pregnancy: If you are pregnant or become pregnant before the race, you may defer your entry to a future year without penalty.
Please provide a request in writing to brian@warriortrail.run no later than April 1, which includes a signed letter by a physician or other medical professional with proof of pregnancy or birth.
Once accepted, there is no required timeframe for the deferral.
You may choose to register for a future race by submitting a letter of intent to run to brian@warriortrail.run during that year’s registration period.
No transfers to other runners at any time unless the registered runner is deceased, in which case the next of kin may give the bib to another runner.
Once you have, per our policies, chosen a transfer via email, that choice is binding and cannot be changed. Emails must be sent by the dates listed in this policy to be considered. Exceptions will not be made.
Emails sent after the cut off date will not be eligible for previous transfer credits..
Please email Brian about run transfer credit: brian@warriortrail.run.
We reserve the right to deny any transfer requests at our discretion except as outlined above.
Please inquire about a volunteer-trade for run entry if you are interested in run credit. Transfer up to 100% of your entry if you volunteer for a specified length of time - details forthcoming in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL and VOLUNTEER MANUAL.
Although rare and unlikely, if the run is canceled due to any uncontrollable reason, we will not issue refunds.
In the case of such a cancellation we will do our best to offer a reasonable transfer credit, depending on the timing of the cancellation.
Mid-run cancellations due to circumstances beyond our control will not be eligible for any transfer credit.
Run Cancellation
Warrior Trail Running, LLC reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the run for any of the following reasons:
Extreme weather prior to or during the event.
Fire danger.
Other unexpected conditions.
Unforeseen circumstances that make directing the run impossible.
Pandemic or other Health Cautions
All persons participating in Warrior Trail events, runners, crew, pacers, family and volunteers, must follow health regulations in effect during the run.
In the case of cancellation, run entries will not be refunded. Credits may be applied for a future event depending on timing.
Payment Plans
Payment Plans available for the Dark Sky 220 only.
Please pay the full entry fee whenever possible.
Payment plans are available but must be set up before you register for the run. There is a $75 payment plan fee. Please do not ask if you don’t need it. We want to continue to offer this option for people who truly have a need.
Payment plans are at the discretion of the Race Director. To apply for a payment plan please email brian@warriortrail.run.
Any initial down payment and fees are non-refundable.
Payment plans details
Payment plans begin with a down payment of $675 + $75 payment plan fee for a total of $750.
Down payments are made when you register on RunSignUp.
The payment plan fee covers the fees for the payment site, paypal.com.
Balance paid in 3 payments of $225 at 30 days, 60 days and 90 days after the initial payment.
We will send you details after you register and you will receive an invoice email every 30 days.
Please note that down payments and payment plan fees are non-refundable, no exceptions. Once all payments are made, then you will be eligible for the same credit options as described above.
Terms of Payment Plans
Payments made more than 30 days late may be subject to an additional $50 fee per month. If payments are more than 30 days late and/or not paid by March 1, 2024, the runner may be removed from the event and no refunds or transfers will be given.
Transfer credits are not granted to any payment plan runners unless the entry fee is fully paid for and the request is made within the timeframe of transfers/refunds.
RULES OF CONDUCT
Rules
In addition to any previously mentioned rules, please follow these rules or you may be disqualified:
Minimum Runner Age
Runners must be 18 years of age or older on run day to start the run.
We will not make any exceptions to this rule.
Sportsmanship/Respect
We require that all runners treat the trails, our volunteers, and other runners and trail users with respect and kindness.
Poor sportsmanship and disrespect for our volunteers or other trail users can be grounds for disqualification.
Runner Gear
Runners must carry their own mandatory and recommended gear during the run. No pacer or other runner may mule your stuff for you.
Mandatory Gear
Runners must be in possession of and carry their mandatory gear at all times.
Mandatory Gear checks will be conducted randomly during the event
Runners who do not have the mandatory gear will be disqualified or given a time penalty
SPOT Tracker
Runners must leave the SPOT device on their pack and with them at all times
Resetting, replacing or otherwise adjusting the SPOT is to be done only by authorized Aid Station Personnel.
Runners must turn in the SPOT when finishing the run or when dropping from the race..
Personal Sanitation and Waste Management
We ask that you abide by “Leave No Trace” principles. Please use our portable toilets, lugaloos, or campground toilets. While on the trail dig a 6” hole to bury your #2. Toilet paper and wipes must be carried to the next aid station for disposal.
If you allow your crew or pacer to violate these rules, you will be disqualified.
Littering by leaving garbage, toilet paper, wipes, waste or other trash will not be tolerated and will be cause for disqualification.
Garbage and other waste may only be left in trash receptacles and must be carried by runners between aid stations. Please be cognizant of your micro-waste.
Medical Disqualification
A runner requiring the use of emergency medical service (EMS) or search and rescue (SAR) is automatically disqualified.
A runner refusing the advice of SAR or EMS is automatically disqualified.
Any runner who disrespects or treats poorly any medical staff or volunteer will be automatically DQ’d, no questions asked.
Course Route
Runners must follow the assigned course.
No cutting of the course. Warrior Trail will verify course tracks of finishers.
Warrior Trail may change the course for runner safety, possibly mid-race if weather or conditions dictate it.
Progress on the Course
Runners must complete the entire course on foot, without aid (e.g., motors, bikes, or any other mechanized or non-mechanized assistance).
Runners are not allowed to ride in cars or take other means of transportation at any time. They may sleep in crew cars at aid stations, just not be transported.
Pacers
Runners may have a pacer begin/exchange only when designated by the course support chart.
Pacers will be required to have a Pacer Bib.
Pacers must carry their own mandatory gear - same as the mandatory gear for runners.
Runners may pick up a pacer only at aid stations allowing pacer access.
You may have different pacers throughout, but only one pacer at a time.
Pacers not following the rules will automatically disqualify their runner.
Runners may not abandon a pacer unable to keep up – runners will accompany the pacer to the next aid station. Runners should keep these rules in mind when choosing or accepting pacers.
Interested in pacing but don’t have a friend who is crazy enough to face? Follow up on the Warrior Trail website and Facebook page for more information on creating a pacer profile. More information forthcoming in the OFFICIAL RACE MANUAL.
Did Not Finish (DNF)
A DNF is not a penalty of any kind, rather an acknowledgement that the runner started but had to stop the run for whatever reason before reaching the finish line. In contrast, a DQ is a penalty and is given as a result of rules being broken, unsportsmanlike behavior or endangering others and can be given as a result of a person’s crew or pacer’s actions.
A “DNF” will be given to any runner:
Finishing after the cut off time.
Choosing, by their own admission, to quit the run before finishing the entire course.
Any runner who choses to drop out of the race must do so AT AN AID STATION. We will NOT come onto the course to pull you out of the race. You must make every effort, unless EXTREME emergency, to make it to the closest aid station or road.
Missing an Aid Station cut off time (not leaving station before the cut off time).
Returning to your crew at an aid station after the aid station cut off time .
Advised by the medical team or Warrior Trail that they may not continue due to a medical issue including but not limited to:
Any issue that requires hospitalization or is deemed as being grave enough to require hospitalization whether or not the runner does indeed seek medical help.
Extreme hallucinations or losing touch with reality.
Medical issues may be physical or mental as a long endurance run like this can cause breakdown of both the body and the mind.
Buckles are only awarded to finishes within the course cut off time. DNF runners are not eligible for a buckle.
Unofficial Finish – Runners may receive an unofficial finish if they leave the last aid station at or before the cut off time but arrive at the finish past the cut off time.
Full Disqualification (DQ)
Runners and their crew are expected to act in a way that maintains and enhances the reputation of the event. DQ is at the discretion of the Warrior Trail and will be made after careful consideration of facts.
A DQ may be given if a runner, pacer, or crew member:
Blatantly breaks a rule of the run.
Breaks the law.
Acts in an unsportsmanlike manner towards race officials, volunteers, runners, or anyone they encounter throughout the duration of the run.
Endangers anyone.
Endangers the run’s permits.
Cheats in any form.
Receives aid from their crew between aid stations.
Refuses to drop from the run when directed.
Skips part of the course.
Littering.
Responsibility for Crew and Pacers
Lastly, and most importantly, a runner is 100% responsible for their crew and pacer(s) and the way the crew and pacer(s) act on course and between aid stations. Crews shouldn’t ever leave trash, food, feces, or toilet paper, park off-road on delicate plants/terrain, block road/emergency access or access of other trail users, crew a runner outside of aid stations or at no-crew locations, drive too fast for roads, or not follow Leave No Trace rules.
It is the runner’s responsibility to educate your crew and pacers carefully, and choose them even more carefully. They will represent you and thus represent the entire event. The way your crew interacts with and treats our volunteers, staff, locals and other trail users is important. We expect only the most professional, kind and courteous crew.
Please note that neither crew nor pacer is mandatory or needed to complete this event. Between drop bags and aid stations, you should be able to complete this event solo.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Thank you for your support and/or curiousity of Warrior Trail Running! It is an honor to have the opportunity to create and cultivate adventures like the Dark Sky 220 and Cherry Springs 110. I am even more excited to watch as many of you take on the challenge of experiencing these trails for yourself.
I appreciate your patience as we move towards solidification of the Official Race Manual, Crew + Pacer Manual, and Volunteer Manual. Again, please feel free to contact dani@warriortrail.run with any additional questions or concerns that could affect your registration.
Happy trails and even happier training!
See you in April,
Dani - VP of Warrior Trail