Rosaryville Veterans Day Trail Race

Note From The Race Director

The 20K starts at 9:00am and the 50K starts at 8:00am. For volunteer opportunities, please use the volunteer button on Ultrasignup. Make sure to follow our social media channels for race updates, project updates, and training runs.

History

The Annapolis Striders present the 17th annual Rosaryville Veterans Day Trail Race. The 50K and 20K races take place on the wooded trails and through the meadows of Rosaryville State Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The race is limited to 250 participants and has an 8-hour time limit for the 50K and 7-hour time limit for the 20K. Participants can register for the race on ultrasignup.com. Runners are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot for this classic trail race with old school feel. The Rosaryville State Park course is a true gem for trail runners in search of a challenging yet picturesque route. With the majority of the course winding through deep woods, runners will be treated to stunning views of Maryland's natural beauty. The trail itself is largely buffed out single track making it accessible to runners of all skill levels. The race starts and finishes at the Pavilion picnic area, a short distance from the perimeter trail entrance. There will also be two aid stations along the way to help keep runners hydrated and energized. For those who need to drop off any bags or gear, there will be a designated drop bag area, which is only a short walk from the Start/Finish line. For more information please visit Ultrasignup.com. Headphones, pets, babyjoggers, etc. are not allowed during the race given the nature of the course, our concern for the safety of all participants, and our insurance requirements.

Course

The 50K course is basically 3.25 loops around the 9.5-mile single track perimeter trail. There are no big climbs nor descents but the rolling hills add up to a total elevation gain of about 2600ft. The Start/Finish is at the Pavilion picnic area. From the start, runners go 0.7 miles on paved road to Aid Station #1 (AS #1) where they enter the perimeter trail, running in a counter-clockwise direction. About 2.25 miles on the trail from AS #1 is the bag drop area. AS #2 has been moved back to it's original location. From AS #1 to AS #2 is approximately 4.5 miles. Runners complete two more loops on the trail then continue to the bag drop area where they exit the loop for a short sprint across a grassy field to the finish. The course is mostly in deep woods; the trail is mostly single track but not very technical. The course is well marked with white pie plates and white confidence ribbons. There are other markers on the course that have been put there by other people for other purposes. Look for the white markers only. The 20K course is basically 1.25 loops around the 9.5-mile single track perimeter trail. There are no big climbs nor descents but the rolling hills. The Start/Finish is at the Pavilion picnic area. From the start, runners go 0.7 miles on paved road to Aid Station #1 (AS #1) where they enter the perimeter trail, running in a counter-clockwise direction. About 2.25 miles on the trail from AS #1 is the bag drop area. AS #2 has been moved back to it's original location. From AS #1 to AS #2 is approximately 4.5 miles. Runners complete one loop on the trail then continue to the bag drop area where they exit the loop for a short sprint across a grassy field to the finish. The course is mostly in deep woods; the trail is mostly single track but not very technical. The course is well marked with white pie plates and white confidence ribbons. There are other markers on the course that have been put there by other people for other purposes. Look for the white markers only. Note for first-time ultra trail runners: This isn’t a technical course, but admire the scenery at your peril. Roots, rocks, and stumps all nestle in the leaves, which in early November will be plentiful.

Directions

From Baltimore: (Travel time approx. 1 hour.) Take Route 97 to Route 3 south. Route 3 will cross Route 50 and become Route 301 south. Follow Route 301 to Upper Marlboro. The State Park is located approximately 4 miles south of Upper Marlboro. The park entrance is on the right. From the Washington Beltway I-495/95: (Travel time approx. 1/2 hour.) Take exit #11, Route 4 East. Follow Route 4 to Upper Marlboro. Exit on Route 301 south for approximately 4 miles. The park entrance is on the right. Warning: Enter the park from Route 301, not from Rosaryville Road. You cannot get to the start of the race from the Rosaryville Road entrance.

Packet Pickup

Packet Pickup is on race morning from 6:45 to 8:55 at the pavilion area, near the Start/Finish 50K race starts at 8:00 20K race starts at 9:00

Drop Bag

The bag drop location very close to the start/finish (perhaps 1/4 mile). Please label your bag with your name and bib number. At the start/finish pavilion there will be area for you to put your place your bag. After the start of the race, volunteers will take your bags over the drop bag area. You will have access to your bag at about the 5k, 20k, and 35k points on the course. This area will not be covered, please plan accordingly if wet weather is forecast. After the race you are responsible to go over to the drop bag area and collect your drop bag. Please do not leave your bag behind.

Awards

Top 3 Male/Female, and top Male/Female Military (active duty or retired) for both 50K & 20K.

Refunds/Deferrals/Transfers & Race Changes

While we are more than happy to accommodate distance changes, we regret to inform you that no refunds will be offered for such modifications. However, please note that any participant who wishes to switch distances will be responsible for paying the difference in registration fee, if applicable. All race distance changes must be made before race day. No changes on race day are permitted. As per our race policy, we understand that there are certain extenuating circumstances that may prevent participants from taking part. In light of this, we are pleased to inform you that we do offer refunds/deferrals for individuals who withdraw due to maternity or deployment reasons. Registrations are not transferable.

Race Rules

Do: • Bring a water bottle or hydration pack • Let us know if you drop out. (So we don’t call your emergency contact!) • Bring a drop bag if you want one. It will not be under a roof, so if rain is forecast you may want to use a dry-bag. • Feel free to have a pacer on Loop #3. However, that pacer must be on foot (not a bike). Don’t: • Have a pet run with you while you are racing. • Please do not wear headphones or earbuds. This is an insurance requirement which is based on runner safety. • Pay for parking. It is covered by your race registration. • Litter! If you drop a gel, even a gel tab, or a cup, or anything else on the trail, please stop and pick it up! We want to want to keep the trails in the best shape possible.

Time Limit

Runners have 8 hours to finish the 50K race and 7 hours to finish the 20K. However, in the interest of our dedicated volunteers and to avoid having runners on the course after the time limit, runners must reach the bag drop area/trail exit point for their final full 9.5-mile lap by 1:20 p.m. This allows 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the final full loop on the 9.5-mile trail and the short dash to the finish. Runners arriving at the bag drop area after 1:20 having completed only 2 full loops on the perimeter trail will not be permitted to continue the race.

Post Race Festivities

After conquering the challenging trails and pushing your limits, it's time to relax, unwind, and celebrate your accomplishment. Change into some clean clothes, grab your camping chair and join us for post-trail race finish party filled with hot food, cozy fire pits, music, and fun yard games. We are firing up the grills and will serve smoked BBQ chicken sliders, vegetarian chili, cheese quesadillas, hamburger/cheeseburgers, and diced potatoes.