Hello Saturday Runners!
This Sat, July 7th, we will be running the Upton Hill Route, as written its 12 miles but since its an out-and-back feel free to dial it down as needed (or tack on a few extra). Its going to be insanely hot out; 80 by sunrise, 90s by 10am, and into the 100's in the afternoon so its critical to take it easy, drink plenty of fluids, and only run during the coolest times of the day. We will have a group starting at 6am as well as a group starting at 7am Saturday.
Please give a big thanks to our drink volunteers: Eric Waskowicz will be providing post-run drinks, and Janet Abbate will provide mid-run drinks (might even get to hit these twice). Mid-run drinks are critical on hot summer days like this and we still have a few dates open: August 18 and 25 and a few early Saturdays in September while its still hot out. Please email slr@dcroadrunners.org if you can help out.
Directions: Run through Rosslyn and go left onto the Custis Trail. At 4.5 miles out Turn RIGHT at trail spur just before Mile Marker 0.0. The spur will be at the bottom of a hill and immediately before the trail goes under I-66. Keep Westover Park on your left and follow N. Kennebec St. Turn LEFT onto N. 11th St. At 5.0 miles out Turn LEFT onto Patrick Henry Drive. Be careful crossing Wilson Blvd. At 6.0 miles out is Upton Hill Regional Park. This route is out-and-back. Circle parking lot and begin retracing your steps back down Patrick Henry Dr, back to Custis and down to Rosslyn. Turn around early to shorten as needed.
Check the route map and cue sheet too. Yes, as the name implies it is hilly, but the uphill portion is the first half so you can cruise back down once you turn around. Fortunetely, in addition to our mid-run drink stop there are a few water fountains along the route. At least one along the Custis Trail, and another water fountain with bathroom in Upton Hill Regional Park (where you turn around).
Stay cool out there and try to keep those "heat tips" in mind from a few weeks ago,
-- Erik