Dear Shufflers,
Event week is here, the snow is not! As an event director I have mixed feelings about the lack of snow. On one hand it is a “SNOW” shuffle, and on the other hand it makes for much less fuss and concern. One weather facet that looks promising – it will be COLD. Mention number one to dress warmly…
As most of you know this is the first year the Snow Shuffle is not being held at the state park. It is also the first collaboration with Cedar Falls’ Community Main Street. That organization is providing volunteer support and coordination of several facets of the event.
The first go at anything means we cannot anticipate everything. For this reason and the fact the event is much larger than past Shuffle’s, I am asking for your cooperation, understanding and given the season, generous spirits all morning.
The following should help answer any questions you have. Please use Facebook to ask any other questions, as others may have the same one and get it answered thanks to you.
EVENT SPOT – Located east of State Street between 2nd and 3rd streets in the grass area. One block south of Runner’s Flat parking lot area.
PARKING – the early bird gets the worm, is how the old saying goes. Parking at the state park is down to a science for the Trekman Crew – but for this event it is an unknown. My advice is to Google Cedar Falls and take a look at the satellite map. Parking is available in a couple lots north of Viking Pump, and of course various places downtown. Many of you need to be prepared to walk a little ways.
WEATHER – The long term forecast shows little chance of precipitation, but that can change on a dime so here is how weather is handled:
· Always check Facebook and the Trekman Racing website before you go to bed and as soon as you get up if there is any snow, rain or ice
· Community Main Street staff assure me that the street department will give the route priority in the event of a minor snow/ice incident – but no guarantees the weather will allow us to continue
· Cold will not deter us, but heavy wind might
If the event has to be cancelled due to weather, unless it is a really bad morning there will still be music, food and shirts. Common sense applies in any case.
There are 423 people registered as I type this. Good news to be sure! The bad news is that having a place to keep everyone warm is a challenge. The current plan is to have a very large tent from Black Hawk Rental, along with one or both tents belonging to Trekman Racing. Heaters will be in the tents. If there is a chance of rain/snow then the tents may be unavailable. In case the tents are not possible you simply need to dress for standing around in the weather as we do not have the ability to be inside anywhere.
FUN RUN/WALK – This is not a competitive event and some of you may not be familiar with how a true fun run/walk event works. There is still a start line, start time, measured course and finish line. There will be a clock for those who wish to know how they did as we know many of you will do your best and wish to know your time. However, nobody will be taking bib tags and there are no awards in a fun run. You MUST wear your bib where we can see it, because while there are no awards the event still costs money, is a fundraiser and took just as much time to plan by organizers. To encourage someone to cheat and be a bandit is adamantly frowned upon. Bandits and anyone knowingly encouraging a bandit will be banned from any Trekman event for 5 years. Oh, and Santa puts you on the naughty list.
DOOR PRIZES – There have always been a fair number of door prizes associated with the Snow Shuffle. Donations are required to be eligible. It is a primary way money is raised for the Salvation Army, as 100% of the profits go directly to the local chapter. There are a few prizes for those who donate $1-$4 and then a longer list of nicer prizes reserved for those who donate $5 or more. For every $5 up to $50 you may enter your bib number in the drawing. So it is possible to have your bib number in 10 times, thought you can only win one prize. Bring money Friday or before the Shuffle starts.
Door prize drawing will be held approximately 10:15 and you must be present to win something. Examples of items to win include Gift Certificates’ from the OP, Runner’s Flat, free Trekman race entry’s, one hour massages from Elements and an iPod. Someone will win free entry into every Trekman race next year (Fools, Park to Park, Sullivan’s, Shuffle).
BIB/SHIRT PICK UP - To “go green” I do not hand out packets any longer. Your bib/shirt can be picked up on FRIDAY at the Runner’s Flat in downtown Cedar Falls from 5:00 to 7:00 or SATURDAY from 7:30 to 8:45 in one of the tents. Please respect the 5:00 time, we all have day jobs. Everyone should receive “jingle bells” that are to be pinned on for the run/walk.
THE FIRST 200 PEOPLE TO PICK UP A BIB WILL RECEIVE A SANTA HAT – PLEASE TAKE THE HAT ONLY IF YOU WILL WEAR IT DURING THE RUN/WALK
SANTA – There will be a real Santa and a helper elf seeking out all the on the “NICE” list event morning near the tents. Most people are probably on that list, but if you don’t get anything you have to ask yourself what you did this year to get on Santa’s bad side. If you are in a relationship, ask your partner and find out.
LATE ENTRY – Know someone who wants to enter? There is no shirt guarantee, but late entry is available Friday and Saturday. No mail in entries this week, only online or at the Runner’s Flat (Friday) or the tent (Saturday).
The number one goal of this event is for everyone in attendance to have FUN. It is a celebration of the running/walking year and a way to enjoy the festive Christmas Season, Trekman style. Please thank all the volunteers who have agreed to freeze for you. Sponsors are an integral part of the event, as always, with 100% of the sponsorships benefitting Community Main Street or the Salvation Army. Please patronize them and say thanks when you do.
Hope you have a great morning,
Dave “Trekman” Lipinski
Santa’s Snow Shuffle Director
319-575-0989 (not available race morning to answer the phone)
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