Inaugural Everglades Half Marathon Race Guide by Vacation Races

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

EVERGLADES HALF MARATHON

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

Vacation Races | National Park Half Marathon Series

Race Guide

EVENT SCHEDULE FRIDAY Race Expo & Bib Pickup Starts

10:00 am

Race Expo & Bib Pickup Ends

4:00 pm

*We cannot accommodate runners before 10:00 am

SATURDAY Parking lot opens Shuttles begin running Race-day bib pickup opens First prize raffle (Every 5 minutes) Runners line up and last call for gear check National anthem RACE STARTS - ALL DIVISIONS Awards ceremony

4:00 am 4:30 am 4:45 am 5:00 am 6:15 am 6:20 am

6:30 AM

9:15 am

Welcome Detailed Schedule of Events Expo Map Merchandise Expo Details Vacation Races Campground

On behalf of Everglades National Park, I would like to welcome the 2016 Everglades Half Marathon runners and spectators to the area. We are thrilled you’ve decided that Everglades National Park, one of 413 units in the National Park Service, will be a part of your running year. This is a landmark year for the National Park Service as 2016 marks one century, since the founding of the National Park Service and we are celebrating across the country! On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed a bill, the Organic Act, “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein, and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Thus the National Park Service was born and has worked over the last century preserving America’s most special places and stories. The half-marathon will take place in the Shark Valley District of Everglades National Park, where you will experience the “river of grass”, the true essence of the Everglades. As you run the course, keep in mind that the water you see is slowly moving, as it has always done and always will. Shark Valley is one of the most fascinating places within the park. As the late great advocate of the Everglades, Marjory Stoneman Douglas once said; “There are no other Everglades in the world. They are, they have always been, one of the

RACE INFORMATION

TABLE OF CONTENTS SCHEDULE & EXPO

To Everglades National Park Half Marathon Participants: Welcome!

1 2 2 3 3 3

Rules at a Glance Aid Station Guide Elevation Chart #dontfeedthelandfills Parking & Drop Off Finish Line Staging Race Day Checklist Timing Specifics

4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7

Cup-Free Racing Post-Race Info Demographics Bib Details

AREA INFORMATION National Park Map Clubs & Trifecta NPS Centennial

unique regions of the earth; remote, never wholly known. Nothing anywhere is like them.” So, take this welcome letter as an invitation to visit as much of this amazing landscape as you can during your time here in South Florida. As you visit, please keep in mind that this unmatched beauty attracts millions of people each year. Although it may appear timeless and enduring, the area is fragile and constantly changing. Every visitor is a steward and has a responsibility to protect the area for future generations. As a race participant we trust in your support of this endeavor. If this is your first time here I hope you’ll enjoy your visit as you explore and discover what this park has to offer. If you have been here before, welcome home. How lucky we all are to get to share in the stewardship and ownership of this land, established and preserved “For the benefit and enjoyment of the people!” All of us here wish the runners great success and trust all participants will take advantage of what this area has to offer. Sincerely,

Pedro Ramos Superintendent Everglades and Dry Tortugas National Parks

7 7 8 8

VR INFORMATION

Meet the Team Partners and Sponsors Expo Scavenger Hunt Vacation Races ½ Marathon Series

13 15 15 16

9 10 12

SCHEDULE & EXPO

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

EVENT SCHEDULE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18

10:00 am

4:00 pm Race Expo and Bib Pickup ends

RACE EXPO & PACKET PICKUP -

The expo will be held at the Miccosukee Indian Village parking lot (one mile west of Shark Valley Visitor Center) BYOB: Our expo is bag-free so don’t forget to Bring Your Own Bag!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 4:00 am Parking lot opens at Miccosukee Indian Village

4:30 am Shuttles begin running to Shark Valley Visitor Center

4:45 am Race-day bib pickup opens

5:00 am First prize raffle

5:30 am Last call for runners to board a shuttle

6:44 am Sunrise

5:45 am All runners walking to the start line by this time

6:00 am Last call for bib pickup/ Pacers line up

6:15 am 6:20 am 6:30 am Runners National RACE STARTS line up/Last anthem ALL DIVISIONS call for gear check

9:15 am Awards Ceremony

-Spectator shuttles will continue to run between the village and the visitor center all morning-

EXPO MAP

6 7

4 1

KEY Parking Path to Expo Expo Vendors

VR CAMPGROUND/ EXPO 1 Bib pickup 2 Race shirt pickup

3 Hydrapouch area

4 Information Center 5 Race Merchandise

6 #dontfeedthelandfills

7 Campground/S’mores station

PARKING PARKING - There will be plenty of parking at the expo, but please get there early to avoid any rush. This is the same parking lot that will be used the next morning for the race. Overnight parking is not allowed. *See page 6 for race-day staging and parking.

EXPO & MERCHANDISE

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

after! We have a wide variety of options to commemorate your accomplishment of running the Everglades Half Marathon! Beach hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, water bottles, stickers, hats, patches, bags, and posters will all be

OFFICIAL RACE MERCHANDISE

We’ll have our official Everglades Half Marathon and Vacation Races merchandise for sale at the Race Expo, near the shuttle return on Saturday after the race, and online a couple weeks

DESIGN

WOMEN’S T-SHIRT ($20)

DESCRIPTION Brand new Everglades Half Marathon PROOF SHEET merchandise design for 2016.

MEN’S T-SHIRT ($20)

available for you to browse and buy! Additionally, we’ll have merchandise for sale from Meridian Line: Check them out for some of the greatest National Parks and wanderlust-themed designs you’ve ever seen!

MEN’S BEACH HOODIE SWEATSHIRT TANKTOP ($40) ($22) ($30)

WOMEN’S TANKTOP ($22)

PROOF SHEET

PROOF SHEET PROOF SHEET

BASEBALL TEE ($25)

PROOF SHEET

FRONT IMPRINT: 8”W FRONT IMPRINT: 8”W

287c

FRONT IMPRINT: 8”W

287c

2905c

underlay

287c 2905c

287c

underlay

2905c underlay

FRONT IMPRINT: 8”W 287c 2905c underlay

IF FAXING APPROVAL PLEASE FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW AND NOTE ANY CHANGES IN THE SPACE PROVIDED. APPROVED

IF FAXING APPROVAL PLEASE FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW AND NOTE ANY CHANGES IN THE SPACE PROVIDED. IF FAXING APPROVAL PLEASE FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOWWITH ANDCHANGES NOTE ANY CHANGES IN THE SPACE PROVIDED. APPROVED REVISE AND REPROOF

APPROVED IF FAXING FILL THE INFORMATION BELOW AND NOTE ANY CHANGES IN THE SPACE PROVIDED. UT THE INFORMATION BELOW AND APPROVAL NOTE ANY PLEASE CHANGES IN OUT THE IF SPACE FAXINGPROVIDED. APPROVAL PLEASE FILL OUT THEAPPROVED INFORMATION BELOW AND NOTE ANY CHANGES IN THE SPACE PROVIDED.

IF FAXING APPROVAL PLEASE FILL OUT THE INFORMATION BELOW AND NOTE ANY CHANGES IN THE SPACE PROVIDED. APPROVED WITH CHANGES APPROVED APPROVED REVISE AND REPROOF APPROVED APPROVED WITH CHANGES APPROVED WITH CHANGES APPROVED WITH CHANGES REVISE AND REPROOF REVISE AND REPROOF

REVISE AND REPROOF

UD HANDHELD - $20

287c

CHICO BAG - $10

TRUCKER HAT - $20

FRONT IMPRINT: 8”W FRONT IMPRINT: 8”W 2905c

KLEAN KANTEEN - $20

IMPRINT: 8”W

STICKERS - $2 // PATCHES - $5

underlay

APPROVED WITH CHANGES REVISE AND REPROOF

EXPO DETAILS The expo will be held at the Miccosukee Indian Village parking lot (Everglades National Park, Mile Marker 35 U.S. 41, Miami, FL 33194). At the expo you can pick up your bib, race shirt, and other gear. Plan to stay for awhile and relax at the Vacation Races Campground, and shop our other vendors and sponsors! Half Marathon bibs will be available until 7:00 PM (you can also get your bib race morning near the Shark Valley Visitor Center).

THE MERIDIAN LINE provides us with

our race shirts and the beautiful artwork. We’ll also have their merchandise for sale at our merch store at the expo. In the words of the artist and captain of The Meridian Line Jeremy Collins: “I wanted to build something with SOUL. Meridian Line was born to share the journey with others... I wanted to celebrate those of us who choose challenge rather than convenience, and a weekend in the dirt rather than the condo... my soul is always on the move. Join me.”

When you pick up your packet at the expo this year, we’re encouraging you to Bring Your Own Bag! To keep in line with our tradition of waste elimination and conservation of the land, all Vacation Races expos are completely bagless! If you would like to purchase a reusable, foldable bag, we’ll have them available at our merchandise store.

VACATION RACES CAMPGROUND This year we’re celebrating the National Parks on a whole new level with our outdoor campground! The expo will be outdoors and we’ll have a campground theme throughout. Come pick up your race packet, shop at our merchandise store, check out our vendors, and treat yourself to a s’more around the campfire! Our outdoor vendors will be demonstrating gear and providing all the information you need to start your adventure. It’s going to be a party!

This year is the National Park Service Centennial. Here is to another 100 years for the NPS. Come ready to celebrate!

RACE INFORMATION

COURSE

The Everglades Half Marathon Course is our first race held entirely within park boundaries! We’re very excited about this course, which follows the Shark Valley Tram Road and features amazing views of the river of grass. You’ll also likely see some wildlife as you run, but please stay away from the wildlife! We want you to stay safe.

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

GEAR CHECK

You will be given a Gear Check bag* at the starting line if you wish. It will be a white garbage bag that you can fill with items you want transported to the finish line. There will be permanent markers you can use to write your name and bib number. Do not put valuables in your bag. Also near the starting line- We will have a raffle in the morning and plenty of hot chocolate/coffee.

*Gear check bags will be available at the finish line as soon as the first person finishes.

NO LITTERING

TIMING

All masters and overall awards will be based on gun time. If you plan to compete for these top spots, you will need to line up at the front of the line. All age divisions and team awards will be based on chip time. If you are standing towards the back, it may be a few minutes before you cross the start line. Your time does not officially start until you cross the starting line (unless you are competing for an overall top finisher spot), so please be courteous to others as we start the race. If you will be walking, please start towards the back to avoid congestion at the start.

PACERS

Pacers will line up at the start line around 6:00 am. There will be a pacer pacing the race in 10 minute intervals starting at a 1h40m pace up to 2h30m. We will also have a 2h45m, 3h, and 3h30m pacer. Please seat yourself near the time you expect to finish.

WAVE START

A wave start will help us organize the race and prevent overcrowding on the course. There is about a minute delay in between each wave start. When you line up to start the race, use the colored shield on your bib and signs at the start to determine where to stand (grouping based on expected finish time runner indicated when registering for the race).

Wave 1: 1:30-1:55 Wave 2: 2:00 Wave 3: 2:05-2:15 Wave 4: 2:20-2:30 Wave 5: 2:35-3:00 Wave 6: 3:00+

CLOTHING ON COURSE

We will have a clothing bin to dump items in at mile 3. Anything else found along the course will be treated as trash. Clothing dropped off at mile 3 won’t be picked up until the last runner has passed mile 3 - so you may have to wait for your clothing.

AID STATIONS

We will have aid stations near miles 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12. All aid stations will have bathrooms, water + Gnarly, and Honey Stinger energy gels. Mile 7 and 11 will also have oranges and bananas. There will be basic first aid needs at each aid station, but the EMT will be at Mile 7.

TIME LIMIT

All runners will have 4 hours to finish the race. That is a 18.5 minute milePlenty of time for walkers! If at anytime we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner off the course we would hope for your understanding and immediate cooperation. Failure to comply will result in being banned from future events.

RECOVERY FOOD BOX

At the finish line we will have a food box (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and Evolve Protein Shakes, as well as water and

Gnarly hydration. Please help yourself to this recovery food, but we ask that you limit it to one food box, protein shake, and banana per runner. In an attempt to reduce waste, we will provide a place to trade/leave any unwanted snack items.

STROLLERS

Strollers are welcome on our course, but please make sure you’re comfortable using your stroller while running. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the course, and be courteous to other runners by starting your race in the last wave.

NO DOGS

Dogs are a liability that our insurance does not cover. In addition, because this event takes place entirely within the park, please visit www.nps.org/ever for more information about having pets inside the park.

PARKING

Race-day parking will be at the Miccosukee Indian Village parking lot. From there, you will be shuttled to the Shark Valley Visitor Center, then a short walk down the path toward the start line. Please see page 6 for more details on parking and shuttles.

SPECTATOR INFO

Spectators are encouraged to be at the visitor center where the awards ceremony will take place. There will be no parking at the Shark Valley Visitor Center during the race. However, spectator shuttles will continue to run between the village and the visitor center all morning. We want you to be there to cheer on your runner, but please recognize that the runner area is for runners only! Please do not enter the runner area or partake of runner’s food and recovery supplies. Note: Because this race takes place inside the park, entrance fees will apply.

COURSE RECORDS

Our course record holders receive a FREE RACE ENTRY every year that their time remains the course record! Since this is our inaugural race, we do not yet have a course record. It is anyone’s game!

MEDALS & AGE DIVISIONS

Place medals will be given to the top 5 male and female runners overall, as well as the Masters 40+ group. Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older. **There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.

RACE INFORMATION

CUP-FREE RACING

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

Although we don’t have cups on the course, we have plenty of aid stations with water and Gnarly! At all aid stations we will have BLUE COOLERS WITH WATER and

RED COOLERS WITH GNARLY (ELECTROLYTE DRINK). Both will have the same speed valves attached. So at each aid station you will have your choice of water or Gnarly.

AID STATION

WATER

GNARLY

HONEY STINGER

BATHROOM

EMT

BANANAS/ ORANGES

MILE 3 MILE 5 MILE 7 MILE 9 MILE 11 MILE 12

ELEVATION CHART

#dontfeedthelandfills

We care deeply about keeping the places that we run beautiful which is why we at Vacation Races are committed to sending as little waste to the landfill as we possibly can. We do this by setting up “Zero Waste” stations at our events, where you can help us by sorting your trash into the appropriate container. You’ll notice three bins where you’d normally see a trash can- one labeled “Compostables”, “Recyclables”, and one labeled “Everything Else”. We actually sort through the items in the “Everything Else” bin and find a use for anything we can. For example, we make belts out of the used gel packets and compact all of the non recyclable plastics and styrofoam into blocks that we use as a building material. At the end of an event, our goal is to send less than one bag of actual “trash” to the landfill. We have managed to meet this goal at events with over 3,000 participants!

COMPOSTABLES (GREEN LID)

Place your banana and orange peels on the course, and any uneaten food or drink items at the expo or start/finish lines.

RECYCLABLES (BLUE LID)

Place any plastics with a #1-7 and recycling symbol somewhere on it, aluminum cans, steel cans, paper, cardboard, and any glass items. Please empty any liquids/ food out of the containers into the “compostables”, then place the lids back on before recycling.

EVERYTHING ELSE (BLACK LID)

Place everything else that is non-recyclable and noncompostable waste, such as the wrappers from the items in your post race food box, used gel packets, or styrofoam.

RACE INFORMATION

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

PARKING AND START/FINISH LINE STAGING EVERGLADES N.P. (MIAMI, FL)

No parking along the roadways 5

Parking & Shuttle Pickup

Shuttle Drop-off, Runner Recovery & Awards Ceremony

Shark Valley Visitor Center

Race-day Bib Pickup 3 1

Cool-down to Recovery Area/Awards

Warm-up walk to Start

START

RACE-DAY STAGING

Food

Stage/Awards

Gear Check

Shirt exchange/Merchandise

• Spectators are encouraged to be at the Shark Valley Visitor Center after

• • 6

Start Line, Gear Check & Coffee/Hot Chocolate

SPECTATORS, FINISH LINE, AND AWARDS

•

Runners should plan to board the shuttles no later than 5:30 am so that they have ample time to get to the start line.

the race. Please note, there will be no parking at the visitor venter, and spectators must be shuttled from the Miccosukee Indian Village parking lot. At the recovery area near the visitor center, we will have a food box (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and Evolve Protein Shakes. Please help yourself to one box, banana, and protein shake per runner. There will be water and Gnarly drink at the finish line, but no cups. Please use your Hydrapouch or water bottle to fill up at the finish line. If you checked gear at the start of the race, you will be able to pick it up near the recovery area. Lucid Images (our event photographers) will have a designated spot near

Once runners are dropped off at the visitor center, they’ll walk about 3/4 of a mile to the start line. Race morning bib pickup will be just beyond the visitor center on the path toward the start line. We’ll have coffee, hot chocolate, and gear check near the start! In order to get the race started on time-Runners need to begin walking to the start line no later than 5:45 am. Once runners have finished the race, they will have about a 1/2 mile cool-down walk back to the visitor center. There you’ll find runner recovery, the awards ceremony, and shuttles back to your car.

KEY Runner area

We will have plenty of parking at the Miccosukee Indian Village (marked in pink on the map). The parking lot will open at 4:00 am. We’ll shuttle runners and spectators from the village parking lot to the Shark Valley Visitor Center (marked in blue), where we will have runner recovery after the race. The shuttles will start running at 4:30 am and continue going back and forth between the village parking lot and visitor center for spectators and runners.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING OR DROP OFF AT THE VISITORS CENTER. DO NOT PARK ALONG THE ROAD ON US-41. PLEASE USE THE PARKING LOT AT THE MICCOSUKEE INDIAN VILLAGE.

Finish Line

PARKING

• •

DROP OFF

Runners can be dropped off at the parking lot at the Miccosukee Indian Village where they can catch the shuttle to the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Drop-off is not allowed at the visitor center.

the recovery area to take photos of runners. These photos are separate from those they will take of runners crossing the finish line and will be made available FOR FREE! The awards ceremony will take place near the visitor center/recovery area at 9:15 am. If you aren’t able to make it to the expo, our official Vacation Races merchandise will be near the shuttle return area on Saturday after the race back at the village parking lot, and will be made available online about 2 weeks after the race. Race shirt exchanges can be made after the race and will be stationed next to the merchandise back at the village parking lot. After the race, feel free to hang out, rest your legs and to cheer on your pals.

RACE INFORMATION

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

RACE DAY CHECKLIST

CUP-FREE RACING

PRE-RACE DAY

Having our races so close to the National Parks, unnecessary waste and trash are something we are strongly against. We are dedicated to hying a clean race and preserving the beauty of the area we run in. There is nothing that will ruin a view more than seeing a piece a trash in plain view from a breathtaking landscape.

TRAIN Directions to hotel/campsite Directions to race expo Directions to race start/finish Photo ID Valid Military ID (if you registered with a Military Discount) Study the race course

RACE DAY

Bib Cup Free Hydration (Hydrapouch, hand held, water bottle, pack, etc.) Running Shoes Socks Sunglasses Hat/Visor Recovery plan Enjoy the park!

TIMING SPECIFICS BEFORE THE RACE

• Your timing chip is found on the •

•

back of your bib. You don’t have to do anything. The bib chip looks like a sticker on the back of your bib. Do not fold your bib. NO CHIP = NO TIME!

AFTER THE RACE

• The bib chip is disposable and

•

can be thrown away or left on your bib for you to cherish always. All masters and overall awards will be based on gun time. If you plan to compete for these top spots you will need to line up at the front of the line. All age divisions and team awards will be based on chip time. If you are standing towards the back, it may be a few minutes before you cross the start line. Your time does not officially start until you cross the starting line (unless you are competing for an overall top finisher spot), so please be courteous to others as we start the race. Stick around until 9:15 am for our awards ceremony!

One of the most important things in a half marathon is ensuring that aid stations are plentiful and efficient. Hydration will make or break a race. What we do is offer a Hydrapouch for every runner that indicated they wanted one as part of their registration. Other options include running with a water bottle, Fuel Belt, Camelbak or other hydration backpack, etc. Every runner prefers something different. Just make sure you have some way to stay hydrated! Although we don’t have cups on the course, we have plenty of aid stations with water and Gnarly! At all aid stations we will have BLUE COOLERS WITH

WATER and RED COOLERS WITH GNARLY (ELECTROLYTE DRINK). Both will have the same speed valves attached. So at each aid station you will have your choice of water or Gnarly. At some places, the water will be hooked up to a system like the one pictured on above. Each of these pipes will provide water from the several speed valves we have attached. Feel free to practice at the expo!

POST-RACE INFO The awards ceremony will take place at the stage at the finish line and will begin at 9:15 am. If you checked gear at the start of the race, you will be able to pick it up just past the finish line in the runner area. RACE RESULTS

Results are available right away, scan the QR code on your bib and your results will come up. They will also be available later the day of the race online. We will post them on Facebook and also send them in a post-race email a day or two after the race. They will also be available on our website. MEDALS

All runners will receive a finisher medal. Place medals will be given to the top 5 male and female runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group. Additionally, the top 5 in each age group and the top 3 teams will also receive a place medal.

The aid station will have a few cups in case of an emergency, do not plan on using them. Also, under no circumstances should you put your head under the valve to get a drink. Not only does this waste water, it is pretty inconsiderate of other runners. There will be water at the finish line, but no cups. Please use your Hydrapouch or water bottle to fill up at the finish line.

LOST & FOUND

• There is no official lost & found. If we find lost items • •

we will hold onto them and you can contact us at info@vacationraces.com There will be gear check at the start line. There will be a bin to dump extra clothing at mile 3. Anything found littered on the course elsewhere will be considered trash and either thrown away or donated.

MEDICAL TENT

The medical tent at the finish line is for athletes only; family members are not allowed. Overcrowding in the medical tent prevents medical staff from doing their job. For information on an athlete receiving medical attention please wait outside the tent for updates. POST-RACE SURVEY

Within a week of race day we will be sending out a postrace survey. We would really appreciate it if you took the 8-10 minutes to complete the survey for us. The survey provides us with information that allows us to better If you qualify for a place medal but are not present at work with the local community and gain more support the awards ceremony to receive it we will happily ship for future races, but more importantly it provides us with it to you. Go to our website and request your medal and valuable insight into what we are doing well and what pay the cost of shipping (about $10). we need to improve. We love our runners and couldn’t improve our race series without your feedback. Please watch for the email. 7

RACE INFORMATION

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

RUNNER DEMOGRAPHIC

47 STATES 7 COUNTRIES

10 TEAMS

14% FIRST HALF MARATHON 52% FIRST TIME VISITING THE EVERGLADES

0-10 Runners 11-20 Runners 21-30 Runners 31+ Runners

AGE DIVISIONS MALE

<11

12-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

<11

12-14

15-19

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65-69

70-74

126

130

122

111

75> 2

FEMALE

75> 0

Data gathered 10/24/16

BIB DETAILS Timing chip on back! DO NOT FOLD BIB NOT WATERPROOF/DO NOT SOAK

Special indication**

Your bib number

Color coded to indicate wave start

Team name (if applicable)

*see pg. 4

Runner’s name

Your race shirt size Indicates if you requested a Hydrapouch when registering **

Charity Bib Raised $1K for the NPF! Military Bib Thank you for your service!

Turn this in at the start line race morning. We will have a raffle from 5:00-6:00 am.

Reminder of free photo at finish!

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION

Mapping Everglades Ecosystems 29

Pineland

Freshwater Marl Prairie

Sandfly Island

Monroe Station

Trai l

112

Deer Island

Tram Tour

Big Lostmans Bay

TA L

PR ah AI am R

East Cape

Homestead

Canal

Buttonwood Canal

Flamingo

Christian Point Trail

tal Prairie Trail Coas East Cape Canal

Bradley Key

Clubhouse Beach

Oyster Keys

18km 72km 217km

Shark Pt

Palm Key

Frank Key

Catfish Key

Curlew Key

or iz ed Pa rk B ou nd ar y

Oxfoot Bank

ar fW

n an Ch

Man of War Key

FLORIDA Rabbit Keys

More than 6 feet (more than 2 meters)

Wilderness Waterway and canoe trail

Lighted marker

Canal and gate Wildlife protection area (closed to public)

Marina

Picnic area National Park Service campground National Park Service primitive campsite

Gas station

Tripod Bank

Boat launch

Private campground

Food service

FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

Interpretive trail

Lodging

Int

KEY RACE LOCATION Everglades Half Marathon

CLUB HIKES 1 Slough Slog 2 Sandfly Island Loop (kayak) 3 Take an Airboat Ride TRIFECTA Picture With a Gator

Spy Key

l Intracoasta

len Keys Bob A l

o rac

l sta

Crane Keys East Key

Crab Keys

Tav e

Tavernier r nie

Plantation

West Key

Plantation Key

Shell Key Lignumvitae Key State Aquatic Preserve

Snake Creek Windley Key

The Rocks

Islamorada Upper Matecumbe Key

To Key West 70 mi 112 km

Long Key

Anne's Beach

L NE W HA

FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY

r Cr Tavernier Key eek

Pickles Reef

ATLANTIC

OCEAN

Conch Reef

Davis Reef Crocker Reef

Most of the land and submerged areas in Everglades National Park are in the congressionally designated Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness Area.

Teatable Key

Lower Matecumbe Key

French Reef

Captain Key Molasses Reef

Gopher Keys

Peterson Keys

Rodriguez Key

Pollock Keys

Whale Harbor Channel

KEY LARGO

Pt Charles

Low Key

Indian Key

The Elbow

d un

Stake Key

Lignumvitae Key

Fiesta Key

Buttonwood Sound

Bottle Key

Manatee Key

Barnes Key

te Wa

Rattlesnake Key

(between mile markers 98 and 99)

Twin Keys

Buchanan Keys

JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK

o El Radabob rg La Key John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Visitor Center

Key Largo Ranger Station

Russell Key

Lower Arsnicker Keys nk Ba ic en

Carysfort Reef

905

Porjoe Key

Shell Key

Ban

Largo Pt

Blackwater Sound yK

Swash Keys

Calusa Keys

Panhandle Key

Tw in

ile

SOUND Thursday Pt

Turtle Reef

Turtle Harbor

Bob Keys

North

Alligator Reef

0 1

Nest Keys

Whaleback Key

Channel

Nin

Brush Keys

Corinne Key

Little Rabbit Key

Lake Key

Coon Key

Whipray Keys

BAY

Rabbit Key Basin

Duck Key

Park Key

Black Betsy Keys

Whipray Basin Topsy Key Sid Key

Cluett Key

The Boggies

North Nest Key

Pass Key

Club Key

End Key

BARNES

Little Blackwater Sound

Deer Key

Schooner Bank

Sprigger Bank

Unpaved road

Samphire Keys

Sandy Key

S ou

Snipe Pt

y a Ba

Eagle Key

Madeira Bay Terrapin Pt Madeira Pt Triplet Keys

Buttonwood Keys

Upper Arsnicker Keys

3-6 feet (1-2 meters)

Dump Keys

Jim Foot Key Dead Terrapin Key

Johnson Key

Carl Ross Key

are closed to landings unless otherwise designated. Commercial fishing is prohibited in the park. Recreational fishing requires a license in both freshwater and saltwater. Where backcountry camping is allowed, a camping permit is required.

Hiking trail

Bay

Derelict Key Crocodile Mosquito Pt Big Pt Key Rankin Key

Dildo Key Bank Dildo Key

First National Bank

d eir

Trout Cove

Davis Cove

Tern Key

Roscoe Key

Pelican Keys

Middle Lake

Terrapin

Santini Bight

Clive Key

Message to Boaters

Water Depths 0-3 feet (0-1 meter)

e Littl

Otter Key

Buoy Key Camp Key Cormorant Key

Key

Murray Key Middle Ground

Rankin Bight

Umbrella Flamingo Key Visitor Center

Eco Joe Pond Kemp

Monroe The Lake Lungs

Garfield Bight

Porpoise Pt

Seven Palm Lake

Henry Lake

Long Lake Alligator Creek

Short Key CROCODILE LAKE NATIONAL Main WILDLIFE Key REFUGE

Snake Bight Trail Mrazek Pond Ro w d Be n d Snake Bight

Bear Lake

Bear Lake il Canoe Tra

Coe Visitor Center to Other Areas 11mi 45mi 135mi

Coot Bay Pond

Coot Bay

Mud Lake Canoe Trail

L on Alligator Bay

Little Fox Lake Middle Fox Lake East Fox Lake

Joe Bay

Cuthbert Lake

West Lake Canoe Trail

Tr ail

Noble Hammock Canoe Trail

Restrooms

Tarpon Creek

ve r

Hells Bay West Lake Canoe Trail

Middle Key Manatee Bay

Toll bridge

Middle Cape

Nine Mile Pond

Lard Can

South Joe River Chickee

Cattail Lakes

w er

Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail

Pearl Bay Chickee

Hells Bay Chickee

Middle Cape Canal

CYPRESS

Angelfish Key

at W

A Northwest Cape

6km 10km 11km 21km 32km 39km 43km 50km 61km 61km 42km 80km 148km

Card Pt

Midway Keys

Caesar Creek Old Rhodes Key Broad Creek

Paurotis Pond

Lane Bay Chickee

Long Arsenicker Key Totten Key

Sweet Bay Pond

Rubicon Keys

Anhinga Trail Gumbo Limbo Trail

Ernest Coe

Old Ingraham

Roberts River Chickee

WHITEWATER Bay

Mangrove Pt

Mahogany Hammock

CuThe to ff

Royal Palm Visitor Center

Habitat restoration area

Coe Visitor Center to Areas in the Park

Do not use this map for navigation. For safe boating, National Ocean Survey charts are indispensable. Charts 11430, 11432, 11433, 11451 are for sale at the Coe Visitor Center, Flamingo, and in the Everglades City area. Keys and beaches in Florida Bay

Hidden Lake Education Center

Elliott Key

9336

ve Ri North River Chickee

e bl

Mud Bay

Daniel Beard Center

Turkey Pt

Park Headquarters

Park Entrance Station

Trail

FLORIDA CITY

S rd

Sisal Pond

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

Long Pine Key ng

Ficus Pond

il d

Joe River Chickee

Pine Glades Lake

Oyster Bay Chickee

Pinelands Rock Reef Pass

PARK Convoy Point Visitor Center

Drive

at W

Oyster

MANGROVE Bi g Cr Sa ee k

Watson River Chickee

Bay

ch an

Fire Cache

Shark River Chickee

er Ri v

Shark rk River Island Sh a Little

ery

K ey

RIV

ARK SH

ok Ro

Canepatch

TARPON BAY

COASTAL MARSH

ek Cr e

North Canal SW 328th Street

t er

NATIONAL

Homestead Air Reserve Base

Pa-hay-okee Overlook

Harney River Chickee

PONCE DE LEON BAY

and overhanging foliage in some areas. The route takes a minimum of six hours with an outboard motor or seven days by canoe. One-day round trips are not advised. Campsites are available on the route; backcountry permits are required.

Har ne

rth No

Graveyard Creek

Shark Pt

Wilderness Waterway

HOMESTEAD

RIV E R

Y NE

FRESHWATER MARL PRAIRIE

R i v er

e Pin

R HA

Homestead Airport

Riv e r

Cr e ek

BISCAYNE

PA R K

Broad River Wood

N AT I O N A L

Bro

Biscayne National Park

R IV

Broa d Camp Lonesome

EVERGLADES

off

Big Cypress National Preserve

eC ut

la gh Hi

Highland Beach

821

BAY 1

Black Pt

KEY MCLAUGHLIN Highland Pt

URBAN DEVELOPMENT ZONE

BISCAYNE AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ZONES

FRESHWATER SLOUGH

Rogers River Bay Chickee

South Florida National Parks

CORAL GABLES

Water w

iver ns R

997

L o s t ma

Richmond Drive SW 168th Street

First Bay

SOUTH MIAMI

MIAMI

KENDALL

Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport

TAY L

Lostmans Key

Rocky Creek Bay Willy Willy

Third Bay

Second Bay

Hog Key

Chekika

Authorized Park Boundary

Wood Key

4mi 6mi 7mi 13mi 20mi 24mi 27mi 31mi 38mi 38mi 26mi 50mi 92mi

Mullet Bay

Alligator Pt

Lostmans Five Bay

Two Island Bay Onion Key

Plover Key Bird Key

N Kendall Drive

Krome Avenue

Buzzard Key North Plover Key

Observation Tower

Plate Creek Bay

Plate Creek Bay Chickee Lostmans Five Bay

Turkey Key

Dads Bay

826

874 Not all lands inside the authorized boundary for the northeastern corner of the park have been acquired by the Federal Government.

Alligator Bay

PINELAND

Gopher Key

Bobcat Boardwalk Otter Cave Hammock Trail

SW 137th Ave

Chevelier Bay am Darwins Cannon Bay Place Opossum Key

(toll road)

ath

Shark Valley Visitor Center

r ve Ri

Tamiami Trail

Tamiami Ranger Station

Mitchell Landing Loop Road Education Center

836

y wa er at

Crab Key Bight Snake Key New Turkey Key

Duck Rock Cove Gun Rock Storter Bay Pt Chatham Bend Mormon Key

Loop Road

Sweetwater Bay Chickee Last Huston Bay

Miccosukee Cultural Center

Pinecrest

rne

Huston Bay

The Watson Place

Tree Snail Hammock

R oad (scenic drive)

Miami International Airport

lde v Ri

Lo op

Oyster Bay

on st Hu

Lake Okeechobee

PRESER VE

NATIONAL

Le Jeune Rd

Wi House Hammock Bay

GULF OF MEXICO

CYPR ESS

Riv er

er Riv Lopez River

BIG

Sunday Bay

rt h

LA Pavilion Key

Homestead Miami International Airport Key West

997

L o pe

Crate Key

Royal Palm Visitor Center Long Pine Key Pinelands Pa-hay-okee Overlook Mahogany Hammock Paurotis Pond Nine Mile Pond West Lake Flamingo Visitor Center Key Largo Ranger Station Chekika Shark Valley Gulf Coast Visitor Center

HIALEAH

821

Midway

Turnpike

P y Pass e Ke ke bit los R ab ko Turtle Key Lumber Key Rabbit Key

A well–marked inland water route runs from Flamingo to Everglades City. Sequentially numbered markers guide you along its 99 miles (160 kilometers). Boats more than 18 feet (6 meters) long or with high cabins and windshields should not attempt the route because of narrow channels

CYPRESS Sunday Bay Chickee

EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

826

CHOKOLOSKEE

Hardwood Hammock

Water Conservation Area 3B

rts

o Ch

Freshwater Slough

HARDWOOD HAMMOCK

Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport

Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Center

Monument Lake

Kirby Storter Roadside Park

Rob e

Tamiami Tra

Ca ve Ri er rn Tu

Bay

ss Pa

Kingston SA Key Comer Key

Dry Tortugas National Park

Coastal Prairie

Florida's

Indian Key

Cypress

Water Conservation Area 3A

EVERGLADES CITY

Picnic Key

Mangrove

Coe Visitor Center to Tampa 268 mi 431 km

as s

Indian Ke y

t es W

loskee

Ba Rivrron er

rgu

s on

Gulf Coast Visitor Center Choko

Tiger Key s

he tc ha ka Fa Round Key

Coastal Marsh

H.P. Williams Roadside Park

Ochopee

Halfway Creek Canoe Trail

River

st Ea iver R Daniels Pt

eP a ss

Fakahatchee Bay

Marine and Estuarine (seagrass, hardbottom, corals)

839

841

41 Carnestown

Pumpkin Bay Fake Union Bay

color key

Big Cypress Bend

To Naples 25 mi 40 km

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

5 1

10 Kilometers 5

10 Miles

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE EVERGLADES The Everglades is an expansive area of land in South Florida, which consists of 1.5 million acres of wetland. However, because this park covers a large area of South Florida, planning is a must. There are three entrances to Everglades National Park. They are not connected, and all are accessed through different areas of South Florida. America’s Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther. An international treasure as well - a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected areas under the Cartagena Treaty.

2 Anhinga Boardwalk Trail 3 Swim in Biscayne

Map and information provided by www.nps.gov/ever

CLUBS & TRIFECTA INFORMATION

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

CLUB HIKES To encourage our runners to get out and enjoy the park, we have 3 club hikes and a trifecta challenge. Our club hikes are a salute to the hardcore among us. All runners who complete any hike (excursion) within 72 hours of the end of the race will receive 50% OFF next year’s race entry, and completing the Trifecta grants 20% OFF next year’s entry. Any runner who sends us a picture of him or herself at these destinations will officially join the club! The photo must be sent within 72 hours of the race and must include: • A clear view of your happy face • Your bib with bib number clearly visible • Your shiny new finisher medal in view • A clear background that shows you actually completed the hike Following the 2016 Everglades Half Marathon, we will post a link to the website where runners can send us their photos and names. Good luck!

EXAMPLE PHOTO

After the race there will be a submission form online where you can upload your photo(s) and send them to us. We have a hard cutoff of 72 hours! If you don’t get it to us before Tuesday at 11 AM (MST) then we will only give you a virtual hi-five. This picture is an example of what your Club and/or Trifecta submission photos should look like with your face, location, bib, and medal visible.

AIRBOAT RIDE

TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS

SLOUGH SLOG

WWW.EVERGLADESHALFMARATHON.COM/CLUBS-AND-TRIFECTA/

SLOUGH SLOG CLUB

ISLAND CLUB Please note the Island Club activity is only for those who are confident in their kayak and navigating abilities.

AIRBOAT CLUB

The Slough Slog is a guided activity with a park ranger through the River of Grass! This is your chance to get up close and personal with the Everglades and walk among the wildlife- safely, with a Park Ranger. You also need to make a reservation with the park. Please bring water; wear sturdy, close-toed, lace-up shoes; and long pants. We are working to try and get more spots available to runners, following

To join the Island Club, you’ll need to canoe or kayak to Ten Thousand Islands, via the Sandfly Island Loop. This loop is less about the swamp and more about the open water and the isles nearby. It’s about 5 miles and will take between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on your skill and how long you spend in the islands. You’ll need to rent a canoe and any equipment from a local business (there are lots!) and then go to the

There is a reason this area was nicknamed, “River of Grass”. As water moves through the Everglades, it causes the sawgrass to ripple like green waves. One of the best ways to see this is via an airboat ride. Take an airboat ride and explore all what the Everglades area has to offer (make sure your photo is of you while on the boat). Note: Most of the nearly 2400 square miles of Everglades National Park is

the race, but this activity is limited to 15 people per day, so you’ll want to sign up a week in advance if you’re interested.

THESE HIKES MAY BE SLIGHTLY COST-PROHIBITIVE, WHICH IS UNIQUE TO A FEW OF OUR RACE LOCATIONS. USUALLY OUR CLUB HIKES ARE CHALLENGING BUT ACCESSIBLE TO ANYONE ABLE TO ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE. IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO COMPLETE ANY OF THESE, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO DO SO. WE HOPE YOU TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EXPLORING THIS UNIQUE AREA AND IT’S NATURAL WONDERS.

Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City. You’ll launch from the canoe ramp there. You can find more info on our website and at the visitor center. Don’t forget a map!

managed as a wilderness area and Airboats are prohibited in these parts of the park. We suggest an airboat ride from the Miccosukee Indian Village. Alternative airboat operators can be found along Tamiami Trail (US 41) near Naples, Everglades City, and Miami.

CLUBS & TRIFECTA INFORMATION

EVERGLADES TRIFECTA

There are 3 different activities- all 3 need to be done to officially complete the Trifecta. The same rules as the Club Hikes apply: Take your picture at each of the 3 with your bib and finisher medal and send them to us 72

1) TAKE A PICTURE WITH A GATOR

This one is pretty self-explanatory. As you explore the Everglades, keep your eye our for alligators! Once you spot some, grab a picture with your bib and finisher medal with the alligator in the background. Be sure to stay at least 15 feet away. Remember that feeding or disturbing wildlife is illegal in Everglades National Park and Florida.

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

hours after finishing the race. The Trifecta is meant to be challenging, but less strenuous. These are iconic activities inside the park that should be experienced, and are doable with children. The 3 activities that make up the Trifecta are: TAKE A PICTURE WITH A GATOR, WALK THE ANHINGA BOARDWALK TRAIL , AND SWIM IN BISCAYNE.

2) WALK THE ANHINGA BOARDWALK TRAIL

Walk the short hike on Anhinga Trail– a pretty boardwalk hike that’s just under a mile round trip. It winds through sawgrass and you’ll get to see lots of wildlife as you walk! The trail starts from the Royal Palm Visitor Center in the park.

3) SWIM IN BISCAYNE

On the east side of Everglades National Park, near Miami, is a National Park that is almost completely underwater! Biscayne National Park is famous for it’s snorkeling. While we don’t expect you to snorkel (though, bonus points if you do) we would like you to go swim in Biscayne Bay! Make sure you’re swimming (no ankle-deep pictures please). Don’t worry- your race bib is waterproof

These hikes/excursions are challenging and can be dangerous. Please take the hike seriously, and do not act irresponsibly if you decide to attempt the hike. It is not intended to be accessible to everyone. Bring lots of water and make necessary preparations. Weather can be unpredictable. Check the NPS website to help plan your hikes and check with park rangers to get up to date conditions. Also remember these parks belong to all of us. Take time to plan your hike and be sure not to disrupt the environment. Leave nothing but footprints, and be careful!

PARK INFORMATION Everglades National Park covers 1.5 million acres of South Florida and spans 2 counties: Monroe, Miami-Dade and Collier. There are 3 ways to access the park. The main entrance located on State Road 9336 in Homestead, which connects visitor to the Royal Palm area and the Flamingo area of Everglades National Park. The Shark Valley entrance is

located on U.S. 41 Tamiami Trail in Miami and the Gulf Coast entrance is located on Oyster Bar Lane in Everglades City. Note: these entrances do not interconnect within the park. Additionally, boaters and paddlers can enter the park through its coastal boundaries and waterways. Visit www.nps.gov/ever for entrance fee information and to help plan your visit.

NPS CENTENNIAL

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

Everglades National Park

Celebrating the

CENTENNIAL

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, America invites the world to discover the meaning of national parks to their lives and inspires people to both experience and become devoted to these special places.

In celebration of the National Park Service’s 100th birthday, the National Park Service and the National Park Foundation are inviting people everywhere from all backgrounds to discover and share their own personal connections to parks. So much more than vast landscapes, there are urban parks, cultural treasures, and historical places—all within the National Park System. A park can even be a feeling or a state of mind. With more than 400 national parks and thousands of historic and recreational lands across the country, there are endless ways for you to find your unique connection. Share your park using #findyourpark and #encuentratuparque on social media. You can also share moments and memories at findyourpark.com and encuentratuparque.com.

NPF_Vacation_Races_Ad_Ever.indd 1

10/25/16 1:39 PM

NATIONAL PARKS FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP Did you know that 2016 marks 100 years since the National Park Service was formed? We’re so excited to be a part of the celebration this year! Vacation Races is partnered with the National Park Foundation to support our mission of park promotion and preservation! When you register for any of our races, you will have the opportunity to join the #FindYourPark movement by donating to the National Park Foundation. 100% of your

donation goes to their organization! We have committed to donate at least $150,000 and with your help it can be even more! Come run with us and help ensure our national parks are protected now and forever.

Additionally, the National Park Foundation will attend several of our races throughout the year. Their Mission – The National Park Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, enriches America’s national parks and programs through private support, safeguarding our

heritage and inspiring generations of national park enthusiasts.

VACATION RACES INFORMATION

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

MEET THE TEAM SALEM STANLEY Founder

Favorite Course: Grand Canyon Favorite Park: Lake Powell

PRE-ORDER

ONLY

DEHN CRAIG

Customer Experience - Marketing Favorite Course: Lake Powell Favorite Park: Zion

LYLE ANDERSON

Director of Race Operations

Favorite Course: Grand Canyon Favorite Park: Yosemite

DUSTIN ROBERTS

Director of Race Operations

Favorite Course: Yellowstone Favorite Park: Zion

CHERIE SANTIAGO Registration Manager

Favorite Course: Yellowstone Favorite Park: Zion

KATHERINE BRUCE

Event Director & Partnerships

Favorite Course: Great Smoky Mountains Favorite Park: Rocky Mountain

KAELEE CLIFFORD Customer Service

Favorite Course: Great Smoky Mountains Favorite Park: Zion

MEGAN STANLEY Merchandise

Favorite Course: Rocky Mountain Favorite Park: Yosemite

ROBIN RODGERS Communications

Favorite Course: Lake Powell Favorite Park: Grand Teton

ANNA BASSO

Marketing & Design

Favorite Course: Grand Teton Favorite Park: Zion

RACE PHOTOGRAPHY FROM LUCID IMAGES

FREE PHOTO

Lucid Images will be taking photos at the start line, on the course, and at the finish line. They will be at the expo so be sure to stop by and say hello! To be sure you can find your picture later, wear your bib with the numbers clearly visible at all times. If the photographers cannot identify you by your bib then your photo will end up in an “unidentified runner” folder on their website. Photos will be available on Lucid Images website on Thursday, following the race. We will send out an email to notify all runners and post it on Facebook.

In addition to photos of runners on the course and crossing the finish line, Lucid Images will have a designated area near the awards ceremony stage where runners can pose for a finisher photo. This photo will be made available FOR FREE to runners! PHOTOS ON COURSE

As a heads up to runners, there will be signs on the course to let runners know they are coming up on photographers. Ya know, just in case you wanted to freshen up, wipe away any snot, pick up the pace or otherwise pose for the photo :) LUCIDRACES.COM

SOCIAL MEDIA

We will be making a slideshow video using all the pictures YOU post! Be sure to follow us and use the official race hashtag #EvergladesHalf. We will be giving out prizes from our store (t-shirts and other merchandise) to the best photos featuring: • Pictures Of The Course • Race Prep • Race Recovery • Enjoying The Park

#EVERGLADESHALF @VACATIONRACES WWW.EVERGLADESHALFMARATHON.COM

ULTRA ADVENTURES

VIRTUAL RUNNING CLUB

OTHER RACES

Vacation Races is proud to be a sponsor of Ultra Adventures Grand Circle Trail Series. Whether you want the challenge of a longer distance, or just want to go off road, we hope you will join us in 2017 at one of the seven trails for a half or 50/100 miler! Use the discount code VR2017 to save 15% when registering for any distance!

Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt. -John Muir

NOVEMBER 19, 2016 We are excited to announce the Virtual Running Club! We have been hosting virtual races since 2013 and now have 24 different races throughout the year. From Martin Luther King, Jr Day to Earth Day to Summer Solstice, virtual races are a great way to establish goals throughout the year and celebrate days that are important to you without the logistical hassles of race day! Plus, it’s a cost effective way to fill out your medal rack. Vacation Races is the sponsor for the virtual races held on the National Park Fee Free Days (National Park Week, Earth Day, NPS Birthday, etc). We are also proud to be hosting the first annual Surgeon Generals Virtual 5K Run, Walk, Roll in May. As we develop the Virtual Running Club over the next year you will be able to earn discounts to virtual and traditional races as well as some swag from our sponsors. Look for our booth at the expo to learn more! What is a virtual race? - A virtual race is a low cost running event where the location of the race is chosen by the individual participant rather than the event company. You still get a shirt and finisher medal shipped to you, but on race day you track your own time and you select where you run. Through pictures on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter we run together virtually.

WWW.GRANDCIRCLETRAILS.COM

WWW.VIRTUALRUNNINGCLUB.COM

TRAILFEST 3 PARKS, 3 TRAILS, 1 PARTY! Vacation Races is proud to announce our newest series: Grand Circle Trailfest! 2016 was our inaugural year- The Trailfest is a 3 day trailrunning festival which takes place in the heart of North America’s most scenic national parks: Bryce Canyon, Zion, & Grand Canyon on October 13-15, 2016. The festival was centralized in Kanab, UT. The event was spectacular! Now, we are busy planning for 2017, so stay tuned for the upcoming date announcement. We hope to open registration by the end of the year. This is an amazing experience you don’t want to miss out on. Activities include trail running (of course), food, live entertainment, and trail running film festival screenings. WWW.THETRAILFEST.COM

TRAINING Meet Terry Chiplin, the official training partner of the Vacation Races series and creator of Active at Altitude. Terry offers free race specific training programs to all runners! He also organizes Training Camps, Running Vacations, Endurance Coaching & Positive Race Workshops before each race in the Vacation Races series. He has years of experience and just happens to be one of the nicest guys around.

Terry’s camps consistently receive high marks from participants, with reviews like these: “Among the top ten adult running camps in the USA” - CNN, March 2015 “A once-in-a-lifetime fitness retreat for women!” -Shape Magazine, March 2015

Active at Altitude hosts running camps all year long including Women’s Running Camps (June, July, and August/September), Trail Running Camps (May and September), and Running Vacations!

As a Vacation Races runner you can save $100 on any women’s camp and save $50 on one of their trail camps in 2017! We couldn’t be happier to have Active at Altitude as a part of our race series. Contact camp director Terry Chiplin with any questions regarding camps, coaching, and training. terry@activeataltitude.com www.activeataltitude.com (303) 304-9159

EVERGLADES HALF MARATHON PARTNERS AND SPONSORS

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

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#do

Thanks to the Miccosukee Tribe for their hospitality! Be sure and visit the Miccosukee Indian Village, take an airboat ride, or eat at the nearby restaurant.

Be sure sure to to follow follow the the in-app in-app prompts prompts to to ensure ensure proper proper setup setup of of the the various various features features Be available to to you you on on race race day. day. available If If you you have have any any questions questions about about RaceJoy RaceJoy for for this this race, race, contact contact support@racejoy.com. support@racejoy.com. We’re We’re happy happy to to help! help! © 2016 2016 RaceJoy RaceJoy All All Rights Rights Reserved Reserved ©

H U R N E T G ! N E V A C S O P X E

Find the scrambled letters placed inside the tents throughout the Everglades Expo and enter to win prizes including a $100 Gift Card from Altra Footwear! 1. Solve the mystery puzzle 2. Fill out the entry form 3. Turn it in at the Information Booth First & Last Name

At our Great Smoky Mountains Half, we sent 24 bags of recyclables and 300lbs of cardboard to the recycling center, 14 bags of food waste to the compost facility, made 12 Compressed Eco Blocks, and sent just a half of a bag of trash to the landfill.

Phone # Puzzle Answer

We’ll announce prize winners throughout the day! 15

VACATION RACES INFORMATION

NOVEMBER 19, 2016

NATIONAL PARK HALF MARATHON SERIES the Everglades Half Marathon! Our goal is to put on beautiful half marathons and get people to visit and enjoy our amazing national parks.

Don’t stop at the Everglades! With 2 more races being added in 2017, we’ll have 11 total National Park Half Marathons on the calendar! Our races include several 5Ks, Double Races, and our Caldera Triple (Grand Teton Half Marathon, Yellowstone 5K, and Yellowstone Half Marathon)! Vacation Races was founded in 2012 when we launched registration for the Inaugural Zion Half Marathon. Since then, we’ve added 8 more races to our calendar, each centered around a different National Park, including our newest race for 2016,

DESCRIPTION

This year is extra special since 2016 marks 100 years since the National Park Service was founded! We’re so excited to be a part of the celebration this year, and you can too! Whether you do it with us or on your own, go #FindYourPark in 2016!

ELEVATION MAX/GAIN

ZION APRIL 1ST 2017

Springdale, UT Runner Cap: 2,500

6545 ft/631 ft

CLUB HIKE

OBSERVATION POINT DOUBLE ARCH ALCOVE EAGLE CRAGS

VACATIONRACES.COM

AVG TEMP

YEARS RUNNING

62° 36°

5TH YEAR

YOSEMITE

MAY 13TH 2017

Bass Lake, CA Runner Cap: 2,500

GRAND TETON JUNE 3RD 2017

Jackson Hole, WY Runner Cap: 2,500

5448 ft/486 ft

HALF DOME NEVADA FALLS

77° 44°

3RD YEAR

6169 ft/580 ft

BRADLEY LAKE TABLE MOUNTAIN AMPHITHEATER LAKE

67° 35°

3RD YEAR

MT WASHBURN OSPREY FALLS

67° 35°

4TH YEAR

TBD

73° 46°

1ST YEAR

HALLETT PEAK CHASM LAKE

79° 47°

5TH YEAR

TBD

81° 58°

1ST YEAR

80° 56°

4TH YEAR

SKELETON POINT

58° 31°

4TH YEAR

RAINBOW BRIDGE ANTELOPE CANYON

70° 47°

5TH YEAR

82° 64°

1ST YEAR

YELLOWSTONE JUNE 10TH 2017

West Yellowstone, MT Runner Cap: 2,500

6665 ft/361 ft

GLACIER JUNE 24TH 2017

East Glacier Park Village, MT Runner Cap: 2,500

ROCKY MOUNTAIN AUGUST 12TH 2017

5980 ft/1230 ft

7505 ft/844 ft

Estes Park, CO Runner Cap: 2,500

SHENANDOAH SEPTEMBER 2ND 2017

Luray, VA Runner Cap: 2,500

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS SEPTEMBER 9TH 2017

Townsend, TN Runner Cap: 2,500

GRAND CANYON OCTOBER 14TH, 2017

1377 ft/985 ft

893 ft/727 ft

LAKE POWELL Page, AZ Runner Cap: 2,500

6651 ft/279 ft

4361 ft/151 ft

EVERGLADES NOVEMBER 19TH 2016

Everglades NP, FL Runner Cap: 1,000 16

CHARLIE’S BUNION MT LECONTE (VIA ALUM CAVE)

Tusayan, AZ Runner Cap: 2,000 2017-TBA

CHIMNEY TOPS

22 ft/64 ft

SLOUGH SLOG TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS AIRBOAT RIDE

ROAD

TRAIL STROLLER HAND CYCLE