2018 MUTT Team Trail Race...

• 5 Mile Run :- Run 5 Miles
• 10 Mile Run :- Run 10 Miles
• 20 Mile Run :- 20 Mile Run
• 31 Mile Run :- 31 Mile Run

_ The 2018 MUTT Team Trail Race Presented by Runners Athletic Company event:

Don't relay race, team race....MUTT style. Get your team of 4 runners together for this one of a kind team trail race experience you'll find only at the MUTT!

The MUTT (Mid-Michigan Ultra Team Trail race) is not a relay race but rather a team trail race that requires 4 team members to start and stay together at the beginning of the race, and one by one turn around at the halfway point of each individual distance. The format allows for different distance runners to race together, and also assures each runner contributes to the success of the team.

Each team will consist on a 5, 10, 20, and 31 mile runner. At the start of the race, each team will start out running together and MUST stay together until they reach the 2.5 mile mark, then the 5 mile runner will turn around and return to the start/finish line completing the 5 mile run, while the remaining three runners continue on. At the 5 mile mark, the 10 mile runner will turn around and head back to the start/finish line, with the remaining two continuing on. At mile 10, the 20 mile runner will return and so on. Once all 4 runners return to the finish line completing their individual distances, all four times are tabulated for the total team time.

Pace strategy is key in managing the teams overall time. Thought needs to go into each portion of the race and how fast you race. Do you run hard in the first 2.5 miles as a team to give your 5 mile runner a chance at the podium? What does that pace do to your ultra-runner?

Course

Mid-Michigan Community College's Harrison Campus sits on 560 acres of beautiful, wooded land. As a service to the community, the college and various community groups have developed trails through the property for the public to enjoy. The race course is a flowing 15.5 mile single track bike trail through various terrain and grades.

One unique aspect of the MUTT course is that even though it's run as an out and back race, the turnaround for the 31 mile runner is near the starting line, so the crowd can see the action at the 15.5 mile mark.

What makes the MUTT different?

1. Unlike a relay race that is run in individual stages, a MUTT team will consisting of 5, 10, 20, and 31 mile runners running together for the first half of their distance, but will turn around at the half point of that distance and return at their own pace alone. This format allows for different distance runners to run together and each contribute to the team’s success.
2. The MUTT team trail race is two races in one. All four individual times are added together to make up the team time, but each individual time is also used for individual distance awards as well. Because each team member is running a different distance, they are not competing against each other for individual awards, so it’s a true team effort.
3. Pace strategy is key in managing the teams overall time. Thought needs to go into each portion of the race and how fast you race. Do you run hard in the first 2.5 miles as a team to give your 5 mile runner a chance at the podium? What does that pace do to your ultra-runner?
4. The MUTT uses a waterfall start to send each team off separately, every minute. Over the course of the race, teams and individuals will pass other runners, making it a very interactive race.
5. Although teams are handicapped based on gender and age, everyone is entered in the top team and individual categories that are non-handicapped. Once the top team (Best in Show) and top 4 individual distance (best in breed) awards are given, all other teams and individuals are handicapped to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for team and individuals.

Awards

All teams are automatically entered in the “Best in Show” (top team award) and “Best in Breed” (Top individual time) open division. This means that teams and individual times will not handicapped for the top spot in the race. Once the top team and individual distance awards are given, all remaining teams and individuals will be handicapped based on the following to determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in both team and individual categories:

Women plus age handicap -                              10%

Age 10 and under -                                             10%

Age 11 to 15 -                                                       5%

Age 16 to 39 -                                                       0%

Age 40 to 49 (for each year over 39) -                 1%

Age 50 to 64 (for each year over 49) -                  10% + 1.5% per yr

REFUND AND TRANSFER POLICY

We completely understand that plans change and athletes will sometimes be unable to compete in an event they've signed up for.  Unfortunately, refunds will not be provided for any event unless the event is cancelled for reasons within our control.  Dangerous weather, natural disasters, and local emergencies are examples of reasons an event may be cancelled that are NOT within our control.

Should an athlete have an injury or other medical issue keeping them from competing in an event they've registered for, we would be happy to transfer their registration to a similar TriToFinish-owned event up to and including the same event the following season.  A doctor's slip may be required as proof of injury or ailment.  Failure to provide proof if requested will result in non-transfer of the event.

Transferring registrations to other athletes is NOT allowed.

Volunteers

If you are interested in volunteering for the MUTT race, please sign up using the link below: https://tritofinish.com/volunteer/

Event details and schedule

Event Details:

• Race Start time: 8am
• Waterfall start every 1 minute
• Teams should refer to their team start time when arriving at event. The clock will start at your specified time regardless of whether that team starts on time or not.  This will assure the waterfall schedule is met. 

Runner's Performance Stores Cook-out

• Once again our title sponsor Runners Athletic Company will provide a fantastic lunch time cookout for everyone at the venue.  

-) 2018 race registration is open • Registration Information