Badlands Update #9: 1,000 Pink Clues (Use Them)
Hey Badlanders,
As we count down the days, I’m going to get a little more serious in these next couple emails—bear with me.
There’s some important information you actually need to know, and I want to make sure you’re set up for a smooth race day.
I spent most of this afternoon trying to figure out the timing software. There’s a strong possibility I screw it up, so we’ll also have paper backups like it's Y2K.
But we’re here.
Crunch time.
Hope you’re all feeling ready… and that you’ve spent more time on feet than I have lately!
VOLUNTEERS – Welcome to the Thunderdome!
The influx of volunteers over the past two weeks has been awesome.
Seriously—didn’t expect that kind of response this late in the game, and it does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for your service.
Now… we’re not done yet...
We still need about 15–20 more bodies to be fully dialed, and Sunday daytime is looking a little bleak.
If you were on the fence—this is your moment.
Why You’d Sign Up (Besides Being a Good Human)
$20/hr race credit toward a future event (transferable)
Badlands tek hoodie
Entry into a raffle for (3) $100 gift cards from Running Lab
Not bad for hanging out in the woods and keeping runners held together.
What You’re Actually Doing
Helping at aid stations
Pointing confused runners in the right direction
Keeping things moving when people forget how to function
It’s not glamorous.
It is important.
If you’ve already signed up—thank you. You’re the reason this thing works.
If you haven’t… we could still use you!
Saturday NIGHT Group Run
I’m planning one last group run before race weekend.
This one’s a little different.
It’s at night. 8pm.
It’s 10 miles.
You will get wet.
Start Location:
JCPenney Parking Lot (Right side of building)
Green Oak Village Place
9680 Village Place Blvd, Brighton, MI 48116
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hTBHdrMttU81SDa86
See our facebook group for the event page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/25936572499317903
What We're Planning For
~10 miles
Night conditions (bring a light… or don’t and make it interesting)
Temps around 45–50°
A large water crossing at mile 7
Why You Should Show Up
Because this is about as close to race conditions as you’re going to get:
Night running (for some of you)
Low temps
Questionable footing
This will be the last group run before race day.
I’ll be in Arizona the following weekend for the inaugural Bradshaw Brute 100M during Cocodona week, so this is your final chance to get out there together before things get real.
Show up prepared. Or don’t.
Either way—it’ll be a good time.
JK - it's only about a foot deep...
Course Marking & Route
Let’s clear some things up before race day so we don’t have a bunch of you wandering around the woods like you’re on a spiritual retreat.
If you get lost… it’s probably not the course.
GPX vs Reality (Pick Wisely)
You’ll have a GPX file.
That’s great.
We love that.
But let’s be very clear:
The GPX is a reference.
The course markings are reality.
The GPX should be about 98% accurate.
The park has been updating trails this spring, so a few sections may look a little different from what’s on your screen. If there’s a mismatch, trust the course marked on race day over your watch.
None of those adjustments should send you in the WRONG direction from the GPX; they are just slight variations.
If you find yourself off course or heading the completely wrong direction... Some bored asshole messed with our markings and sent you on a scenic detour. Sorry... That's part of dealing with the public.
If you want the most up-to-date version of the GPX, here it is:
COURSE MARKINGS (Pretty in Pink!)
We’re marking the course with:
Pink flags with reflective tape (night-friendly because we care a little)
If the shipment gods cooperate → BLACKWOOD logo flags (didn't arrive on Thursday as expected)
If not → classic pink flags… same job, less drip
Spacing will be roughly:
Every 0.05 to 0.1 miles
That’s ~1,000 flags
Also on course:
Pink cones at road crossings
Pink crossing guard vests during park open hours (daytime only—night crew, you’re on your own)
Pink directional arrows at major turns
If it looks brand new and it’s pink…
It’s probably ours. Follow it.
We unintentionally went full Barbie out there
Bigfoot 200 '23 got a little weird with that release...
TWO-WAY TRAFFIC (Other Humans Exist)
There are a few sections where you’ll see runners coming at you. Don’t panic.
Yellow → Hickory Ridge connector (paved path)
Blue/Yellow bridge - currently flooded (12"approx). The situation remains fluid. As we learn more, we’ll update you (yeah, we said it).
Orange loop - (OASIS to OASIS)
This does not mean you’re off course.
Stay to the right side like an American ffs.
Also—this is a public park. You’ll be sharing trails with:
Hikers
Walkers
Mountain bikers
Other runners who had no idea this was happening
Things that go bump in the night
Be respectful. Don’t be the reason we can’t do this again.
I’ll do my part and give the local bike groups a heads-up to avoid Island Lake that day to help with congestion—but assume you’ll still see people out there.
COMMON WAYS PEOPLE GET LOST
(Please Don’t Be This Person)
Following one confident idiot who “knows the way”
Staring at your watch like it’s a crystal ball
Ignoring pink flags because your app beeped
Assuming the course is wrong instead of you
Mentally checking out and just… drifting into the woods
COURSE CHANGES (Trails Aren’t Static)
Could there be small changes?
Sure.
Fallen trees, water levels, last-minute tweaks—welcome to trail running.
But here’s the only thing that matters:
The course you run is the one that is marked on race day.
Not what your buddy told you.
Not what you thought you saw on Strava.
FINAL THOUGHT
This is not a guided tour.
This is not follow-the-leader.
Pay attention. Stay sharp. Use your brain.
We’ll give you 1,000+ pink clues out there.
The rest is on you.
Stay on course,
J
