Deadfall Runner Guide is Here!
Hey Kids…
Look at this.
Two emails before the leaves turn color. I'm really steppin up ma game!
At this rate, someone may nominate me for RD of the Year. Take that Candice!
I’ve received a ton of requests asking when the DEADFALL Runner Guide would be available.
Apparently, some of you like to “plan ahead,” “understand the course,” and “know where you’re supposed to go.” Yeesh.
Nevertheless, the guide is finished.
Inside, you’ll find course descriptions, CALTOPOs, elevation, aid stations, parking instructions, medical information, race rules, weather policies, and most of the other things you were preparing to email me about individually.
[DOWNLOAD THE DEADFALL RUNNER GUIDE HERE]
For those of you who won’t read it—and statistically, several of you have already stopped reading this email—here are the important planning details:
RACE DAY
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Brighton Recreation Area
Start/Finish: Trillium Shelter near Bishop Lake
8:00–9:45 a.m.: Race check-in and day-of registration
10:00 a.m.: 10K, 18K, and 25K race start
4:00 p.m.: Final cutoff for all distances
(I added an hour for anyone that wants to chill)
Yes, all three races start together.
No, we will not wait because you stopped for coffee.
Yes, your race clock begins at 10:00 a.m. even if you’re still trying to find a parking spot, pin on your bib, or finish explaining to your family why this is more important than your kids soccer game.
THE COURSES
All three distances start and finish at Trillium Shelter and include some combination of rolling singletrack, lakeside trails, roots, leaves, hills, and objects placed by nature specifically to catch your toes.
10K: Approximately 550 feet of elevation gain
18K: Approximately 820 feet of elevation gain
25K: Approximately 1,170 feet of elevation gain
You can review the individual course maps here:
The courses will be marked with brightly colored ribbons, flags, cones, and directional signage. We’ll make it as obvious as reasonably possible. Russ has been working diligently on a course marking plan.
Your job is to occasionally look up and notice them.
If you’ve been running for several minutes without seeing a marker, stop and turn around. Do not continue confidently in the wrong direction and assume we built you a private bonus course.
AID STATIONS
Aid-station access varies by distance:
10K: Stairway Aid and High Meadow
18K: The Corner Store - Approx halfway
25K: The Corner Store, Stairway Aid, and High Meadow
Each station will have water, simple aid-station snacks, and access to a portable toilet. The park would not permit us for any food that wasn't individually pre-packaged since we're not a licensed kitchen so we'll probably be resorting to Halloween Candy . Tis the season!
On-course drop bags will not be available. This is a 10K, 18K, or 25K—not a six-day expedition across the Andes. You’ll be okay.
You may leave a small personal bag at the Start/Finish area, but the area will not be secured. Leave your car keys, family heirlooms, emergency cash, or signed first-edition copy of Fifty Shades of Grey at your own risk. Trail Runners are trustworthy people... It's the Roadies I'm worried about.
PARKING
Runner parking will be located near the Start/Finish area. Volunteers will be there to direct you when you arrive... maybe... if there's enough of them.
AWARDS
Altra will award one pair of shoes to the fastest male and female finisher in each race distance. I haven't gotten Evan's approval but sometimes it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
That’s six pairs of shoes total—and six reasons to run like something angry is chasing you.
There will be GU hydration products at the aid station. Thanks Jacob! Also haven't let him know yet but he's on the email.
VOLUNTEERS
We still could use a few volunteers to help with aid stations, runner support, course operations, and filling cups for people who will briefly appear, eat seven pretzels, spill something, and disappear back into the forest.
If you know someone willing to help, please send them here:
Please read through the full Runner Guide before race week. If you still have questions afterward, reply here or email me directly at jay@blackwoodracing.com.
If the answer is already in the guide, I reserve the right to respond with a screenshot of the relevant section and absolutely no additional context.
We’re officially less than a month away.
The courses are ready. Russ has spent the entire summer refining the details. When you see him, give him a slap on the tuchus. He's the one with the beard.
The shirts are being made.
The medals have shipped.
We're ordering Bibs today...because we like to give the printing companies a challenge... and maybe we forgot.
I'm only telling you because sometimes it's nice for you all to know that I'm not so perfect as you all think I am.
Anywho...
The leaves are preparing to conceal every root, rock, and ankle-destroying hole in Brighton Recreation Area.
Everything is coming together beautifully.
See you soon, kids.
— Jay & the Blackwood Trail Racing Team
