The "Switchover" Strategy: How to Maximize Your Mileage

This event is unique because it combines a long endurance loop with a high-intensity short-loop finish. Understanding the "Big Loop vs. Little Loop" rules is the key to a PR—or missed mileage opportunity.
 

1. The Two Courses

From the Race Start until 5pm, Runners will complete…

• The Big 10m Loop (1 + 9 Miles): The 1 mile Prairie Welcome Trail (blue flags) plus the 9 mile Lake Perimeter Trail (pink flags). Flat, fast, scenic.  
   

From 5pm until 6pm, Runners have the option to run continuously…  

• The Little Loop (1 Mile): The Prairie Welcome Trail. Quick, spectator-friendly. Marked with Blue Flags.
   

From 6pm until 7pm, Runners MUST run continuously…

• The Little Loop (1 Mile): The Prairie Welcome Trail. Quick, spectator-friendly. Marked with Blue Flags.

 

The Golden Rule: The Switchover Window

The Race Director will announce the "Switchover Window" at 5pm. Runners may choose to complete as many 1 mile loops as possible between 5 and 7 pm. At 6pm, runners are not allowed to enter the Large Perimeter Loop and must remain on the Little Loop. 
 

Before 5pm, runners will be directed to attempt the full 10 Mile course (the small loop + the long perimeter loop).  Between 5pm - 6pm, runners may CHOOSE to switch to the 1-Mile Little Loop course. At 6pm, ALL runners must switch to the Little Loop. 

 

The Strategy: To Risk or Not to Risk?

This race can be won and lost in the decision you make right before the Switchover. You have to do the math.
 

Scenario A: The "Safe Bet"

Situation: You finish a 10-mile loop by 4:45 PM.

The Problem: The option to run the Little Loop continuously does not start for another 10 minutes.

The Decision: You can start the Little Loop, but you will need to decide if you can finish the full 10-mile loop in 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you pass the Bridge Junction and start the Perimeter Loop, you must finish before 7pm or that loop counts for zero. 

The Risk: None- you choose not risk it. 

The Reward: You can rest, eat, change your socks, and wait at the start line, or take your time to get to the Bridge Junction Volunteer. As soon as the clock hits 5:00 PM, you can announce to the Bridge Junction Volunteer that you are beginning your continuous loops on the Little Loop. They will place a sticker on your bib so you will be eligible to collect popsicle sticks for each 1 mile loop you complete before 7pm.
 

Scenario B: The "Gambler"

Situation: You finish a 10-mile loop by 4:50 PM

The Problem: You have 10 minutes until the Little Loop diversion opens. Standing around is wasting time.

The Decision: You head out on the Little Loop and pass the Bridge Junction Volunteer to cross the bridge to bag another 10-mile loop.

The Risk: You are now committed. You must finish that 10-mile loop before the race ends. If you "bonk" and come back at 7:01pm, that entire 10-mile loop counts for nothing.

The Reward: If you crush it and finish the loop, you have banked massive mileage while others were sitting and waiting AND you might be eligible for the Gambling Goose Award!
 

Scenario C: The "Speedy Gonzales"

Situation: Your teammate just finished a 10-mile loop by 5:53 PM

The Problem: The Perimeter Loop closes at 6pm, so your next relay member only has 7 minutes to get past the Bridge Junction Volunteer to start the Perimeter Loop. 

The Decision: She’s a Speedy Gonzales, so she heads out on the Little Loop, passes the Bridge Junction Volunteer, and crosses the bridge to bag another 10-mile loop.

The Risk: You Team is now committed. Your final Leg must finish that 10-mile loop before the race ends. If anyone "bonks" and comes back at 7:01pm, that entire 10-mile loop counts for nothing.

The Reward: If they crush it and finish the loop, your team has banked massive mileage while other teams sat and waited!

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FAQ: The Nitty Gritty

Q: Can I keep running the Big Loop after 5pm? A: Yes, but only if you can finish it. The Switchover opens at 5:00 PM for both timed races. If you feel fresh, you can head out for another 10-miler. But remember: No partial laps count. If the race ends while you are at mile 9.5 of the Big Loop, you get 0 miles for that lap.
 

Q: How do I execute the switch? A: 

1. Cross the timing mat to finish your last Big Loop.

2. Begin the same "Short Inner Loop" first mile (marked with Blue tape), but DO NOT CROSS the BRIDGE to begin the perimeter loop

3. Tell the Bridge Junction Volunteer "I’M SWITCHING!" and they will place a large visible sticker on your bib or relay baton and direct you to loop back toward the start/finish. 

4. Collect a Popsicle Stick from the volunteer at the end of EACH mile. Add the stick to your Bib Number Baggie. 

5. Repeat until the final horn blows (If the race ends while you are still completing the Short Inner Loop, you get 0 miles for that final loop and will not collect a popsicle stick). 
    

Q: What happens if I finish a Big Loop at 4:59pm? A: You are in the "Sweet Spot!" Wait 60 seconds, grab a drink, and hit the Short Inner Loop exactly when the volunteer is ready with the bib stickers.
 

Q: I am the 1st leg runner on my relay team running 3.9 miles. How do I get back after handing the baton off to my teammate? A: Every relay team will need to set up a “Relay Vehicle” to move back & forth between the Start/Finish and the Bird Sanctuary. Your 2nd leg runner will have to drive to the Bird Sanctuary to be ready to receive the baton, so you can drive the vehicle back to the Start while they are running their 6 miles.  
 

Q: If one of our relay runners no-shows the day of the race, can we switch race categories since the missing runner makes us an ultra team instead of a standard team? A:  No. The last day to make changes is August 1st for Award purposes, but no adjustments will be made to your entry fee.  
 

Q: Can I bring my dog to Barr Lake State Park? A: Dogs are allowed near Tent City & the Bird Sanctuary Aid Stations, but please keep them off of the race course. Dogs are NOT permitted at all south of the Bridge and owners risk being ticketed by the Park Ranger.