PRRR
IMPORTANT: We will be hosting an interim event (instead of PRRR, only this year) while the famed race goes through the permit process with the White Mountain National Forest. This year’s event will be called Save PRRR! and will feature an intercollegiate mountain festival where we organize trips led by members of all colleges to go climbing, bicycling, hiking, trail running, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and multisport adventuring. See “Save Prrr!” for more info.
Introduction to PRRR
Welcome to PRRR 2010! We are very excited about the fifth year of this unique race. PRRR has always been a great challenge and fun time, but we are working to make it even better this year. The biggest change is the location. After several years of struggling with weather conditions and abrupt course changes, PRRR moved to Franconia Ridge last year. We think this will help to ensure every participant’s safety and will still provide the intense challenge that PRRR is known for. In the occasion of prime weather conditions, PRRR will still take place on the presidential Ridge. Please read this entire document carefully so that you are aware of all changes. We can’t wait to see all of you!
PRRR 2010 coordinators,
Daniel, Nick, and Ryan
History
[for a full history, click the title]
PRRR (formerly known as the Presidential Ridge Relay Race) began in 2006, when Ed Warren (Tufts ’07) had the brilliant idea to create a friendly little competition to bring together outdoorsy college students from all over New England. It would be a relay race through the some of the toughest and most beautiful terrain the White Mountains have to offer. Together with Danny McGee and a few other dedicated friends, Ed organized the first race in only a few weeks. It was a huge success with 80 participants plus volunteers and a winning race time of less than 5 hours (by an individual from Darthmouth). In subsequent years the race became an official event of the Tufts Mountain Club. It continues to grow and evolve with each new team of enthusiastic race coordinators and volunteers- gaining notoriety, participants and sponsors, streamlined logistics, refined regulations, and new courses as weather and safety demand.
How the Race Works
The race is split into three legs, each run by a group of three from each team. At the end of each leg, there will be a checkpoint. It is each team’s responsibility to check-in. This must happen before the next leg is allowed to start.
At the checkpoint, there will be a list of all team members as well as first aid and food. Once the incoming group checks in and passes the baton, the next group can leave.
Important Note – In the interest of safety, there will be a cut-off time at the second checkpoint before the third leg. If the second leg group does not arrive at the checkpoint by 1:30 p.m., then the third leg group must depart at 1:30 p.m. without the baton. The team will be disqualified. There are no exceptions.
After each group finishes, every member of the team must go to the finish line (you can hike down and drive) as a final check-in. This is mandatory. This is also where you can congratulate your teammates and enjoy the finish line BBQ. After the race, everyone is invited back to the Tufts Loj for a large dinner, party, and award ceremonies. There will be prizes for the winning team, best dressed, etc.!
Teams
There are 2 types of teams: Racing teams, and Sweep teams.
Racing teams are comprised of 9 members (3 racers for each leg), although if individuals would like to race one or more legs, they may form a smaller team (3 members minimum). Racing teams will hike up to the starting point and checkpoint with the checkpoint/starting line crew and a sweep team. When one racing team enters a checkpoint after checking in, the next group of that team may depart after checking out. All members will meet at the end of the race for the BBQ! Each team will be judged on total time, leg time (fastest leg), and spirit (costumes/dress, energy, etc).
Sweep Teams are comprised of 3-6 members from the same or different colleges and are assigned a leg of the race. Each team has at least one EMT/WFA/WFR certified member. They will hike up with the racers and checkpoint, and wait until the last racing group has arrived at the next checkpoint before departing. Their primary purpose is to ensure the safety of the racers in case a group gets lost or team member gets injured. Hopefully, they will get to bond with other students while enjoying a hike along the ridge. Members of the Sweep teams do not pay the $20 team registration fee (but still pay the $20 individual PRRR rate).
Checkpoint crew: This group is comprised of mostly Tufts volunteers and any other support crew members from other schools that wish to participate. Their job is to check in a team and record the time of arrival, and check out the next team with time of departure. They ensure the safety of all members and maintain communication with basecamp and other checkpoints. They will have a tent, sleeping bags, first aid kits, water, and snacks. Each checkpoint has 2-6 members. Members of the checkpoint crews do not pay the $20 team registration fee (but still pay the $20 individual PRRR rate).
Registration
To register individually, click here [registration opens in August]
To register your team, click here [link not active until registration opens in August/September]
Each team will have a main contact person. That main contact person will be responsible for organizing and registering the team; each team member is responsible for individual registration. During Friday night check in, the main contact person will receive a group packet with maps, and info needed for the race. Each participant will sign a waiver, pay the fee, and receive a t-shirt.
PRRR 2010 begins at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 8th. This is when teams check into the Loj and we
have a subsequent pre-race briefing. This is very important and will greatly facilitate an early morning start
on Saturday.
The participation fee is $20 per person (racers and non-racers). This includes two nights
at the Loj, four meals (breakfast Saturday through breakfast Sunday), and a PRRR 2010 t-shirt!
We will provide a pre-race breakfast, finish line BBQ, and a large post-race dinner, followed by a
party at the Loj.
The Loj has only 40 bunks which will be used on a first come first serve basis, so we recommend bringing tents.
We will not provide tents so each team is responsible for bringing up enough
tents for their own group. If this is an issue, please let us know.
Schedule Overview 2010
Columbus Day Weekend!
Friday, October 8nd
10 p.m. Teams arrive at the Tufts Loj for check-in, registration payment, and t-shirt distribution.
Please bring tents to sleep in.
Saturday, October 9rd
5:30-6:00 a.m. Final check-in at the Loj
6:00-6:30 a.m. Transfer to trailhead for start – Lincoln Woods Visitor Center Trailhead
6:46 a.m. Sunrise Start
Afternoon: Finish line BBQ as teams finish.
8 p.m. Celebration dinner and ceremonies
Night: PRRR Party (BYOB – NO hard alcohol at the Loj; Bring your own tents!)
Sunday, October 10th
8 a.m. Breakfast
9 a.m. PRRR 2010 officially ends
All are welcome to hang out and go climbing, canoeing, or hiking/stay an extra night.
Monday, October 11th
[columbus day, no school]
12pm Loj Closes
The Route [Franconia Ridge]
Start: Lincoln Woods Visitor Center Trailhead
1st Leg: Lincoln Woods Trail to Osseo Trail to 0.3 mi past the summit of Mt. Liberty at
intersection of Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Spring Trail, 7 mi
Checkpoint 1: intersection of Franconia Ridge Trail and Liberty Spring Trail (access trail:
Liberty Spring Trail)
2nd Leg: Franconia Ridge Trail over Little Haystack, Lincoln, and 0.8 past the summit of
Lafeyette to the intersection of Skookumchuck Trail and Garfield Ridge Trail, 4.3 mi
Checkpoint 2: intersection of Skookumchuck Trail and Garfield Ridge Trail (access trail:
Skookumchuck Trail)
3rd Leg: Garfield Ridge Trail to summit of Mt. Garfield and descend via Garfield Trail to parking
lot on Gale River Loop Road, 7.7 mi
Finish: Gale River Loop Road parking lot, Garfield Trail trailhead
Important Note – While the racing mileage may seem short for some legs, please keep in mind
that the total distance traveled by racers includes ascent to the starting points and descent to the
end. This is several miles in addition to the racing length. Every racer will be traveling over 10
miles total.
Rules and Safety
- If anyone is injured on the trail, their group members can find first aid personnel at the
checkpoints. One person must stay with the injured hiker. Each hiking group must carry
a first aid kit of their own. - No one can hike alone. Participants should always be in groups of three or more. Three
is a minimum. No group members can leave a checkpoint until all of the members of the
arriving leg team have been checked off. - Each team is responsible for providing their own transportation to the Loj and to the
trailheads. It can be very helpful to have non-racing members as a support crew to help
with transportation logistics. - Each team is responsible for providing its own gear.
- You absolutely must follow the route as described. Any deviations from the course will
result in a disqualification. - Practice Leave No Trace – minimize impact and clean up after yourselves.
- Please be courteous to other hikers. We are not the only people on the trail.
- Each team member is required to check in at the checkpoint and also at the finish line.
Remember: PRRR is a serious challenge. When choosing groups, please make sure that each leg
group has at least one person with significant outdoor experience. Please also make sure
that each participant is familiar with the course, race procedure, and is well-equipped.
You will be on exposed ridges with the possibility of snow, ice, and high winds. Be
prepared for harsh weather.
Required Gear
- Maps (waterproof maps of the White Mountains are recommended)
- 2 liters of water per person minimum
- 1 (or more) first aid kits per group (three kits or one that gets handed off between legs)
- Sturdy trail boots or shoes
- Synthetic or wool socks
- Synthetic hiking pants
- Synthetic hiking shirt
- Fleece
- Rain pants and jacket
- Gloves
- Synthetic or wool hat
- Cold weather synthetic or down jacket
- Snacks
- Tents (to stay at Loj)
Recommended Team Gear (one per group)
- Foam pad
- Bivy sac/space blanket/tarp
- Synthetic sleeping bag
Important Note – Racers on the second and third legs of the race will have to wait in possibly freezing conditions for a couple hours before their team arrives. Please bring enough warm clothing, gear, food, and drinks for this situation. For example, second and third leg hikers may want to bring synthetic long underwear for the wait.
The Route [Presidential Ridge] [used only if weather is perfect]
Start: The Highland Center at Crawford Notch
- 1st leg: From Crawford Notch to Eisenhower (6.5 miles)
- Crawford Notch to Jackson (2.6 mi)
- Jackson to Mizpah Hut (1.7 mi)
- Mizpah hut to Crawford Path (.9 mi)
- Crawford Path to Mt. Eisenhower (1.3 mi)
- Hand off Point 1, [Checkpoint 1- Summit of Eisenhower]
- 2nd leg: Eisenhower to Jefferson (7.4 miles)
- Mt Eisenhower to Lake of the Clouds (2.6 mi)
- Lake of the clouds to Mt Washington (1.5 mi)
- Mt Washington to Sphinx Trail (2.3 mi)
- Sphinx Trail via Gulfside Trail to Jefferson Loop Trail (.6 mi)
- Jefferson Loop Trail (south) to Mt. Jefferson (.4 mi)
- Hand off Point 2, [Checkpoint 2, Mt. Jefferson]
- 3rd leg: Mt Jefferson to Appallachia Parking Lot (7.5 miles)
- Mt. Jefferson to Jefferson Loop Trail (north) (.3 mi)
- Jefferson Loop Trail (north) to Thunderstorm Junction (1.5 mi)
- Thunderstorm Junction to Summit (.2 mi)
- Summit via Star Lake trail to Madison Hut (1 mi)
- Madison Hut via Valley Way to Summit (.4 mi)
- Summit via Watson Path and Valley Way to Parking lot (4.1 mi)
End of race at Appalachia Parking Lot
