Join the Madness
Tulsa 's Longest Race                                          TATUR's Midnight Madness 50 Miler
Friday Night July 2, 2010 11:59 P.M.
In This Issue
Pacer & Crew Updates
Pre-Race Meeting
Parking
Ice
Cut-Off Time
Race Strategy
Trail Construction
Course Update
Drop Bags
Packet Pick-up/Registration
Drillers Game
Flashlights/Headlamps
Breakfast
Pacer /Crew Updates
 
 
 
Pacer - Runner Chatroom.
 
Pacers cannot enter the race till the runner has completed the first two loops (twenty miles).
 
A pacer may jump into the race at any point in the course.  The easiest place to have your pacer meet you will be at the start finish, or at the Turkey Mountain parking lot.
 
While pacers are not mandatory, we do suggest that you try to use them.
 
There are several advantages to using a pacer.
 
A pacer can:
 
1) A pacer can remind you to eat, drink and help you stay on course.
 
2) A pacer can keep your sprits up in the middle of the night i.e. tell you funny stories, jokes.
 
3) A good pacer will do everything in his/her power to keep you from quitting and tell you to get up out of the chair if he/she feels you have rested long enough.
 
4) A pacer's headlamp can help you see the trail if you don't want to carry a light for the last three laps. 
 
5) A pacer can help you with blisters, clothing or anything else at one of the two aid stations
 
6) A pacer can make sure you are not going too fast or too slow if you are nearing the lap four cut-off time.
 
A pacer cannot:
 
1) A pacer cannot "mule" for the runner.  "Muling" is carrying clothing, water, gel packets etc. for the runner.
 
2) A pacer cannot provide physical aid to the runner. This includes putting your arm around a runner and helping him/her after i.e. an ankle twist or giving the runner a hand if he/she has fallen.
 
3) A pacer cannot run without a yellow pacer number.
 
4) A pacer cannot run without a headlamp for the first 10 mile loop.
 
5) A pacer cannot provide medical aid to a runner except at one of the two aid stations.
Good judgement should be used if a runner is really injured.  If a pacer needs to provide aid to a runner on the course, by all means safety is first. Just be aware that the runner will receive a medical disqualification.
 
Reasoning Behind Pacer Rules  
 
A  pacer cannot do anything that would give the runner that uses a pacer an unfair advantage over the runner that does not have a pacer.
 
Click the link below if you would like to pace someone in the race or you would like to use a pacer.
 
 
Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting

 

 

At promptly 11:50 pm we will have a mandatory pre-race meeting where we will go over any course updates, rule changes and other important information and strategy that you will not want to miss.

Pacers and support teams are also encouraged to listen in to the meeting. 
 
We will answer any last minute questions and do our best to keep everyone up to date on any last minute information.
Parking
 
Parking
 
The parking lot at 41st and Riverside only holds 73 vehicles. 
 
These spots will be available on a first come first serve basis.
 
After these spots are full, entrants will have to park in the neighborhood that is directly across the street from the start finish line. 
 
QUIET PLEASE !!
 
We would ask that you do not block anyone's driveway and that you please be quiet while in the neighborhoods.
 
Most of the landowners may think that you are all nuts for running 50 miles in the middle of the night and we do not want to wake them up.   
Stay Cool
 
 
Race management has purchased 1,400 pounds of ice for this event.
 
We will have a kiddie pool or something similar setup with ice water for anyone needing to soak for a minute or two to get their body temperature down.
 
We are also working with River Parks to see about keeping the playground fountain and small water features going through the night.
 
Although it is forecasted to cool down a bit next week, it will still be very warm and humid.
 
We recommend that you wear as little clothing as possible and pick out shirts that are thin and airy.
Extremely Strict Cut-Off Time
 
Any runner who does not complete the fourth loop by 11:15 am will have his or her race number pulled and will be officially out of the race. 
 
If a runners misses the cut-off by even three seconds he/she will be pulled from the race. 
 
There will be absolutely no grace period !!!
 
Please do not even ask the RD or race volunteer  to let you continue as an official runner.
 
If you miss the fourth loop cut-off time of  eleven hours ,fifteen minutes and zero seconds and decide to continue, you may not have aid on the course and your finishing time will not be recorded.
 
Any runners who does not finish the fifth loop by 2pm will also not be included in the results.
 
Important Updates for Midnight Madness 50 Mile Road Race
Greetings!

2010 Entrants List  147 people registered
 
All of us at TATUR hope that you are getting excited about Friday night's adventure.  Whether you have done several ultra marathons or this is your first, we know that you have a lot going through your mind in your mental and physical preparation for the race.
 
We are putting several finishing touches on the race this week and wanted to let you know a little more of what to expect before, during and after the race.
 
We are really excited about the incredible response that we are getting.  This will really showcase the River Parks trail system. 
 
Stay tuned to Tulsa's Channel 2 News for coverage of the race.
 
Race Strategy
 
  
An ultramarathon is very different than a marathon.
 
Below are some strategies that seasoned veterans use.
 
1) Walk all the hills.  Since there are so few hills in this race, we recommend walking across both the pedestrian bridge as well as the 71st st. bridge to take advantage of the cool river breeze that often blows.
 
2) Run your own race.  Do not go out too fast.  Anyone can run the first 30 miles at a quick pace - it is the last 20 that separates the "men from the boys" and the "women from the girls"
 
3) Drink Drink and Drink.  Drink three times as much water and Gatorade as you think you will need.  Then drink some more.
 
4) Sit down only as long as it takes to get food in your belly and to check your feet for hotspots.  "Beware the chair !!"
 
5) Don't quit!! You will want to quit on loop three and you will REALLY want to quit after loop four.  If you are seriously thinking about quitting, first find a place to lay down and take a 15 minute rest and ask yourself how you will feel going home without that medal.  Ask yourself if your friends and family will really believe the excuse that you will give them for quitting.  Look around at everyone else who is not quitting and then ask yourself are you really in worse shape than they are.
 
6) Sometimes a dry shirt can improve your mood immensely.  The sun coming up can breathe new life into a tired body.
 
7) Run or walk with someone new.  Good conversation can help take your mind off your blisters, sore legs etc.
 
8) Avoid cramps by taking in salts in the form of pretzels, electrolyte caplets etc.
 
9) Drink then drink some more.
 
10) Don't run or walk with people who going at a pace that you are not comfortable.  Be prepared to have to walk for long distances toward the end of the race.  As long as you are moving forward you can finish.  walking is not a sign of weakness it is a sign of experience and savyness.
 
11) A slow finish is better than a fast DNF.  How many of your friends and family even have the slightest comprehension of what is a fast time and what is a slow time for a 50 mile race. Both of these statements are totally believable by most people.
 
 "Mom I am so excited!! I ran the 50 miler in 34 hours !!! ...or "Mom I am really bummed, it took me five hours to finish the Midnight Madness 50 miler.
 
12) Eat food !  There will be sandwiches, fruit, boiled potatoes and other food available at the aid stations. 
Trail Construction Update
 
 
For the last few years, Tulsa's River Parks trail system has been getting a fabulous new overhaul with a new split trail design for multi-sport use.  The trails have been widened, hundreds of new trees, benches, scenic sitting areas, water fountains, mile markers and many other new features are being installed.  This is all being done thanks to some very generous donations by people who want to see our city become healthier, and increase the beauty of our riverfront.
 
Tulsa is very proud of our new trail system and the folks at River Parks are doing a fabulous job with both the new trails and the construction process.
 
If you would like to "give back" to running in the Tulsa area, there is no better way than to become a River Parks Friend.
 
Click the River Parks Friends Logo to join starting at only $25
 

 
As of last week we were given the "OK" to run though the roughly two mile construction zone. As of Wednesday June 23, the asphalt trail was intact and clear except for three small trenches that crossed the trail where they were laying electrical lines for the new lightpoles. 
 
The southern half of the construction zone had the old asphalt trail removed and a nice flat, crushed, hard pack white gravel had been laid.  The trail was completely clear and may offer a nice break from the pounding of the asphalt.
 
Construction will continue this week and I have to be honest when I say that I have no idea what the trail will look like on race night.
 
We will do everything in our power to ensure that the trail is safe and well marked.  Worst case scenario is that you may have to run through some dirt, grass or gravel during this stretch.
Course Update
 
 
 
The decision has been made to alternate direction for each of the five loops.  Miles 0-10, 20-30 & 40-50 (loops 1, 3 and 5) will be run in the counter-clockwise direction.
 
We feel that the counter clock-wise loop will be the easier direction.
 
Miles 10-20 and 30 -40 (loops 2 and 4) will be run in the clockwise direction. 
 
There are several reasons for alternating directions.  One, each runner will be able to see where they are in relation to the rest of the fled.  Two, we believe that it creates more of a social atmosphere with each runner congratulating the other as they cross paths.  It will be easier for entrants, pacers and race personnel to determine what loop each runner is on.
And most importantly, we fell that it will be safer at night to alternate loops.
 
This race will be chip timed and all participants will be given their chip at the race.
 
No Chip ....No Time 
Drop Bags/Ice Chests
 
 
Drop Bags
All drop bags and coolers need to have the entrants race number, first initial and last name clearly written on the bag/cooler or on duct tape which is then attached to the bag.
 
Entrants may bring up to two drop bags and\or ice chests.  There will be a designated spot at the start/finish area for bags and coolers.
 
Entrants and pacers may also arrange for a drop bag to be transported to the Turkey Mountain Aid Station. There will be  pickup trucks at the start finish line for Turkey Mountain bags/coolers. 
 
We ask that all coolers that need to be transported be secured, with duct tape in case they tip over and soak other runners' dry clothing in transport.  Drop bags that are weather proof are recommended for this reason as well as the fact that we cannot guarantee you that your bag will be under cover if it rains.  Inserting your clothing, electronics and other items that you do not want to get wet in large Glad bags or plastic trash bags is another option.
 
 
Packet Pick-Up & Registration
 
Packet pick-up will be at RunnersWorld Tulsa (4329 S. Peoria) on:
 
Thursday from 10 am - 7:30 pm
Friday from 10 am -6 pm
or at the race beginning at 10:30 pm
 
Entrants may still sign up online or at RunnersWorld Tulsa from 10am -6pm
 
This race will not fill up!! However we have only ordered 200 shirts and 200 finishers medals. We will not re-order either.
Pre Race Baseball Game
 
Tulsa Drillers Baseball Game 
 
The Midnight Madness race purchased over 20 tickets for Friday nights Tulsa Drillers baseball game which will include a fireworks show at the brand new ONE OK field. 
 
Any race entrant and one friend/family member that would like to kick back and relax before the race can do so by emailing brian@tatur.org to reserve two free "field level reserved" tickets.
 
Game time is at 7:05 pm.  
Mandatory Flashlight or Headlamp
Show me the light
Flashlights or Headlamp will be MANDATORY 
 
 
RiverParks 
The two mile construction zone will not be lit nor will the section at the base of Turkey Mountain. 
 
Most of the River Parks trail lights are on timers and we are not sure if we can get  the timers over-ridden for Friday night.
 
Both runners and pacers will be required to carry a light source for one full 10 mile lap.
 
After one loop, if you feel there is enough ambient light to see by, you may leave your light source at an aid station or the start finish line.
 
We highly recommend running with a light for until the sun comes up.
 
RunnersWorld Tulsa sells two types of headlamps, the Petzl Tika Plus 2 for $48 and the Petzl Zipka Plus 2 $54.
Post Race Breakfast / Award Ceromony
 
BreakfastAfter you finish the race you will be treated to a home cooked breakfast by a group of runners who are training for Tulsa's Route 66 Marathon.
 
Breakfast is free for all racers as well as any pacer that shows his/her race number to the breakfast crew.  
Friends and family members will pay $5 and will receive a wristband.
 
Breakfast will be served from from 10am -2pm
 
Awards Ceromony
 
Age group awards will be given out in 10 year age groups.  Special prizes will be given to the top three men and women. 
 
The awards ceremony will begin at 2pm. Please find the race director to get your award if you will not be able to return for the ceremony.  NO AWARDS WILL BE MAILED FOR ANY REASON.
We hope that each and everyone of you finishes this epic adventure.  If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to let the race staff know.
 
We will see you all on Friday night.
 
Please watch the Midnight Madness website for any further notifications
 
KICK IT UP A NOTCH !!
 
RD Brian Hoover
918-244-6918