--Varsity 5K Course--
Site: Camillus Middle School, Ike Dixon Road, Camillus N.Y. 13031
Course Basics: With the addition of new trails in the back field, the 'final' version of the WG 5k XC course may finally have been achieved after years of construction/playing field conflicts. This configuration eliminates runner cross-over by adding a challenging 'inner loop' to the back field that will certainly run rough for a season or two as the trail matures. The advantage of the new inner loop is that it creates high spectator visibility for that competitive mid-section of the race from the school's outdoor classroom spot("Spectator Area") which includes bench seats.
The Course: A fast start across flat school grounds quickly gives way to a rise that moves runners up onto The Terrace. Curving left down off The Terrace, the racers cross a back playing field and hit the first substantial(though short) hill, Tunnel Hill. They quickly re-emerge from the upper trails, descending behind the school and down "connector trail" to the back field section of the course and headed for the Woods Loop. Once into the Woods loop, they are invisible to spectators, negotiating the narrow, twisting trails and passing the 1 mile shortly before re-emerging onto the back field where they immediately encounter a second short, steep hill before disappearing again on a trail along the back boundary of school property. Circling that field, they pass immediately in front of the spectator area before heading into the new inner loop section of the course. All points on the 1/2 mile inner loop are visible to spectators. At the end of that clockwise twisty loop, the racers disappear back into the Woods Loop, this time running it clockwise. They are next visible coming out of the Woods Loop and fight for position before taking a hard left and climbing the longest and most difficult hill of the course. Emerging at the top, the racers quickly traverse the upper trails, drop back down Tunnel Hill, cross the back playing field and reverse the Terrace. Picking up finish speed, they race down the rise and make a final right hand turn before sprinting the final meters to the finish.
Course Characteristics: This course is 80% field and woods trails. It is deceptively challenging due to cumulative elevation gains and the 'European' nature of its trails. Spectators and athletes alike have noted the scenic value of the back field area. Catch it on a crisp, clear fall day and you will probably agree.
Newly Cut Trails, part of the planned 'inner loop' in the back field scheduled for use in summer/fall 2008
New drainage patterns due to soccer field construction has resulted in increased water flow to the marsh area of the Woods Loop section, creating a shallow pond that may/may not survive the summer. Nice to look at, but will it increase the but population of that trail section?
-Modified course-
(Coming soon)
Course Basics: