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1. Q
Who are the race directors?
A
In 2005, Mark Movic and Dave Hurd will complete 10 years as Equalizer race directors, and then retire from
this position. Beginning with the 2006 event, Dan Baldi and Debi Bull will take over as Equalizer race directors.
Debi has run the event every year and won it twice; Dan has a solid experience running both the 6 hour and the
24 hour.
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2. Q
How does the Equalizer work?
A
Multiply your actual distance by your Equalizer. If you run 30 miles and your Equalizer is 1.25, then 30 x 1.25 = 37.5 Equalized miles.
See entry form.
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3. Q
Do I have to keep moving all the time?
A
No, this is "go-as-you-please". You can stop for any reason, sleep if you like etc. If you take a break, tell your lap
counter. However the object is to go as far as you can, so the more you stay in motion the farther you will go.
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4. Q
What if I want to stop participating before the 6hours (or 24) have elapsed?
A
That's your privilege, but you must report to your lap counter, so they know you have stopped.
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5. Q
Where is the race?
A
At Gray's Lake. Gray's Lake Park is a public park. We have Parks Dept. permission to use it, but will share the path with walkers. The
loop distance is 1.905 miles, and is certified by the Road Running Council of USA Track and Field. The certification number
is IA02004-MF. The loop is lighted.
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6. Q
Can a friend run/walk with me?
A
Yes, if your friend is also an entrant. If you run/walk with a non entrant you will be ineligible for awards. Awards go 10 deep
in both the 6hour and 24hour and the Equalizers help you. You may well qualify for an award.
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7. Q
Can I enter both the 6hour and the 24hour?
A
No.
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8. Q
Where is a good place to stay?
A
Hotel Fort Des Moines is race Headquarters. Dinner and packet pick-up are there on
Friday evening. It is the closest hotel or motel to the race site. They allow late
check-out (if you identify yourself as an Equalizer participant) which lets you
shower after the race. For reservation and $109 rate call Hotel Fort Des Moines 515-243-1161 -
identify yourself as Equalizer participant and he will give you personal service.
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9. Q
I've never attempted this long of an event before. Any suggestions?
A
Novices go too fast in the beginning, get worn out and then drop out. Plan to mix walking and running from the start. Keep the
intensity down. Novices don't drink enough. Take in fluid so you have to urinate every hour or two. Expect to get tired. You can
keep moving even when you are very tired.
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10. Q
Do you count partial laps at the end of the race?
A
You get credit for each complete lap you finish (1.905 miles). You get no credit for partial laps. Near the end of the 6hour
(and again for the 24hour) we'll set up a 1/8th mile segment marked with orange cones. As the clock winds down you may not be able
to do a full lap before time runs out, switch on to this 1/8th mile segment and get a 1/4 mile credit for each round trip. These
1/4 mile segments typically are important to the runner's finishing place.
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11. Q
What about toilets?
A
There are Des Moines Parks Department maintained modern toilets about 50-100 feet from the start/finish line. In addition, there are
modern toilets at the beach which is about 2/3 the way around the loop. We expect these to be open all day and night, plus a couple
of portapots on the southeast corner.
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12. Q
What if bad weather occurs?
A
In general, we would expect to keep the clock running, and entrants can decide for themselves whether to stay on the course
or seek shelter. If the weather warnings are extreme (for example, dangerous thunderstorms or tornados) we'll consider stopping
or delaying the event. One year we delayed the start for an hour or so to let thunderstorms roll through.
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13. Q
May I erect a tent along the path?
A
Yes, for all the event, but you can't overnight in the Park on Friday night.
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14. Q
May I keep my clothing/supplies bag near the path?
A
Yes, plenty of room.
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