Postmark Your Entry on Feb. 9 or After

OK. Just a friendly reminder to NOT send in your entry form until February 9, 2009. Any that we receive prior to February 9 are being recycled and checks will be shredded.

If you messed up, just re-send your entry like the directions tell you to do, by US mail and postmarked no earlier than February 9, 2009.

We are accepting entries on a first come, first serve basis starting with the February 9 postmark. Thanks for your help in making this process as fair as possible.

Some details on the trail work requirement

Answers to a few questions about the trail work requirement for Cascade Crest:

-Where can I complete my trail work?
Wherever it is convenient based on your schedule and location.

-Can I do it on my own?
We expect you to do trail work through an organization like the Forest Service, Washington Trails Association or a similar state or local government or non-profit organization in your area. If you want clarification from us just ask.

-Does the trail I work on have to be part of a race?
No.

-Can I volunteer at a race instead?
No. While we strongly encourage runners to volunteer at races, we expect all entrants to complete 8 hours of trail work.

-Why the focus on trail work?
Trail work makes a difference for non-running trail users. By improving trails in your area you make a contribution towards all sorts of trail recreation.

-How do I report my trail work?
You'll do that via the website. We'll have you tell us the location, the date and the name and email of a contact at the organization you helped out.

-Will there be organized work parties around Seattle and Easton?
There are plenty of great opportunities around Seattle to help maintain and restore trails. We encourage you to consider events organized by EarthCorps and WA Trails Association. Work party details are updated frequently on their websites.

Other questions? Leave a comment and we'll get them answered.

Profile

Get all the facts on your favorite race director in this month's Ultrarunning -- like that he's missing most of his right lung and also fears alligators (two apparently unrelated items), that his favorite race food is cheeseburgers, and he can claim 70-plus ultra finishes. And the thing about him swearing off crew after my sandals melted on the dash at Western States, well, I can confirm that one's true.