Seven & Seven Trail Race and Maze

About:
On November 3rd runners across the area will participate in the second annual Rural Hill Seven and Seven Trail Race and Maze Challenge at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville, NC. This unique event combines a difficult 7k trail run plus the mental challenge of a scavenger hunt within a 7 acre corn maze directly afterwards. The race will start at 10:00am and finish across the “victory bridge” of Rural Hill’s Amazing Maize Maze.

All race participants will start the event with the 7k trail race at 10:00am (come early so you can get an early explanation of how the maze portion of the challenge will work.) Upon their return runners have the option of being re-orientated to the maze rules or simply advancing into the maze. From there it is the runner’s task to complete the 7 acre maze by searching for 14 hidden items and then finding the way out.

Special King and Queen of the Trail awards will be given to the first male and female finishers of the trail race, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards will be given for the top 3 overall (trail race + maze challenge) male and female finishers.

Course Description:
The seven kilometer race course is best described as rolling, with two steep climbs. Terrain varies and includes gravel trails, smooth dirt, wooded areas and open pastures. Watch out for roots, rocks, and the possibility of mud in low lying areas.

Race Date: Saturday, November 3rd

Registration fees:
$20 By October 15
$30 After October 15
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATIONS

Race Time: 10:00

Packet pickup:
Friday, November 2, 10:00am - 9:00pm at Rural Hill
Saturday, November 3rd, 8:30am - 9:45am at Rural Hill

Register at the following locations
• www.ruralhill.net/sevenandseven.asp
• Over the phone- 704-875-3113
• Onsite at Historic Rural Hill
NO RACE DAY REGISTRATIONS

*T-shirts are only guaranteed to runners that register before October 15. Anyone who registers after will receive a t-shirt only while supplies last.

Awards:
• King and Queen of the Trail awards to first male and female to finish the trail portion of the race
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd awards to top 3 male and female OVERALL CHALLENGE (race + maze) finishers.

Results:
• Results will be posted immediately after the race on site and uploaded to www.ruralhill.net within shortly after the conclusion of the event.

Volunteers needed:

None of Rural Hill’s events would exist if it weren’t for the generous and enthusiastic support of volunteers. We’ll need timing assistants, trail “sweeps”, man the water station / road crossing, and more! Please email bethharris@ruralhill.net with “Seven and Seven Volunteer” in the subject line if you or someone you know would like to help out.

History of Rural Hill and the Seven and Seven:
Rural Hill’s property dates back to 1765 when John Davidson first settled on land he had purchased from his father in law. Eventually John would become a Major in the Mecklenburg County Militia, sign the May 20, 1775 Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, and serve in the Cherokee Campaigns of the American Revolution. After the war Major John would become a wealthy plantation owner and pioneer in the Lincoln County Iron Industry. Rural Hill continued forward in history as one of the most profitable plantations in Mecklenburg County until after the Civil War. At that point it transitioned to a family farm, remaining in the same Davidson family line until 1992, when the last surviving members of this line sold the property to Mecklenburg County. Today Rural Hill is one of the largest pieces of public property in the county and is managed by Historic Rural Hill, a nonprofit organization. Rural Hill continues to be utilized as a working farm, center for educational programming, and cultural events site.

The Rural Hill Seven and Seven is the creation of Zac Vinson, our Director of Education. Zac is an avid trail runner who trains daily in and around Rural Hill and will complete his first 50k ultra marathon trail race in mid-October. In designing this and other Rural Hill trail races, Zac’s philosophy is to design a fast-paced run over unique and varied terrain that will be a fun and challenging endeavor for all competitors, no matter what skill level they are at.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What if I cannot participate once I have registered?
All race participant purchases are final. If you cannot participate, the entry fee cannot be refunded.
Can I run with headphones?
Yes, but you do so at your own risk; Rural Hill will not be responsible for lost / damaged electronics. Please be mindful of your footing and surroundings at all times.
Will there be a lost and found?
Yes, all lost and found items will be at the Registration area.
Where on the course can my friends/family watch the race?
We recommend having your friends/family watch the race at the Start/Finish Line area or along the edge of the western half of the race course.
Can someone else pick up my bib number and race packet?
Race numbers and packets will be given to runners only.
What about parking?
Parking is free and located by entering the 3rd gate, look for the large grey Rural Hill sign.
It’s raining outside- are we still racing?
Rural Hill Seven and Seven will take place rain or shine. In the rare instance the trails are deemed unsafe by the Rural Hill Staff due to severe weather (strong wind and/or lightening,) we will announce the cancellation immediately via Rural Hill’s facebook and twitter. In the event of a cancellation the race will postponed to a later date. If you cannot or choose not to participate, the entry fee will not be refunded.
I wasn’t able to run the race after all, can I still get my packet?
Yes, but you must come by Rural Hill to pick it up, packets cannot be mailed.

WARNING
Under North Carolina law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in an agritourism activity conducted at this agritourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of the agritourism activity. Inherent risks of agritourism activities include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this agritourism activity.