BIG DITCH LAKE COURSE DESCRIPTION

West Virginia’s prettiest cross country course just got even better. We have adjusted the course to make it even more runner and spectator friendly. The start line and finish line for both middle school and high school races will be at the same location – located right next to tent city and the main parking lot.

Middle School Course- This course is one lap around the lake. It is virtually flat with the exception of a small hill (Ambush Hill) in about the first half mile. There is no zig-zagging or strange turn backs – it is simply one lap. The course is in the shade for 70% of the race. It is all mowed grass trails and trails through the woods.

High School Course- This course starts at the exact spot of the middle school course and goes the same direction around the lake. The first 1.5 miles is virtually flat other than the small Ambush Hill. The runners will run to the “Upper Parking Lot” (refer to map) and circle back there - the way they came - for about 650 feet. The turning point will be well marked. The runners will then hit Deerberry Hill. This is about 1500 feet of semi-steep incline up one side of the hill and then about 1200 feet down the other side. At the bottom of Deerberry, the runners will be back alongside the lake (on the same course they ran in on) and will run back to the dam and then onto the finish line - which is next to the start line. In essence, they will run out 1.55 miles, and back 1.55 miles and will have a substantial hill on the way back.

We will be serving concessions all evening. There is no charge for anyone to get in; but we would appreciate a donation of $3 per person to help pay for the chip timing provided by tri-state racing.