Fire on the Mountain

Fire on the Mountain 50K & 25K
A special and permanent “thank you” to the people who made this year’s event possible: Michele, Starla, Scott, Jeff, Michelle, Michael, Shelly, Jamie, Cary, Lily, Crystal, Andrea, Carly, Jen, Ray, Stephanie, Noah, Josiah, Lucas, Susan and the Elder kiddos. From pre-start to finish, you guys and gals were simply amazing this year.

Congratulations to Adam Lowe, Parker Goss, Katie Shepard and William “Wes” Suitt for their individual victories. It was wonderful to see everyone (friends old and new alike). What a great day in the woods!

2021 race date: Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021

* 2020 race coverage
* Lowe to take over as FOTM RD in 2021

2020 Race weekend timeline of events (This will be updated for the 2021 race in May/June)

Saturday, Oct. 31

2 – 5 p.m.: Packet pick-up at Green Ridge State Forest Headquarters (Exit 64 off I-68). Click for Google Maps link. Address is 28700 Headquarters Drive NE, Flintstone, MD 21503.

Sunday, Nov. 1

4:45 a.m. – 6:40 a.m.: Packet pick-up begins at start/finish line.
** Those who have not picked up their bib number by 6:40 a.m. will have to wait until the race begins before receiving their bib. Runners are strongly encouraged to arrive as close to 4:45 a.m. as possible.
7 a.m. – Race begins
11:30 a.m. – Cutoff time for official 25K finishers
5 p.m. – Cutoff time for official 50K finishers

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Update 10.16.2020: All volunteers, plus runners who submitted a legible email address will receive an email with instructions, including any COVID-related changes to race weekend, in the week leading up to the race. The information for runners also will be posted here on the event website and shared on social media.

A note about COVID-19 (9.1.2020) — If the race is cancelled due to virus-related restrictions in place by public health officials, each entrant will receive 100 percent refund of entry fee (not including online vendor fee, if applicable).

Email [email protected] or call 240-347-1563 with any questions or concerns. You can also visit the PHDC Facebook group to start a discussion.

CAUTION – it’s hunting season
Per advice from Runner’s World, runners should AVOID brown, black, green or any other natural-looking or animal-like colors. Also, avoid red, white and blue (including on your bandanas, socks, etc.). Bright neon orange, yellow and pink are strongly recommended. Hunter orange is always a good choice, too.

Directions

* Directions to parking area/finish line. Click for Google map here. …
* Take Exit 68 off I-68.
* Take Orleans Road South for a total of about 5.7 miles (bear right at sign for Bill’s Place).
* Cross low-water bridge.
* Turn right off of bridge onto Oldtown Orleans Road.
* Stay on Oldtown Orleans Road for about 2.7 miles to reach Carroll Road.
* Park in grassy field across from Carroll Road – or follow directions of event staff.
** It will be DARK on race morning. Drive slowly and pay attention.

Drop bag info:
You will bring your own drop bag and put it into a designated vehicle on race morning. The bags will be available at Aid Station 4 (mile 16.4, the “oasis”). Don’t put car keys in the bags! The bags might not beat you to the finish line. And if you forget to pick up your drop bag and request us to mail it, we might (if we can find it) but you will incur the wrath of the RD. It takes not only money, but time, and sometimes that’s difficult to come by in a household of four children (ages 19, 17, 9 and 5). Yes, those children are available for rent.

The 10th running of the Fire on the Mountain 50K will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2020, in Green Ridge State Forest in Little Orleans, Maryland.

* NEW FOR 2020: We are adding an individual 25K(ish) distance to the day’s activities. The distance will challenge runners with a mix of single-track trail, rocks, roots, stream crossings and forest service roads. Like the 50K (10 hours), there will be a cutoff time (4.5 hours) to be considered an official 25K finisher.