Introducing trail racing as you’ve never experienced before…team racing! MUTT teams consist of 4 different distance runners that start and stay together at the beginning of the race, then one by one turn around at the halfway point of each individual distance and return to the start/finish line alone. The format allows for different distance runners to race together, and also assures each runner c
ontributes to the success of the team. Starting in 2016, there will be 3 different distance races to choose from. The original MUTT (Mid-Michigan Ultra Team Trail race) will consist of teams with a 5, 10, 20, and 31 mile runner. The Mini MUTT will have teams of 3.1, 6.2, 10 and 13.1 mile runners. The Mighty MUTT (Mighty Mac Ultra Team Trail race) will have teams of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mile runners. The format for all three races are the same. At the start of the race, each team will start out running together and MUST stay together until they reach half way point of each individual distance, then each will turn around and return alone. Once all 4 runners return to the finish line completing their individual distances, all four times are tabulated for the total team time. Don’t lollygag around on the way back, because individual awards are handed out as well. Pace strategy is key in managing the teams overall time. Thought needs to go into each portion of the race and how fast you race. Do you run hard in the first 2.5 miles as a team to give your 5 mile runner a chance at the podium? What does that pace do to your ultra-runner? What makes the MUTT different?
1. Unlike a relay race that is run in individual stages, a MUTT team will consisting of runners running together for the first half of their distance, but will turn around at the half point of that distance and return at their own pace alone. This format allows for different distance runners to run together and each contribute to the team’s success.
2. The MUTT team trail race is two races in one. All four individual times are added together to make up the team time, but each individual time is also used for individual distance awards as well. Because each team member is running a different distance, they are not competing against each other for individual awards, so it’s a true team effort.
3. What does that pace do to your ultra runner?
4. Although teams are handicapped based on gender and age, everyone is entered in the top team and individual categories that are non-handicapped. Once the top team (Best in Show) and top 4 individual distance (best in breed) awards are given, all other teams and individuals are handicapped to determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for team and individuals. Awards
All teams are automatically entered in the “Best in Show” (top team award) and “Best in Breed” (Top individual time) open division. This means that teams and individual times will not handicapped for the top spot in the race. Once the top team and individual distance awards are given, all remaining teams and individuals will be handicapped based on the following to determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in both team and individual categories:
Women plus age handicap: 10%
Age 10 and under: 10%
Age 11 to 15: 5%
Age 16 to 39: 0%
Age 40 to 49 (for each year over 39): 1%
Age 50 to 64 (for each year over 49): 10% + 1.5% per yr
