08/09/2026
Monday’s Race is Our Annual Mad Hatter
Mad Hatter
Dear Trail Runners,
The Mad Hatter is arguably everyone’s most favorite and yet bittersweet race of the year. It is my personal favorite because it’s the most fun, but bittersweet as it signals the end of the summer series has arrived. This email includes the 3 things you need to know/do before the race.
1) The Mad Hatter is a countdown race. What this means is that everything, from the timing to the race itself, happens in reverse. The goal, (the fun!) is that everyone finishes at the same time rather than starting at the same time.
For the 5K peeps, running the course in reverse is pretty simple. For the 5 milers, please pay attention to our wonderful volunteers and markings on the trail. It can get very confusing.
2) you need to know your race start time because we are doing a staggered start. The goal is to have everyone finish at 7:15. The official race clock will start at 6 pm and countdown until 7:15. In other words, if it takes you 45 minutes to run your course, you should start when the clock says 45 minutes (at 6:30pm). If it takes you 25 minutes you would start when the clock says 25:00 which is at 6:50 pm. So the faster you are, the later your start. Make sense?
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your projected start time. This will allow ample time to pick up your t-shirt, enter the raffles and most importantly … use the porta-potty.
3) The race is free, but please sign up for it anyways.
This will allow us to have a head count so there are plenty of sweet treats!
https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=163682
We are also collecting for 2 wonderful causes. Runners can make a VOLUNTARY donation to either Future in Sight or help fellow runner Bill Ferriero who is running to help the homeless, a growing problem that has local impact on the Mine Falls community.
The Gate City Striders happily host this final race each year so please be sure to thank all our dedicated volunteers as you pass them on the course. Marcos DeSa will also be giving out cooling towels to all who donate $25 or more to Bill’s run for the homeless. As a real estate agent, finding everyone a good home is near and dear to his heart.
The link for Bill’s cause is on FB.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/2043753452894879/?fundraiser_source=external_url
Anyone who needs to pick up their t-shirt at another date, please stay tuned for email with updated pickup info.
Anyone who needs to submit a virtual, please do so by Sunday evening.
A Personal Note From Shelby.
Lastly- as your race director - it has been an honor and privilege to serve you all these past 3 years. I never dreamed 18 years ago that my very first race would become such a huge part of my life. Please support Angela as she takes over my role next summer. She and Rick are already making plans for next year’s awesome summer series! I will be very involved in the races but focusing more on my role as sponsorship and community involvement director.
See you all on Monday!!
Honored,
Shelby
The Mine Falls Summer Trail Series is on Monday June 1, 2026 to Monday August 10, 2026. It includes the following events: Mine Falls Summer Trail Series - 5K Bundle, Mine Falls Summer Trail Series - 5 Mile Bundle, 5K - Once Upon a Trail, 5M - Once Upon a Trail, Week 1 - 5K Virtual, Week 1 - 5 Mile V...
