Pistol Ultra Run/Pistol Creek Marathon

Greetings Fellow Pistoler!

Thank you for registering for the Pistol party. A very warm welcome to the Class of 2023! We look forward to seeing you and over 400 of your closest running peeps in less than three weeks. We can’t wait to be there to cheer you when you toe the start line, encourage and support you on the course, and then celebrate your finish with you at the finish line arch!

We have fifteen very important things to cover in this first email, so let’s get started.

1. This will be the 10th official running of the Pistol. Get ready for some really cool once-in-a-lifetime special commemorative medals/awards and shirts.

2. Registration is almost full! If you know of anyone who hasn’t signed up yet, let them know: https://www.pistolultra.org/Race/ThePistolCreekRun/Page/Registration

3. We need lots of volunteers to help all support all our “crazy” ultrarunners. Especially Saturday night and Sunday. Even Pistol runners can volunteer before or after they run. In addition to the cool Pistol volunteer swag, all volunteers will receive gift cards and race credits. Plus you’ll score lots of good karma, and most importantly, help lots of runners be successful! Sunday volunteers will get double race credits! See the website for details. Please encourage anyone you know to help. A huge thank you! https://www.pistolultra.com/Race/Volunteer/TN/Alcoa/ThePistolCreekRun

4. Need to change distance? You can easily do so via this event website link: https://runsignup.com/Race/ThePistolCreekRun/Page/EventTransfer

5. Can’t come? If your circumstances have changed and you will not be able to join us at the Pistol party, we are definitely going to miss you! Please help us out by removing your registration on RunSignUp ASAP. This will be a big help as we are finalizing the race roster shortly. Here’s the link that will step you through that: https://runsignup.com/Race/ThePistolCreekRun/Page/EventTransfer

6. If you are sick. Come race weekend, if you are exhibiting ANY symptoms of any communicable disease (like COVID) or if you might be contagious, out of courtesy and respect for all the rest of our Pistol family and for your own health and safety, PLEASE STAY HOME AND GET WELL!! We’ll miss you, but would really appreciate you doing the right thing for everyone.

7. There will be a free gear swap table at Check-in. Bring any gently used, clean running gear in good condition that you are no longer using and would like to bless someone else with. And if you are needing something, be sure to check it out. You can’t beat the price!

8. Friday check-in for the ultra distances will be at the Hilton Inn Cove Convention Center again from 2-6 PM. Address is 2001 Alcoa Hwy, Alcoa, TN. They are right next to the Knoxville Airport. They are also one of our host hotels, so if you are already staying there, you’ve got it made! Fifty miler check-in will also be at the Start/Finish again Saturday evening. The half and full marathon check-in will only be at the Start/Finish on Sunday morning. See the website schedule for full schedule details: https://www.pistolultra.org/Race/ThePistolCreekRun/Page/Schedule

9. If you need a little “tune-up” (taping/stretching/massage) or some medical/coaching advice before the race, our Ultra Doc (Dr. Jeanne Williams) will be at Packet Pickup at the Hilton on Friday, the 17th for mini-sessions. You can schedule those here: https://tinyurl.com/pistolultra. Walk-up sessions are available if not scheduled, but book in advance to guarantee your session!

10.  All medical and physical therapy needs will be handled by our Ultra Doc, Dr. Jeanne Williams, and her Quest Health & Performance team. They will be back again at the main aid station to provide all your medical needs and help you to achieve your race goals. Jeanne is a doctor of physical therapy, certified run coach, and crazy endurance athlete herself; so bring all your questions and concerns! She gets it and can help you save your race! She has saved MANY other runners races, so be sure to see her if you are having any issues or considering dropping. She can work miracles! During the race, medical services will be available on a first come/served basis (priority to runners still on course) at no additional cost to you. Don’t hesitate to come see them during or after your race! They’re easy to spot…just look for all the purple!  

11. Live tracking. We are providing free RaceJoy tracking for all runners who want to carry their cell phones and participate. We strongly encourage you to use it. You or anyone else will also be able to scan the QR code on your bib to immediately see your results, track your progress, see where you are at, and lots of other helpful things. The link will be up on the event website shortly. In the meantime, be sure you have downloaded the app and are ready to rock and roll!  

a) iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/racejoy/id596132953

b) Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.racejoy.racejoy&hl=en_US

12. You all are going to really be spoiled with aid station support again this year! The Long Run staff is hosting the Start/Finish Aid Station again, then there’s the Leaping Leprechauns (David Black, Little River Trading Company, and others) again a couple miles are so down the course, then the Wild Trails crew will be supporting you again just before you reach the far end of the loop and again as you start your return. So you might be able to put in your order on your first stop, then pick it up a few minutes later on your return. How sweet is that? A bit further along on your way back, the TriStar Rowing team will be hosting a water stop, then you’ll pass by the Leaping Leprechauns again before you hit the Start/Finish and complete your first loop. So, you’ll pass an aid station every 1-2.5 miles or so. Talk about being spoiled!

13. Onsite food trucks! We have scheduled two awesome food trucks to feed y’all. Everyone registered for any of the ultra distances gets a free meal (up to $11) on us! Just present your bib tear-off stub. We have requested vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options in addition to all the other tasty goodies they’ll have for you.

a) Saturday 11 AM to 8 PM: https://www.facebook.com/REOCheesewagon

b) Sunday 9 PM to about 3 PM: https://www.facebook.com/waffleygood

c) *Times are approximate

14. If you have questions, please search the website first: https://www.pistolultra.org Pro tip: Go to the page you’re looking for the info on, press Ctrl and F to bring up a search box. Type in the keyword you’re looking for and viola!

15. If you still need to connect and want accurate answers, please respond to this email or reach out via the website contact portal: https://runsignup.com/Race/Info/TN/Alcoa/ThePistolCreekRun#contactFormSection  Posting them on Facebook is not recommended since we are working hard to get everything ready for you and likely won’t have the time to be surfing Facebook and waiting to answer questions or post comments. While it may take us a bit, we’ll do our very best to respond to emails as quickly as possible. Please do it before race week as we will be hard at work getting things ready to go for you the week of and may not have time to respond.

Okay, that’s it for this email. Good luck as you get ready for the big dance! We’ll be in touch again in a few days with your next email update.We can’t wait to see you at the Pistol party!

Will, Stacy, and the Pistol Team

Greetings Fellow Pistoler!

It’s only two weeks until the Pistol party! We hope you’re as excited as we are! We’ve been hard at work getting LOTS of details finalized to make this an awesome event for you.

Today’s list is short, only 10 items, but it covers critical things…like where should you show up for the race. So…let’s dig in!

1. Have you read Runner Email #1? If not, here’s the link: https://runsignup.com/Race/ThePistolCreekRun/Page/Runner-email-1

2. We still need LOTS of volunteers to help all you “UltraCrazy” runners get your run on. Please help us get the word out: https://www.pistolultra.com/Race/Volunteer/TN/Alcoa/ThePistolCreekRun

3. All the race day happenings will be hosted at the Springbrook Pool Center, 636 Vose Rd, Alcoa, Tenneessee. This is the same as last year. (The Friday ultra distance check-ins are at the Hilton Inn as detailed in the last email.) The Saturday morning ultra distance late check-in, the 50K, 100K, and 100 mile race starts, the Saturday evening 50 mile check-in/start, and the Sunday morning half/full marathon check-in/starts will ALL be at the Springbrook Pool Center.

4. The course maps, details, and parking map are here: https://runsignup.com/Race/ThePistolCreekRun/Page-6

5. If you are coming in an RV/camper, please pay particular attention to the parking map and where you are allowed to park.

6. QUIET HOURS at our Springbrook Pool host location are 10 PM to 7 AM. Even though it will be almost impossible for us to keep from screaming, clapping, and celebrating with each of you passing though as you start your next loop, or especially those of you who are finishing, we will all have to. Whatever it takes, we must all work together to make certain we don’t disturb the neighbors, especially the ones immediately across the road. Fortunately hugs are quiet, so we’ll do our best to give out lots of them!

7. Alcoholic beverages, firearms, and pets are not permitted at any time or under any circumstance.

8. For those of you finishing either the 100K or the 100 Miler, you will have your choice of either the legacy award or the shiny new one (pending availability). Check them out on the website before the event so you can let the awards team know when you come flying in at the finish: https://runsignup.com/Race/ThePistolCreekRun/Page-7

9. Planning to have someone else pick up your swag? If so, don’t cancel you registration. That way our check-in team will still have your name, shirt info, etc., on the list. Be sure to email us with the name of whoever is getting your goodies by Wednesday (March 15). We'll be glad to give it to them at check-in (sans bib).

10. If you have questions, PLEASE search the event website and Runner Emails BEFORE emailing us. We have found that over 90% of the questions we receive are already answered on the website or in the Runner Emails.

That’s it for now. We’ll be in touch again in a few days with your next email update.

Will, Stacy, and the Pistol Team

Greetings Fellow Pistolers!

It only one week until the big dance! The hay is in the barn now. Enjoy your taper and get ready for a great weekend at the Pistol Party!

We’ve only got three important things to cover in this third runner email.

1. Have you read Runner Email #1 and 2? If not, here’s the link.

2. We have the best sponsors! Whenever possible, please consider doing business with them since they support us and our ultra crazy Pistol party. Be sure to tell them thanks!

Gold Sponsors - Blount Partnership, Quest Health and Performance, Orange Mud, and Injinji Toe Socks

Silver Sponsors - Little River Trading Company, Flynn Electric, Mayfield Dairy Farms, 2 Toms Sport Shield, Harrison Construction, Kroger Marketplace, Sore No More, The Long Run Store, Drankful, Hotshot, Zenevo Chocolate, Eddie's Health Shoppe, and C2RL Engineers

Bronze Sponsors - Tailwind Nutrition, and Pickle Juice

3. We have some very special limited time discounts just for our Pistol family. Check ‘em out!

• Cooper’s Restaurant at our host Hilton Hotel is offering a 10% discount on their menu items. Plan to eat there right after you check-in Friday (March 17th). Just mention the “Pistol Run”. And be sure to thank them!
• Drankful - 40% off their gear website here. Use “PISTOL”.
• 2Toms - 40% off their performance products website here. Use “PISTOL4020”.
• SoreNoMore - 25% off any purchase of $25 or more on their pain relief products website here. Use “event23” .
• Squirrel’s Nut Butter - 20% off their anti-chafing and skin restoration products website here. Use “PISTOL20”.
• UltraRunning Magazine - 25% discount off the regular subscription price to “the voice of the sport” since 1981. Here’s the special link.

That’s it for now. We’ll be in touch again in a few days with your next email update.

Will, Stacy, and the Pistol Team

Greetings Fellow Pistolers!

It’s race week! Wow! Are things hopping here!

Today’s email focuses on what it will take for you to succeed at the Pistol. Ready?

OK…let’s get right to it!

1. PRE-RACE Medical Services: If you want PRE-RACE taping or bodywork done, Dr. Jeanne Williams will be available Friday, between 12-6 pm, at the Hilton during packet pick-up. Walk-ups are accepted pending availability. However, we highly recommend you schedule an appointment ahead of time to secure your preferred time. Grab your spot now right here!

2. Race Day Medical Services: The Quest Health & Performance team will be located in the start/finish tent for the entire race! If you are even slightly considering pulling out of the race for a physical reason before you finish, PLEASE go see her before you make a final decision! She’s saved the races of some of the most discouraged, hurting and hobbling runners. Jeanne and crew will be providing stretch sessions, body work, blister care, compression boots, Theragun, taping, first-aid, medical assessment and triage. They will also be monitoring the warming tent for those at risk of hypothermia. During the race, services will generally be provided first come-first served, but with the following exceptions: medical emergencies will always take first priority and runners still on course will be seen before others. If you have finished your race, please be understanding of this for folks still on the clock. They will gladly take care of you as soon as possible once on-course runners are assisted and back out racing again. There is a $10 supply charge per body area for kinesio taping during the race. If you think you may need or want taping services and don’t want to carry money or a card with you during the race, you can give Jeanne payment info ahead of time and it will only be charged if used. All card types are accepted. Basic first aid & medical triage will be available at the Wild Trails aid station during the overnight hours. There is no charge for medical services during the race, but our dedicated and mostly volunteer medical crew accept and always appreciate tips. Tipping is not required, but greatly appreciated! Over the years, many have asked about paying for these professional services or offering something to say thanks, so here's your opportunity!

3. One of the biggest reasons the nighttime runners drop at the Pistol is because they did not expect to get that cold, particularly at night. They slow down later in the race, perhaps got wet, then got cold, and boom! They drop. If you want to be prepared and have a much better chance of finishing, carefully read and then reread the advice in the next paragraph. It could save your race and possibly your life.

4. Weather Preparedness: If you’re like us and have been checking the forecast repeatedly, you know how much it keeps changing! Please keep in mind that the current highs in the 40’s during the day and lows overnight Saturday in the 20’s equals a prime recipe for hypothermia if you are not prepared! To decrease your chances of hypothermia, if you are going to change clothes during the race to warm up, please put on dry everything! You can’t get warm until you’re dry! That means changing everything from head to toe - hats, gloves, shirts, bras for ladies, jackets, shorts/pants, underwear, and socks (shoes if possible too). Be prepared for whatever comes…wet, dry, cold and warm weather!

5. Most of you will go out too fast. Don’t do it!! Remember, for most of us, the race doesn’t start until the halfway point. So don’t floor it at the start line and then cry when you run out of gas 3/4 of the way though. Instead, pace yourself, run smart, and you’ll have a MUCH better chance of finishing and getting the award you came for.

6. Keep your nutrition and blood sugar up. You will have a more positive mental attitude and perform better. If you get to feeling negative or sluggish, make sure you’re getting enough calories. It will improve your mood and energy level.

7. Running a long distance race is more mental than physical. Expect the negative mental demons to start dragging you down, usually when you’re the most tired and discouraged. Don’t listen or fight them. Just ignore them. Instead focus 100% on what it takes to keep relentless forward motion. Embrace whatever the circumstances are (rain, fatigue, disappointment, etc) and keep moving. Even if you’re only walking. If your brain tells you to quit, tell it to shut up. You will quit when you’re done…and not before. You didn’t do all this training, spend all this time and money, and come all this way just to try. You came to finish…so just do it!!

8. All runner email updates are posted on the website after they are sent out. Here's the link.

That’s it for now. We’ll be in touch one more time this week with your final updates.

Enjoy your taper week. We can’t wait to see you at the Pistol Par-tay!

Will, Stacy, and the Pistol Team

Greetings Fellow Pistolers!

It’s almost Pistol party time! Woo-hoo!

We’ve got 20 important things to cover in this final general email. So take a few minutes and let’s jump right in.

1. This is the 10th official running of the Pistol. We’ve got some really special limited edition Pistol shirts and hats for you. Extras will be available in the Pistol store after the Saturday morning check-in. Get them before they are gone forever!

2. Be sure to check out the Pistol Store at check-in. There will be some great deals on lots of cool Pistol goodies.

3. Drankful is one of our awesome sponsors. They will be at our mini-expo. Be sure to check out their smooth running gear.

4. If you didn’t make a shirt selection during registration or registered after the shirt deadline, we did not specifically order a shirt for you. Good news! We did order a few extras. So come back at 7:30 Saturday morning for the ultra distances or 7:30 Sunday morning for the half/full marathon and we’ll be happy to check and see if any are still available.

5. Be sure to give your predicted finishing time to the volunteer during check-in. The person who is closest to their actual finishing time wins the highly coveted Pistol Marksmanship Award!

6. Make sure you’re set up and ready to go with RaceJoy. It is packed with cool features that will help you. The best part is we’re providing it for free to all of our participants, so it you have nothing to lose. So go ahead, download it and check it out. It is a great way for you family and friends to watch your progress and encourage you. You can also monitor your own progress, so no more wondering how many loops you’ve done. It will also let you know if you get off course when you start sleep walking. Just click on the RaceJoy tab on the home page here.

7. If you want to change distance, you will need to wait and do that on site during check-in.

8. Bibs are only issued to the registered runners. They will not be given to anyone else.

9. Gear swap table will be available at all check-ins. Bring any gently used, clean running gear that you are no longer using and would like to bless someone else with. And if you are needing something, be sure to check it out. You can’t beat the price!

10. FREE Birthday/Anniversary gifts! If your birthday/anniversary is anywhere from March 12-25, congratulations! Come to the Changes and Solutions table to snag a free gift.

11. If you’re competing in the Athena/Clydesdale contest, be sure to check in for that just prior to your race start. Here's the page with the details.

12. Good Times Events will be timing all ten of our events. Please be sure to show them lots of love for all their hard work!

13. Here is the link to the live results.

14. Please note that on Saturday morning, the general parking lot next to the Springbrook Pool Center is ONLY for 100K and 100 Mile runners so they can self support as needed. (Here is the parking map.) To enter, you will need to either show your 100K or 100 Mile bib OR your registration on your phone to the Parking Marshal. No exceptions please!!

15. Remember, this is a cupless race! Be sure to have your own cup for water and sport drink out on the course. If you don’t have one, no worries. You can grab one or more collapsible Pistol Hydrapak Speedcups at the Pistol store during check in. They are super cheap, lightweight, and collapse down to almost nothing.

16. The course has several road crossings. Generally the traffic will stop. However, we are not permitted to stop or block them and must give them the right of way as needed. This includes the 4 way stop in Maryville at East Harper Ave and East Church St.

17. The Jump Contest is on! Be ready to show up your best jump for the photographers out on the course. The Facebook contest will be held later in the year. Nine lucky winners will score reduced entry fees up to 90% off!

18. You will need to officially finish the distance you are registered for to be an official finisher. The option to change your distance up or down after your race has started is not available. Click here for more info. 

19. There are unheated bathrooms/changing area/showers in the Springbook Pool Center.

20. If you have any unanswered questions, come to the Changes and Solutions table during check-ins and we will do our best to answer them there. We are out of the office now hard at work getting everything set up and ready to go for you! So email responses may be limited or delayed.

OK, that’s it! Safe travels. We can’t wait to see you and share in your accomplishments this weekend!

Will, Stacy, and the Pistol Team