Hello runners, volunteers, and hecklers!
We’re looking forward to another great year of loopy fun. It was looking for a few minutes that we might have to cancel the race on account of good weather, but the forecast turned colder and wetter, so we’re happy to be going forward with the annual drenching that is Dizzy Daze.
A few answers to common questions:
Q: When do I show up?
A (12-hour): Check-in begins at 6 a.m. The race begins at 7 a.m.
A (5-hour): Check-in begins at 6 a.m. The race begins at 7 a.m. (Sorry, no sleep-late option this year.)
Q: How do I get there?
A: Practice, baby, practice! And carpooling. Instructions are on the website here. Park on the north end of the lake near the blue dot at 7358 West Green Lake Dr. N. Seattle, WA 98115. We’ll be conspicuous.
Q: So what is a 12-hour anyway?
A: The clock will start promptly at 7 a.m. and stop at 7 p.m. During that time runners try to complete as many laps as they can along the outside dirt path around the lake. Each lap runners must pass through a chute before the aid station where our timing people will be keeping track of lap splits. You must make sure your bib is visible as you go through this area so they can record your number and the time. Here’s a handy distance chart.
Q: Why a 5-hour?
A: Because running for half a day is foolish. Plus it lets people count the race for certain running clubs. Mostly we like to be inclusive.
Q: Can I just run a (5K/Half/Marathon/50K/100K/100M)?
A: Absolutely, but we only count full laps. When you’re done, just tell the timers that you have finished your last lap. Everyone’s times will be listed on the website here.
Q: Can I start late or early?
A: Yes, but the clock won’t. We record early stops, but not late starts. There are no early starts.
Q: Can my wife / husband / kid / dog / neighbor / etc. run with me?
A. Yes, if they behave. If they misbehave it could mean your disqualification, so choose wisely. The park is open to other traffic, so the entire city may run with you if they like. However, runners are responsible for keeping their pets, pals and progeny under control. The aid station is intended for runners only, and your entourage must always leave room on the path for others to pass. Run single-file, not side-by-side.
Q: Will I be cold/hot/wet/dry/miserable?
A: Probably. Plan for wet and cold with times of hot and dry. Weather forecasts here and here.
Q: What should I bring? What should I leave at home?
A: There will be an area for drop bags. Making them waterproof is a good idea. Some good items to have are extra clothes, a change of shoes, a water bottle, any special food or medical supplies you might need. Very well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome, but cats are not. Bring a folding chair if you like, but don’t bring a big tent, because there isn’t room for many of them.
Q: What food will be provided?
A: All day long we’ll have: Gatorade or something similar, gels / gel blasts, water, soda and the usual ultra-kibble: chips, boiled or roasted salted taters, cookies, gummy bears, M&Ms, gels, etc. In addition, we’re planning to have something resembling the following:
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- Early on: Pancakes
- Later: Pizza, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Soup: Chicken vegetable noodle or Roasted Tomato
- 8:00: Pints at Saint Andrew’s Pub for anyone left standing. It’s within crawling distance.
Q: Where can I get rid of all that food and water?
A: There will be two porta-potties at the start/finish area and there are three bathrooms around the periphery of the lake.
Q: What do I do in case of serious emergency?
A. Dial 911 first, then contact the race director. Getting a blister is not an emergency.
Q: What about non-emergency medical care?
A: We will have a small collection of frontier-style medical supplies at the start/finish area, including band-aids, anti-chafe cream, isopropyl alcohol (no ethanol, sorry), antihistamine tablets, duct tape and twine. We won’t hand out painkillers of any kind. If you think you’ll need something outside this list, then you should plan ahead.
Q: I don’t like dirt. Can I run on the road?
A. No. It will disqualify you, and people breaking this rule is part of why we didn’t hold the race in 2016.
Q: What’s the #1 tip for success?
A: Keep the lake on your left.
Good luck, and happy running!
–Loopy Loops and Loopy Too
(A.K.A. Matt and Betsy)
Other questions?
