2016 The Nippy Niner Trail Run 1/31/16

January 31st, 2016

2016 Race Results

2016 Nippy Niner Athlete Letter

Nippy Niner Trail Update!: We have had a lot of questions regarding the Nippy Niner and whether or not we will be able to hold the event at the Columbia Bottoms Conservation area post Flood of '15.

The BAD NEWS is the the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is unusable due to recent flooding. The GOOD NEWS is we are going to hold the Nippy Niner but are headed for higher ground. For 2016 we are relocating the event to the bluff above Columbia Bottoms at Spanish Lake County Park. The new course will offer a similar mix of paved, gravel and trail although there will be a bit more elevation change.

Curious about the condition of Columbia Bottoms Conservation Area? Check out these- Image Gallery.

The OLD Course: The Nippy Niner is a nine mile (15K) paved, gravel and off-road trail run that begins on a gentle gravel road leading to the historic confluence point of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and then returns on the undulating River's Edge Trail. The race starts on an open plain winding it's way through the wetlands and migratory bird habitats before entering the dense bottomland forest alongside the Missouri River and returning on gravel roads to the finish. Fast, Flat and extra Nippy.

The NEW Course: The Spanish Lake County Park Course features a paved start and finsh around the lower lake- then a short uphill jaunt to to the Upper Park fields. After the flat and fast start the run will head out onto the cross country and mountain bike trails that circle the upper lake. The 15K runners will two loops of the upper park, the 9K will do one lap. There will be one stiff climb back to the upper trails.

The Nippy Gritty:

Before November 1: $25

Before December 31: $30

After January 1: $35

Race Day: $40

Register early and save! There will be a small online surcharge. Race Day Registration will be available from 7:30 am until 8:30 am. Athletes registered prior to January 15 will recieve a super deluxe Nippy Niner embroidered Beanie.

Shameless Plug: Check out our Valentine's Day Run for the Chocolate on February 13, 2016

Packet Pick Up and Registration:

Saturday, January 30 from 1pm - 5pm at Big Shark Bicycle Company LOOP location 6133 Delmar Blvd, 63112

Sunday, January 31 starting at 7:30 am at Spanish Lake Park, 12500 Spanish Pond Road, 63138

YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR RACE NUMBER AND REGISTER ON RACE DAY!

Race Start: The Nippy Niner start will be en masse and not staged. Runners will be directed to the start corral at 8:50am.

Nine Mile Course Description: The first 1.5 miles of the race will be on a flat, paved trail that leads to a upper park. At approximately 2.5 miles in runner's will enter the gravel trail to the upper lake, a undulating, windy double track trail that is directly above the Confluence Park. After circling the lake runners will enter the woods and hit the winding mountain bike trails and climbs to return to the upper park for a second lap of the Lake. At the end of the trail the runners race back to the lower lake mostly downhill to the 1.5 mile flat finish.

Nine K Course Description: The short course will be identical to the 15K/9 mile course- but only one lap of the upper lake.

Nile Miler Support: Runners will have two water stations- one prior to entering Upper Lake loop and another at the trail's exit after the burly climb before making a left onto the gravel trail.

Precision Health Group Support: HEATERS (to un-nip) will be provided by Precision Health Group- who will also be providing Active Release Treatments to racers!

The NEW Location: Spanish Lake County Park is located just above the Columbia Bottoms Road- literally up the hill and about 1.5 mils down Riverview Drive. Please note that Riverview Changes names to Strodtman Rd...and then to Spanish Pond Road. From Highway 270- exit north on Bellefontaine Road and follow to Spanish Pond Road. Turn right and take the 1st, lower, park exit.

The OLD Location (As a reference point- don't go here!) (Where: The Columbia Bottom Convservation Area is located in north St. Louis County at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. From I-270 exit at Riverview Drive and head north.

When: Sunday, January 31, 2016. 9:00 AM Start Time. The Nippy Niner will occur regardless of rain, sleet, snow, ice, mud, stampeding badgers, wild cougars or extreme nippyness. If the event is cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances there will be no refunds.

Awards:

Overall Top 3 Female/Male
Age Group Top 3 Female/Male: 19-under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Nine Mile Run ONLY: Female/Male Masters (40 years old +) ... 1 Award Each
(Masters award winners not eligible for Age Group awards)
Nine Mile Run ONLY: Athena (150+lbs) under 40 years old and 40+, Male Clydesdale (200+lbs) under 40 years old and 40+ ... 1 Award per Category
(Clydesdale and Athena award winners not eligible for Age Group awards)
Awards will be presented at 11:00am.

Special Awards from The Battlegrounds: The Top 3 Men and Women Overall for the 9 Mile (long) course will each win entry certificates to the Battlegrounds Mud Run. Additionally- the Overall Winner of the Men's Clydesdale and Women's Athena 9 Mile course will each win certificates.

THE BATTLEGROUNDS is St. Louis' largest permanent mud run obstacle course with 30 plus obstacles.Obstacles are military themed and will require physical fitness. Obstacles will include running, jumping, crawling, splashing, swinging, climbing 25 feet in the air & traversing varying terrains, including a creek. You will get muddy! It will be physically demanding. Are you up for the challenge?

Results: Results will be posted online 24hrs post event.

Rules:

To be eligible for an award, the runner must complete the entire race course.
This is a mass start event. No early or late starters allowed.
There are no refunds. Entry may be transferred up to 1 week prior to the event.
Athletes registered prior to Jan 15 are guaranteed an event beanie. Everyone is guaranteed a nippy good time!

Contact: For race information please contact mike@bigshark.com