Warm but Sloppy Conditions for 2016 Little River Trail Runs

7k starting pack.

The 11th Little River Trail Runs were held on Saturday, January 16, 2016. It was much warmer than previous years with a balmy 37 degrees F greeting runners for the start of the 10-mile and 7-k races. In keeping with Little River races past, precipitation also played a part in this year's run. Over .25" of rain fell late Friday creating some sloppy trail treads in low lying areas, especially along the river.

The trail run is put on by a dedicated group of runners from Chapel Hill known as the Trailheads. Proceeds from the run are donated to Little River Park and also used to purchase carbon offsets. Last year's run was "carbon negative" with the purchase of enough offsets to negate the carbon emissions caused by the travel of all participants. The park has used the donated funds to pay for trail improvements, equipment and to underwrite the cost of park programs like star gazing with Morehead Planetarium and visits from wildlife educators, CLAWS. This year the park was able to offer its Tiny Trekkers and Discovery Club kids programs for free as well. The trail runs have generated over $60,000 in donations to the park over the past 10 years.



A beautiful day along the 7k course.

The Trailheads began the Little River Trail Runs as a way to get runners off the streets and into nature to enjoy their favorite pastime along the quiet forest trails. The low-key event is welcoming to runners of all abilities. With over 500 runners, it has become one of the largest trail races in the area. The event draws runners from as far away as Alaska and Rhode Island. The unpredictable conditions in mid-January add to the ambiance of the race. Past year's conditions have included temperatures in the teens, ice, snow and mud.

Related Reading:

Little River runners traverse slippery slopes:  http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/chapel-hill-news/article56360085.html