Whitestone 30K

March 1, 2009

It starts and finishes next to the Chapel of the Good Shepherd on the Whitestone grounds. While waiting at the race start and finish line, which is the highest point on the course, you enjoy a breath-taking view of the Whitestone grounds and Watts Bar Reservoir. At the gun, you are off, down a steep but short hill to the lower parking lot and then onto Paint Rock Road. Within a half mile you are down to one of the lowest points on the course as you cross over a small bridge. You follow Paint Rock Road to the second entrance to Tennessee Chapel Road (see map) where you turn left near mile 2. You run up the hill and past the hog farm where you turn left at the fork in the road. There is a friendly dog near mile 4 where the road curves to the left and you get a view of the reservoir on your right. You continue around this loop, which is possibly the prettiest part of the course, until it ends at Paint Rock Road where you turn left. Within a quarter mile, you turn left again at mile 6 onto Tennessee Chapel Road. You run up the hill, past the hog farm and this time you turn right at the fork. You run through a wooded stretch on Creekwood Road and past some residences, one with two noisy and scary, but harmless, dogs. At mile 8 both Creekwood Road and you turn left. You run uphill for about a half-mile to the turn-around and then downhill back to the intersection where you turn left onto Myrtle Ward Road. About 10.5 miles into the race you intersect Highway 72 where you turn right. Be especially careful of traffic along this half-mile stretch. You turn right onto Paint Rock Road near mile 11 and before you know it, you are back on Tennessee Chapel Road at mile 13. Again, you run up the hill, past the hog farm, turn left at the fork, past the friendly dog, around the loop, and finally intersect Paint Rock Road near mile 17. You turn right and are on your way back to the Whitestone for the last mile and a half. You realize there is still some work left as you pass the low point over the bridge and recall that the finish is at the high point. The view is wonderful as you ascend the final hill to the finish line. And the breakfast served by the innkeepers is an outstanding reward to be cherished and savored. --- Jerry and Betty Schohl, Race Directors

Weather

Averages: High 58 Low 34.
The course winds in and out and up and down. Most of the course is protected from the wind. Dress accordingly.