Here is the link to the races facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/lakesidetrailrace
Keep an eye on this page, or check in at Off'n Running for this race next winter! That gives you plenty of time to get acclimated to trail running or walking.
This trail is a delightful, hilly, rooty, lake-following out and back trek that is 3.8 miles long. It is well marked with white flashes typically marking every .25 miles. It has 2 access points. You could access either trailhead and create your own run length, or run the whole darn thing one way, or out and back for a long run!
Highlights of the Townsend? It is a close to town run with less urban intrusion (there is some power line viewing) than some of the other trails in the G-bo. You are immediately plunged into nature town about .25 miles into your workout no matter which end of the trail is your starting point. Another treat is some interesting mini-bridges and water crossings, as well as the trail sitting right on the shore of the lake for long stretches. The trail "follows" the lake the whole way but you cut back in towards mainland at times, and the lake isn't always in view. It is also a trekking only, no bike trail. We love our mountain biking friends, but it's nice to get lost in the running groove without checking for traffic. There are long straight aways as you serpentine back off the shore that let you kick it wide open!
Cons? It may be a quite a challenge to a newer trail runner as some hills are pretty acute. Aint' no shame in walking for recovery! Some of the water crossings can be a bit slippery (see below). There are some REALLY ROOTY TOOTY sections along the lake, which may just require a slower pace or a walk. A couple urban intrusions...and I think that's it!
If you start from the South Shore trailhead, in the 1st mile, you receive a fun eyeball prize as you saunter past a small pond on your right, and begin to make your way towards the lake. You will be crossing into high grass and that will reveal a bit of society as you cruise under power lines, but shortly after you get the reward. A trot along the side of Lake Townshend that meanders through trees! During mile 1 and 2, keep scanning ahead and on the ground, because roots are definitely present. There is less heavy leaf accumulation on this part of the trail which makes seeing roots a bit easier. The second half of the run has heavier leaf cover so be careful to keep your root attena up as leaves can hide those burly trip-em-ups. Most water crossings have a small bridge or board walk. Some have just a few rocks or a log. All these "water crossings" are small little trickly guys! No gushing mountain run off. I only mention for those who are not 100% cool with mudshoe (I often bring a bin or bag and a second pair of shoes so I can frolick than change into clean kicks). These unbridged crossings can be muddy and a bit slippery, so you may get some earthy contact on shoes. This trail will be wetter and water crossings potentially a little more challenging post-rain. Some relish the adventure of these treats and others may feel unsure if they have balance issues, or an injury. The second half of the run there is another power line excursion, and lots of quiet beauty.
The other end of this trail has a smaller parking lot right on Yanceyville road, this can accomodate 2-4 cars depending on how parking karma is operating that day. The South Shore Road Trail head can probably fit 5-6 cars and is really close to Bryan Park Soccer Complex.
PICS AND VIDEO AND A MAPPER AND LINKS!
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| Me heading towards the finish line at the 2013 Lakeside race! |
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| YEA! Finito! |
I chose to run this out and back from the South Shore Trailhead.
MAPPER:
The City of Greensboro Link about Townsend Trail:
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/index.aspx?page=1385
The Map above without the markings:
http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3249
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