DECEMBER 3, 2017 | ELFIN FOREST RECREATIONAL RESERVE
Come join the community of Elfin Forest and Harmony Grove for a 5k/ 10k trail run/hike to raise funds to help “keep it rural.” Elfin Forest and Harmony Grove are a hidden gem in San Diego North County, home of diverse wildlife, scenic trails and biological diversity. This event raises money to help fund the cause of keeping this area scenic, rural and pristine.
This will be a chip-timed race for both the 5k and the 10k. The 5k can include hikers and runners while the 10k will be limited to runners. A 2 hour time limit will be imposed on the course.
DATE: Sunday, December 3, 2017
SCHEDULE:
6:45: registration begins (runners pick up packets or register)
7:00: Festival ready for business
7:45: 10K Race Begins
8:00: 5K Race Begins
9:45: Both courses close
10:00: 1K fun run for kids
10:15: raffle winners announced
10:30: award festival for 5K, 10K and 1K fun run.
FOR RUNNERS:
A timed, relatively accurately measured 5K and 10K trail run. All registered runners/hikers receive a T-Shirt and a raffle ticket for a special racer raffle. For both races: top 3 places, both men and women get killer prizes which will be announced as they become confirmed.
PAST YEARS’ PRIZES included:
— Spy Optic performance sunglasses (~$90 to $150) (1st, 2nd, 3rd: M & F, 5K/10K)
— Rudy Project gift certificates (~$90 to $150) (1st, 2nd, 3rd: M & F, 5K/10K)
— Gift Certificates from Movin’ Shoes ($30, $20 and $10) (1st, 2nd, 3rd: M & F, 5K/10K)
— Milestones Running: $50 gift certificates for 1st place (1st M & F, 5K/10K)
— Patagonia apparel: ~$90 to $140 (1st, 2nd, 3rd: M & F, 5K/10K)
— Moving Shoes (top 3 M & F, 5K/10K)
— Prana gear
— And the satisfaction of racing hard for a great cause.
— This year’s prizes are still TBD and will be announced as they become available.
FUN STUFF FOR ALL: If you’re not hiking or running, there will still be plenty
to do at the Keepin’ it Rural festival.
• Local Craft Beer garden (courtesy of Alesmith and Stumblefoot Brewery).
• Coffee and snacks for sale courtesy of Cafe Stoked;
• Gourmet Food Trucks;
• Massages courtesy of Ernie Villanueva;
• Expo featuring vendors offering free or discounted goods or services
KIDS: Kids are welcome to sign up for the 5K or they can participate in the 1K fun run, free with adult admission. Other kid-friendly activities will be available.
• 1K kids fun run with prizes for fastest kids kicking off around 10am. (flat-ish course)
• Cool bug presentation by EFRR docent (pending availability)
• All kinds of fun carnival-style games, prizes and giveaways.
• Kid-friendly snacks and drinks for purchase.
ADDRESS: Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, Olivenhain Dam Staging Area at 19090 Via Ambiente, Elfin Forest, CA (Click here for map). IMPORTANT: this area can only be accessed from Elfin Forest / Harmony Grove area. It cannot be reached from Del Dios Highway, Cielo or Rancho Santa Fe (online maps are often incorrect about this).
This not at the main trailhead and parking area for Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve. It is on the backside off of Via Ambiente at Harmony Grove Road right after the bend on Elfin Forest Road (if going East) or after the Reserve (if going West). See directions below.
DIRECTIONS FROM 5 FREEWAY:
Take the 5N:
Leucadia Avenue Exit.
Follow it straight. It runs into Rancho Santa Fe Road.
Take a RIGHT on San Elijo Road,
RIGHT on Elfin Forest Road which ends and then curves sharply LEFT and turns into Harmony Grove Road.
Take a RIGHT on Via Ambiente. Follow signs up to the Dam and staging area.
DIRECTIONS FROM THE 15:
Take 9th Avenue W exit,
Follow it until it turns LEFT onto Hale Avenue.
Take a RIGHT on Harmony Grove Road,
Then take a LEFT to stay on Harmony Grove Road.
Follow it to Via Ambiente. LEFT onto Via Ambiente. Follow signs up to the Dam and staging area.
ORGANIZER: The Elfin Forest Harmony Grove Town Council, a 501c(3) non-profit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to the preservation of the community character, open space and natural habitat of the Elfin Forest Harmony Grove area. For more information: http://www.efhgtc.org
CONTACT INFO: Email efhgtc@gmail.com if you have any questions. Or you can message us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letskeepitrural
PLEASE NOTE: The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is being opened for us only on this date. If you wish to pre-view the course, you must park at the main entrance on 8833 Harmony Grove Road and take the Way Up Trail to get there. Please do not try to access from Via Ambiante as it is considered trespassing and it will make it a lot harder for us to get the race approved in the future if people try to access the course this way. Thanks for helping us to keep it rural.
