SHALE HILL ADVENTURE Presents the 5TH ANNUAL
POLAR BEAR 8 HOUR
OBSTACLE CHALLENGE
FEBRUARY 4, 2017
7:30AM
BENSON, VERMONT, USA
Are you ready for 10K (6.2+ miles) in just "ONE" loop, OVER 80 obstacles, trail running, hills, mud, ice, and snow?! Do you think you’re up for the ULTIMATE challenge, in the middle of winter?? All the braggin’ rights go the person who can COMPLETE the most LAPS in 8 hours! Youth are welcome to participate ages 13 - 17 with special discounting...check it out!!! Only the tough and hardy will beat the odds on our never ending loop of physical and mental challenges!
This is a unique winter obstacle race offering 8 hours of racing on Shale Hill's 10K obstacle course in Benson, Vermont! One of the highlights of this race venue is the indoor "heated" Party Barn offering an ALL-DAY hot buffet, long sleeve Polar Bear 8 T-shirt & a custom finisher's medal included in everyone's entry!
Registration fees
7:45AM WAVE #2 - YOUTH 13-17 Closed
YOUTH ONLY 13-17 BOYS and GIRLS - includes ALL DAY BUFFET
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$100.00Sep 1 - Feb 1
ALL DAY BUFFET/SPECTATOR - AGE 12 & UP Closed
SPECTATOR ACCESS TO ALL DAY BUFFET (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and INCLUDES T-SHIRT!
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$50.00Sep 1 - Feb 1
ALL DAY BUFFET/SPECTATOR - UNDER 12 Closed
SPECTATOR ACCESS TO ALL DAY BUFFET (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) and INCLUDES T-SHIRT!
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$30.00Sep 1 - Feb 1
7:30AM WAVE #1 - PRO/ELITE MEN'S - CASH PAYOUT Closed
Online registration closed-
PRO/ELITE "MEN'S" AGE 18+ Includes ALL DAY BUFFET
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ClosedSep 1 – Sep 11
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$125.00Sep 11 – Sep 18
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$150.00Sep 19 – Nov 4
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$190.00Nov 5 – Jan 8
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$200.00Jan 9 – Feb 1
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7:30AM WAVE #1 - PRO/ELITE WOMEN'S - CASH PAYOUT Closed
Online registration closed-
PRO/ELITE "WOMEN'S" AGE 18+ Includes ALL DAY BUFFET
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ClosedSep 1 – Sep 11
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$125.00Sep 11 – Sep 18
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$150.00Sep 19 – Nov 4
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$190.00Nov 5 – Jan 8
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$200.00Jan 9 – Feb 1
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7:45AM WAVE #2 - OPEN ADULT Closed
Online registration closed-
OPEN ADULT 18-49 MEN'S and WOMEN'S - includes ALL DAY BUFFET
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ClosedSep 1 – Sep 11
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$125.00Sep 11 – Sep 18
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$150.00Sep 19 – Nov 4
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$175.00Nov 5 – Jan 8
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$185.00Jan 9 – Feb 1
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7:50AM WAVE #3 - JOURNEYMAN Closed
Online registration closed-
JOURNEYMAN / NON-COMPETITIVE MEN'S and WOMEN'S - includes ALL DAY BUFFET
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ClosedSep 1 – Sep 11
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$125.00Sep 11 – Sep 18
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$150.00Sep 19 – Nov 4
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$175.00Nov 5 – Jan 8
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$185.00Jan 9 – Feb 1
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7:45AM WAVE #2 - MASTERS 50+ Closed
Online registration closed-
MASTERS AGE 50+ MEN'S and WOMEN'S - Includes ALL DAY BUFFET
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ClosedSep 1 – Sep 11
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$125.00Sep 11 – Sep 18
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$150.00Sep 19 – Nov 4
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$175.00Nov 5 – Jan 8
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$185.00Jan 9 – Feb 1
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What IS this crazy race?!
Join us for 8 hours of obstacle adventure racing in the SNOW sponsored by our favorite footwear company, ICEBUG USA!! Winner of the most laps completed on our INSANE 6+ MILE OBSTACLE COURSE takes home the big prize and bragging rights! Check us out at www.shalehilladventure.com
What if I need a break!?
* Take breaks "between laps" in our enclosed heated SHALE HILL PARTY BARN with ALL DAY food buffet & non-alcoholic beverages included in your race fee for the 8 Hour Divisions ONLY.
* SPECTATORS will need to purchase a buffet ticket separately during registration check out.
On course, there will be 4 bonfires going at all times to give you a moment to warm up right next to the 4 water stations.
EMTs will be available to address any injuries or hypothermic needs throughout the day. The recommendation is to stay well hydrated and nourished throughout the day even though you may not feel thirsty due to the colder temperatures. Cold weather clothing and "at least 3 clothing changes" should be brought with you and ready in your gear box/bag for changes between laps (including dry running shoes). Dry/waterproof gloves, head coverings and footwear is imperitive to avoid frostbite in your extremeties!!!
Divisions and Prizes
** ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE A CUSTOM MEDAL
& LONG SLEEVE POLAR BEAR T-SHIRT **
>> POLAR BEAR 8 - OCRWC QUALIFING RACE <<
The Polar Bear is one of the first OCRWC qualifying events of the 2017 OCR Season.
Shale Hill's divisions for PRIZES ONLY are:
PRO/ELITE age 18+ MEN & WOMEN (cash prizes)
Youth BOYS & GIRLS (13-17)
Open MEN & WOMEN (18-49)
Masters MEN & WOMEN (50+)
* However, we will recognize qualified participants in the following catagories who place in the top 5 (or 50% of division if less than 10 participants) and send results to OCRWC...
Important Note: No more than 50% of an age group or a gender in their division at a specific event can qualify for the OCRWC (e.g. if an age group has only 8 athletes in it, only the top four(4) atheletes are deemed qualifiers)
OCRWC QUALIFYING CATAGORIES at POLAR BEAR 2017
PRO/ELITE ages 18+ (top 5 in your gender)
13-17 (top 5 in this age group)
18-24 (top 5 in this age group)
25-29 (top 5 in this age group)
30-34 (top 5 in this age group)
35-39 (top 5 in this age group)
40-44 (top 5 in this age group)
45-49 (top 5 in this age group)
50+ (top 5 in this age group)
>>> ACCESS TO THE ALL DAY FOOD/BEVERAGE BUFFET is INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION AS A PARTICIPANT.
>>> BUFFET TICKETS WILL NEED TO PURCHASED BY SPECTATORS <<<
(BUFFET IS OPEN AND STOCKED BETWEEN 6:30AM - 3:30PM ONLY)
plus..
* INDIVIDUAL "OVERALL" 1ST PLACE (could be anyone from PRO/ELITE, YOUTH, ADULT OR MASTER MALE OR FEMALE) takes home the coveted POLAR BEAR #1 Bib and medal in a custom frame + special prizes from our sponsors! This individual will have to complete the most laps in 8 hours. In the event of a tie, fastest time and then least amount of penalities accumulated is the winner.
* NEW THIS YEAR: Prize for MOST LAPS COMPLETED PENALTY FREE in any division or age group.
* INDIVIDUAL ADULT (age 18-49) MEN'S & WOMEN'S DIVISIONS TOP 3 PLACES. Based on overall entries, this division may be combined at the discretion of the RD's.
* MASTERS DIVISION (age 50+) TOP 3 PLACES. Based on overall entries, this division may be combined at the discretion of the RD's.
* YOUTH BOYS & GIRLS DIVISION (age 13-17) TOP 3 PLACES. Based on overall entries, this division may be combined at the discretion of the RD's.
* LARGEST TEAM RECOGNITION - Team with the most participants competing.
* FASTEST TEAM RECOGNITION with the fastest "average" laps completed among all members. Minimum of 4 members REQUIRED to be eligible.
NOTE: EVERYONE IS ENTERED AS AN INDIVIDUAL COMPETITOR IN PRO/ELITE 18+, YOUTH (13-17), OPEN ADULT (18-49) OR MASTERS (50+). IF YOU CREATE AND JOIN A TEAM, YOU WILL "ALSO" BE ENTERED IN THE TEAM COMPETITION. NO EXTRA FEES FOR TEAMS:-)
LARGEST TEAM RECOGNITION
The "LARGEST TEAM" represented will receive special recognition and earn valuable discount coupons to use towards merchandise or races in 2017!
DIFFICULTY
* The "PRO/Elite & Open Heat Divisions" of this race are NOT for beginners or the average person who has never tried Obstactle Racing before (particulary in winter)! You must be physically fit to participate in this race that will be very challenging with over 60 military type obstacles, hills, shale, ice, possible snow, mud, trail running, uneven ground, walls, hay bales, monkey bars, 11' vertical walls, rope climbs, barbed wire crawls, etc. on EACH lap! The winning contenders of this race will be hard pressed to complete 3 laps (that's nearly 20 miles and over 200 obstacles in an 8 hour period)!!
* JOURNEYMAN DIVISION - JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN & TAKE A LOOP WITHOUT PENALTY AT OUR WORLD FAMOUS SHALE HILL COURSE?? Then sign up for the Journeyman/Non-Competitve Division as an option for athletes who want to take their time and perhaps only complete a lap or two. There will be "no-penalties" awarded for failed obtacles. This is a non-competitive division and your time will not be counted towards final placement for prizes. However, you will receive a medal for completing 1 lap, a FREE t-shirt!
Spectator Pass to Buffet & Party Tent
SPECTATORS who would like unlimited access to the ALL-DAY BUFFET and warm "Party Barn" to support and cheer on their comrades must purchase a BUFFET TIX/SPECTATOR PASS. Space is limited to competitors, volunteers and a limited number of spectators due to occupancy constraints and spectators will be "required" to purchase a spectator pass prior to the event to gain access. Sales end WEDNESDAY, January 25, 2017 at midnight. If you have family, friends, and/or children who would like to see you compete, but are not interested in purchasing a Spectator Pass, they are welcome to dress warm and cheer you on the course outdoors "free of charge." PRE-REGISTER TO SAVE & RESERVE A T-SHIRT available for the ALL-DAY buffet option only!!!
Single pass options for the buffet are available as well. $20 ADULTS & CHILDREN SINGLE PASS PRICE. T-shirts are NOT included in this option for spectators. Breakfast buffet is from 6:30am to 10:30am. Lunch/Dinner buffet is from 10:30am - 3:30pm. You can choose to eat from either setting, but not both for the same single pass through price.
BUFFET LAST STOCKED AT 3:30PM!!!! Please keep this in mind when planning to visit the buffet after your race is complete.
To accomodate spectators that will "not" be purchasing a Spectator Pass, we are within walking distance (less than 1/8 mile) to the center of town. You can drive, or walk, to THE WHEEL INN Restaurant or the BENSON VILLAGE STORE for convenience items, coffee, hot chocolate, HOT food and cozy table-side service. Drive past Shale Hill Adventure Farm (on your left side of Lake Road), continue another 1/8 mile and you are in the middle of Benson with THE WHEEL INN on your right and the BENSON VILLAGE STORE at the intersection!!
Discount Codes do not apply to the Spectator Pass, so we would appreciate if you would save them for your next entry as a competitor :-)
With your purchase of an ALL-DAY BUFFET/SPECTATOR PASS (ONLY IF YOU PREREGISTER), you will also receive a POLAR BEAR T-SHIRT!!! Please select your size during the registration process. Shirts are only available to "pre-registered" spectators. Shale Hill swag will be available for purchase during the event! We have sweatshirts, tech shirts, t-shirts, hats, winter caps, Moxie Gear gaiters, SINERGY SPORTS GEAR and Icebug Footwear!!
No dogs permitted in the gym/buffet area or on the grounds. Sorry, we love dogs, we have a dogs, but for the safety and comfort of all our patrons, we do not allow dogs. IF YOU HAVE A CERTIFIED SERVICE DOG, please let us know ahead of time.
** PLEASE SUPPORT OUR FOOD VENDOR AND SERVICE STAFF by purchasing a Buffet Pass. We will "not" allow outside meals/food brought in from the outside unless you have a food allergy and you have notified us of your concerns.
** VEGETARIAN & limited gluten FREE options will be available on the buffet :-)
EARLY CHECK - IN
CHECK-IN will be available the late afternoon/evening before the POLAR BEAR on Friday, February 3rd starting 4pm through 9pm only. If you arrive after 9pm, you will have to check-in the next morning starting at 5:30am, but you will need to park in the general parking area and then carry your gear box to the gym/barn. Gear boxes can be dropped off at the barn during early check-in on Friday pm. PLEASE FOLLOW THE PARKING SIGNS on LAKE ROAD to lead you to the EARLY check-in area. You will have enough time to unload your gear box and then return your car to the parking area in the field below as we have very limited parking available at the registration/party barn area. You can return to the barn to finish signing in and hang out with us to chat and meet your fellow competitors, volunteers and race directors, Jill and Rob!
On Saturday, Feb. 4th, BREAKFAST will start at 6:30am. Post time is promptly at 7:30am for the FIRST PRO/Elite Wave, so please allow yourself plenty of time to get dressed, put on your pinny numbers, settle in and time to eat a good breakfast (did we mention we have BACON!!!)! The racers briefing will be at 6:45am in the PARTY BARN. Line-up on the start line for the first heat will be at 7:25am. Departure for the first lap will leave at 7:30am SHARP!! Subsequent waves will depart promptly at the times listed on the schedule.
If you are only planning on doing a lap or two, then PLEASE consider signing up for the 8 Hour Journeyman/Non-Competitive Division. Please keep in mind that you should still attend the competitor's briefing at 6:30am so you don't miss anything in regards to the course! After 7:30am, Rob (Course designer/co-director) starts out on the course following everyone. It will take an average of 2-3 hours to complete 1 lap. So, plan your time accordingly and dress for the current weather conditions! If you need any questions answered or help during the day at the Start/Finish area, please find Jill in Registration or the Party Barn area.
Would you like to VOLUNTEER?
We are looking for volunteers to help us during the event! We have several openings to help with registration, spotters on course, at the finish line (timers and lap counters), runners, penalty box, and the buffet. Please click the "VOLUNTEER" button on the left side of this page and you will be directed to the duties we are looking to fill. Also, please call or email us at ShaleHillAdventure@aol.com to let us know what your availability is that day.
Volunteers get a buffet pass, and $10 per CREDIT HOUR towards the following: training passes, Shale Hill or Sinergy Sports merchandise, Icebug footwear OR entry credit to a future Shale Hill race in 2017 only!!! Credit not used by 12/31/17 will be forfeited and not carried over into 2018, sorry!
WHAT TO WEAR
A lot of you have asked for advice on what to wear. Below is a list of "suggested" clothing and footwear to make your racing experience as comfortable as possible :-)
Head
* Headband to cover ears or breathable running hat. Bring extras for multiple laps. Small, foldable so that it can fit in your pocket if you overheat.
* Sunscreen or moisturizer to prevent windburn and chaffing on your face & ears. Bees wax type lip balms to keep lips moist.
Body
* Upper body - long sleeve wool synthetic base layers and breathable outerlayers to keep you warm but allow perspiration to evaporate. If you are wet and sweaty and stop or slow down, you will get chilled.
* Lower body - long running tights layered with winter/wind-stop type running pants on top. Many run with tights and long athletic shorts.
* Some people like to wear a thin wet-suit type material that keeps you warm if you happen to get wet from snow, slush/water (i.e. Frogskins from Australia)
Hands, shins & Feet
* Close fitting leather/sythetic gloves with some padding for warmth, but not too bulky. Attach them to your shirt/jacket cuff so you can easily slip them on and off depending on the obstacle where you may need to use your bare hands (i.e. monkey bars, ropes, traverse wall).
* Carry some hand warmers in your pockets to warm your hands up between obstacles.
* Gaiters are suggested to help keep debris/snow/ice from getting in over the top of your shoes or boots. We sell ICEBUG Sock Gaiters and find they work very well any variety of shoe brands.
* Shin Gaiters by MOXIE GEAR (from Australia). These are sythetic, durable sleeve gaiters for your lower calf and shin protection. They fit between the top of the ankle to below your knee. They keep you warm, dry and with the extra padding on the shins they provide excellent protection from superficial injuries sustained on obstacles. MOXIE gaiters are available for sale in our store. Size S, M & L. Limited sizing and shin models available for sale. Otherwise, we can place an order for you :-)
* Footwear - It's no wonder we love ICEBUG FOOTWEAR from Sweden for our course. We put ICEBUG on the North American map for OCR when they were first introduced to us back in 2013!! ICEBUG specializes in carbide studded performance trail running shoes and boots for the OCR and Adventure Racing. ICEBUG is our title sponsor and select models and sizes will be available to demo on the day of the race. If you like them, and we know you will, you can order a pair for the remainder of your OCR season and beyond!! Hands down, this is an Icebug course, and we endorse ICEBUG Footwear for all your Adventure Racing and OCR needs!! Check out www.icebug.com for all the latest models available and order your next pair through Shale Hill for special race participant discounting of 10% :-) Please contact Jill at Shale Hill directly at 802-537-3561 to order ahead. Please allow 2 weeks for delivery of footwear not in stock.
NO REFUNDS - DEFERRALS - TRANSFER QUESTIONS
NO REFUNDS after registration is completed.
DERRALS TO ANOTHER RACE will be considered "one time only" for a $35 transfer fee if you contact us "BEFORE" the closing date of this race. NO refunds, transfers or deferrals after the closing date, NO EXCEPTIONS. Should any future race be cancelled or postponed, there will no refund of your registrations fees, but we'll allow a deferral to another future race. The participant is responsible for all tranfer and registration/credit card processing fees.
TRANSFERS to another participant are allowed, but you must "gift" or "sell" your entry/registration to another person and this must be worked out between you (orginal participant) and the person whom you are transferring the registration to. There are no transfer fees, but you MUST get in touch with us to change the information on our roster to the new participant prior to the closing date.
Thank you!!!
Shale Hill Adventure Farm, LLC
Event schedule
- Fri, February 3, 2017 4:00 PM - EARLY CHECK-IN FRIDAY NIGHT 4pm-9pm
- Sat, February 4, 2017 5:30 AM - RACE DAY CHECK-IN 5:30am - 7:00am
- Sat, February 4, 2017 6:30 AM - ALL-DAY BUFFET OPENS
- Sat, February 4, 2017 6:30 AM - RACER'S BRIEFING
- Sat, February 4, 2017 7:30 AM - WAVE #1: PRO/ELITE HEAT START
- Sat, February 4, 2017 7:45 AM - WAVE #2: YOUTH - OPEN ADULT - MASTERS HEAT START
- Sat, February 4, 2017 7:50 AM - WAVE #3: JOURNEYMAN HEAT START
- Sat, February 4, 2017 3:30 PM - 8 HOUR RACE ENDS 3:30PM - 3:45PM - 3:50PM
- Sat, February 4, 2017 3:30 PM - BUFFET LAST STOCKED at 3:30pm
- Sat, February 4, 2017 4:30 PM - AWARDS CEREMONY AROUND 4:30/5PM
Contact information
- Event contact
- Shale Hill Adventure Farm, LLC - Jill Bogert or Rob Butler
- Phone
- +1 802-537-3561
- Website
- Visit website
