Event Guide

Schedule of Events

Race Packet Pick-up:
You may pick up race packets for other participants provided you have permission to do so from them. Permission includes either a text message, email, or handwritten note authorizing you to pick up for them. For participants with balances due, packets will not be released until payments are made in full.

Thursday, May 2, 2024

12:00pm – 6:00pm – Race Packet Pick-up for All
Packet pick-up location
at the Mohonk Preserve Visitor Center
3197 Route 44 55, Gardiner, NY

50-Milers: Timing chips are embedded in your bib.

Relay Teams: Your lead-off person will pick up your team’s timing chip at check-in at the Start/Finish on Saturday morning. Allow plenty of time for shuttle and chip pickups.

Friday, May 3, 2024

12:00pm – 7:00pm – Race Packet Pick-up for All
Packet pick-up location
at the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gateway Trailhead
35 Route 299, New Paltz, NY

50-Milers: Timing chips are embedded in your bib.

Relay Teams: Your lead-off person will pick up your team’s timing chip at check-in at the Start/Finish on Saturday morning. Allow plenty of time for shuttle and chip pickups.

Pre-Race Dinner: There will be no pre-race dinner this year.

 

Saturday, May 4, 2024

4:00 am – 6:00 am – Race Packet Pick-up for All
6:00 am – 11:00 am – Relay Race Packet Pick-up for Legs 2, 3 or 4

Packet pick-up location
at the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gateway Trailhead
35 Route 299, New Paltz, NY

Parking and Event Shuttle
Ulster County Fairgrounds
249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz, NY

Please be respectful of the Ulster County Fairgrounds neighbors by being quiet while parking.

4:00 am – First Shuttle to Start
5:30 am – Last Shuttle to Start
Spectators arriving at the finish after 9 pm may park at the Testimonial Gateway. Spectators parked at the Ulster County Fairgrounds earlier in the day may move their cars to the Testimonial Gateway after 9 pm. Please note the last shuttle leaving the Testimonial Gateway to the Ulster County Fairgrounds parking area will be 10:50 pm.

Shuttles will run throughout the day from the Ulster County Fairgrounds to the Start/Finish. This is a six-minute ride.

Start Line Drop Offs
You may be dropped off at the Start line. Please follow the direction of staff and volunteers and be mindful of those behind you. Idling will not be allowed and spectator parking is not available at the Start/Finish. 

Event Start
Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gateway, 35 Route 299, New Paltz, NY

  4:15 am – 5:30am – Race Packet Pick-up and Bag Check
  6:00 am – Race Start

Course Rules

Parking and Shuttle Service
All participant and spectator parking is at the Ulster County Fairgrounds (249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz, NY 12561), approximately two miles from the race start. Rock The Ridge shuttle service will transport participants to the start/finish and relay handoff points according to the schedule of events. 

Please use the shuttle service. Personal vehicles are prohibited at the Testimonial Gateway Start/Finish area except for drop-offs prior to the race start and our VIP Fundraisers. Also, personal vehicles are not allowed at the Pine Road and Lyons Road aid stations; drop-offs are also prohibited at these locations. This is a serious safety issue. Violators risk ticketing and having their participant removed from the event.  See Shuttle Service Schedule.

Completing the Course
To be eligible for awards and appropriate recognition, Ridge Rockers must complete the 50-mile course in its entirety as marked under their own physical power. Participants caught cutting the course or using any motorized, mechanical or outside assistance will be disqualified. 

Cutoff Times
Cutoff times are enforced. See information about the Course.

Pacing and Crewing

Pacers are not allowed on the course. Crew teams are allowed; please use Rock The Ridge shuttle service. See the Shuttle Service Schedule.

Age Restrictions
Participants in the 50-mile event must be 16 years of age on race day. Relay team participants under the age of 16 may participate with the permission of a parent or guardian.

No Smoking
There is no smoking allowed anywhere in Mohonk Preserve, on the course, or in the Start/Finish area.

Dogs and Pets
Dogs and pets are not allowed on the course. 

Leave No Trace
All participants must abide by “Leave No Trace” practices at all times, including:

• “Pack it in, pack it out.” Dispose of all compost, recyclables or trash at an aid station receptacle.
• There are restroom facilities along the course (see Aid Stations section for a full list of restrooms). If you cannot reach a facility, please use discretion by moving to an area that is away from the course. Please pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• Leave what you find. Please leave rocks, plants and other natural, cultural or historic objects and structures as you find them.
• Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife at a distance, never feed animals, and always keep your gear with you. 

Participants caught violating “Leave No Trace” practices will be disqualified.

All Ridge Rockers must wear their official bib number at all times.
All registered participants will be issued an official bib number in their race packet. Any participant found not wearing their official bib number may be asked to leave the course. 

COVID-19 Protocols
Mask wearing policy will reflect the CDC guidelines currently in effect at the time of the event.

Cup-Free Event
Please bring your own handheld water bottle, hydration pack, and/or collapsible cup.

Shuttle Service Schedule

All participant and spectator parking is at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Road, New Paltz, NY 12561, approximately 2.5 miles from the race start. Rock The Ridge shuttle service will transport participants to the start/finish and relay handoff points according to the following schedule.

Shuttles will run in four loops as indicated below. Please allow time for shuttle bus transfers as buses will not stop at all locations as in past years. If you are part of a relay team and anticipate needing to arrive at the start of your leg earlier than the published shuttle schedule, please contact the Race Director at rocktheridge@mohonkpreserve.org in advance of race day.

Gear and Drop Bags

Drop Bags for Spring Farm Aid Station (mile 26.1) and/or Lyons Road (mile 39)

For those doing the full 50 miles, you may check drop bag(s) at the start area which will be transported to the Spring Farm Aid Station (end of leg 2) and/or Lyons Road (end of leg 3). You may also check a bag to remain at the Finish Line.

You MUST pack separate drop bags for Spring Farm, Lyons Road, and the Finish line. It’s up to you to determine if you will need a drop bag at the end of leg 2 and the end of leg 3 or at the finish line. Drop bags will not be transported between Spring Farm and Lyons Road.

Labeling your drop bag:

1. Tear-off the drop bag tag from your bib and securely attach it to your drop bag. Additional tags will be available for any additional bags.
2. Once tagged, take your bag to the designated area for Spring Farm, Lyons Road or Finish Line near the Testimonial Gateway Tower and place it on the appropriate tarp.
3. When you have finished with your bag at Spring Farm or Lyons Road, please place your bag on the bag return tarp. 

If you pack a drop bag and don’t use it when you get to the aid station, please let a bag drop volunteer know and your bag will be transported back to the Finish Line. Not doing so will result in delays getting your bag back.

Drop Bag Requirements:

• Bags should not exceed 14” x 18” x 8” – if you think your bag is too big, it probably is!
• No coolers or buckets
• Weatherproof bags are recommended
• Refer to the required and recommended gear list.
• In addition to the tag, drop bags must be labeled with your full name, bib number and phone number inside the bag. 

Rock The Ridge and Mohonk Preserve are not responsible for lost, damaged or unclaimed bags. 

What to Pack

Weather in the Hudson Valley is unpredictable. Check your email after 5:00 pm the evening before the race as gear requirements may change based on the forecast. 

Aid stations are located along the course, but they may not be stocked with all the things you want or need. This is a cup-free event so bring your own hand-held water bottle, hydration pack, and/or collapsible cup. 

Required Gear

Shoes
Water bottle/hydration pack/collapsible cup (this is a cup-free event)
Headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries (at race start and if you plan to be on course after dark)
Back up light source
Any necessary medications
Sunrise: 5:48 am; Sunset: 7:59 pm

Required Gear if rain and/or temperatures of 50 degrees or lower are forecast. 

Rain gear
Extra layer (fleece, synthetic long-sleeve shirt, tights)
Hat and gloves

Please Note: Rock The Ridge officials may check your gear. Ridge Rockers who do not have the required gear may be removed from the course for safety or not allowed to start. 

Recommended Gear

Extra socks
Day pack
Food/snacks
Sports watch
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunblock
Skin lubricant
Insect repellent
Electrolyte tablets
Trekking poles (if hiking)
Whistle
Space blanket
Blister kit/basic first aid
Cell phone (tag photos #RockTheRidge2024

The Course

Course Conditions
Heavy spring rains often cause washouts to carriage roads and trails. Please be advised that the course may be unusually rough in some places.

Course Description and Map
Check out the Course Description page for details about the full course and map.
Course markings will be color-coded this year. Leg 1: pink; Leg 2: Yellow; Leg 3: Blue; Leg 4: Green. The course will be marked with signs, flags, and flour markings on the ground. Course marshals will be located at some intersections. You will also encounter mile-mark signs at 5-mile increments.

Aid Stations
Aid stations are located throughout the course to keep you fed and hydrated. If you have special dietary needs, please pack any items you may need or want in your drop bag(s) as we cannot guarantee the availability of such items at aid stations.

Rock The Ridge is committed to waste reduction so this is a cup-free event. Bring your own handheld water bottle, hydration pack, and/or collapsible cup. Major aid stations will have food, water, soda, sports drinks, and nutrition products. 

Please note that aid station volunteers cannot provide medical care (like blister treatment) and do not carry first aid supplies. 

The Aid Station Chart details all of the support locations and summarizes all of the services provided.

Safety
Preparation is the best way to stay safe. This is a challenging course but most people can meet the cutoff times with proper training and event day planning. Please refer to the gear recommendations section. 

Participants are responsible for basic first aid (like blister care). In case of serious medical emergency while on course, call 911. Trained medical personnel will be on hand at major aid stations to treat specific injuries such as a sprained ankle or pulled muscles that do not require calling 911. 

Rock The Ridge officials reserve the right to check gear and remove participants from the course if you are not fit or prepared to continue. Arrangements will be made to get you back to the Start/Finish area.

Cell Phones
It is wise to carry a cell phone with you for communication and photos. We recommend you pack a power bank to extend your battery life. Connectivity along the route is sporadic, but you are able to call or send text messages in most areas.
(Tag us with #RockTheRidge2024)

Cutoff Times
Rock The Ridge has an 18-hour time limit which will allow most participants to complete the course with proper training and race day planning. For your safety, cutoff times are enforced. If you are not on pace, it is unlikely you will be able to complete the course within the 18-hour time limit. Accordingly, you will be pulled from the course and transported back to the Start/Finish line. The cutoff times are:

– Begin leg #3 at Spring Farm (mile 26.1) by 3:30 pm
– Begin leg #4 at Lyons Road (mile 39.2) by 8:00 pm

Participants who have not finished by midnight will be picked up from the course and transported back to the Start/Finish area. Participants who are close to finishing by midnight will have the opportunity to cross the finish line on their own.

Aid Stations

Last updated 3/7/24 – This information is subject to change

Location	Mile	Fluid	Drop Bag	Food	Toilet	Parking	Spectators
Duck Pond	2.4	✔
Rhododendron Bridge	4.6	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods	✔
Copes Lookout Rd/ Garden Rd	7	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods
Copes Lookout Rd/ Garden Rd	9.1	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods
Pine Rd.	13	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods	✔	PROHIBITED Shuttle service only	✔
Huguenot Dr./Garden View	16.2	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods
North Lookout Rd./Hemlock Lane	20.1	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods
Cedar Drive Bridge	22.3	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods
Spring Farm	26.3	✔	✔	Gels & bars, snack & hot foods	✔	Spring Farm lot with day pass (limited). Shuttle Service available.	✔
Cedar Drive Bridge	27.6	✔		Gels & bars, snack food
North Lookout Rd./Hemlock Lane	31	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods
Rhododendron Bridge	35.5	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods	✔
West Trapps & Trapps Bridge	37.8	✔			✔	West Trapps lot with day pass (limited).	.3 miles to bridge
Lyons Rd	39.3	✔	✔	Gels & bars, snack & hot foods	✔	PROHIBITED Shuttle service only	✔
West Trapps & Trapps Bridge	41.3	✔			✔	West Trapps lot with day pass (limited).	.3 miles to bridge
Rhododendron Bridge	43.7	✔		Gels & bars, snack foods	✔
Duck Pond	47.4	✔
Testimonial Gateway	50	✔	✔	Gels & bars, snack & hot foods, beer, burgers, salads	✔	PROHIBITED Shuttle service only	✔

Please Note: Personal vehicles are not allowed at the Pine Road and Lyons Road aid stations; drop-offs are prohibited at these locations. This is a serious safety issue. Violators risk ticketing and having their participant removed from the event. See Shuttle Service Schedule.

Spectators

Important Information Regarding Spectators

Many areas of the course are remote and therefore are off-limits to spectators. It’s important for the safety of all participants, volunteers and other Preserve visitors to know where your friends and family can safely gather. Mohonk Preserve is open to visitors during Rock The Ridge so parking will be limited at all trailheads. Day fees apply to all visitors entering the trailheads by car.

Spectators are encouraged to use the complimentary shuttle service. There is no charge to enter the trailhead when using the shuttle.

Aid station food and beverages are for participants only. Spectators may bring their own food. Please carry out any trash.

Testimonial Gateway Trailhead (Start/Finish)

• Shuttle service only at Start of Event
• View the iconic Testimonial Gateway Tower
• An ideal spot to pack a picnic and wait for your Ridge Rocker to finish

Pine Road Aid Station – End of Leg 1 (mile 13)

• Shuttle service required
• No spectator parking
• Site of first relay handoff

Spring Farm Trailhead – End of Leg 2 (mile 26.3)

• Shuttle service available
• Limited parking; day pass required for each spectator over the age of 15. 
• Major aid station located at the Slingerland Pavilion
• Food and beverages are for participants only. Spectators are encouraged to pack a picnic lunch.
• Location of the “million dollar view” of the Catskills
• The Slingerland Pavilion is restricted to participants and volunteers only.

West Trapps Trailhead – Trapps Bridge
(miles 36.7 and 41.4)

• No shuttle service available
• Limited parking; day pass required for each spectator over the age of 15. This is an extremely popular spot which fills early
• Spectator area is a short walk from the parking lot (about .3 miles to Trapps Bridge)
• Spectators may view the iconic Trapps Cliffs, a world-renowned rock climbing area

Lyons Road Aid Station – End of Leg 3 (mile 39)

• Shuttle service only
• Unauthorized vehicles at this location are strictly prohibited. Cars will be turned away. Violators risk having their participant pulled from the course. See shuttle service schedule.
• Accessible via West Trapps Trailhead parking lot: hike/bike 4.8 miles round trip

Mohonk Mountain House Property

• Spectators do not have access to Mohonk Mountain House property unless a Hiking Trails Pass is purchased in advance. Hiking trail passes can only be purchased online at mohonk.com/a-day-at-mohonk/hiking. Access to the Mountain House building itself is restricted to overnight guests only. 

Timing and Scoring

All Ridge Rockers will be timed using a chip capturing times at the beginning and end of each leg.

• Individual: Chips are embedded in your bib.  
• Relay Teams: Your lead-off person will pick up your ankle chip at check-in on race morning. At the start of each subsequent leg, the chip must be passed to the next team member. It is important that your chip be worn around your ankle. Placing your chip in a backpack or elsewhere on the upper portion of your body will render the chip inactive and your time will not be captured.

Scoring for the relay division is as follows:

• The team’s completion time is recorded when your final team member crosses the finish line. Each team member must fully complete their designated portion of the course in order to qualify for relay team awards. If a member is unable to complete one or more of their legs, their relay teammates can still qualify for finisher medals provided that each one fully completes their relay leg.

Please remember to return your timing chip once you have completed the course or have been returned to the finish area if you are unable to complete the course. You will be charged a $50 replacement fee for chips that are not returned.

Awards

Award Presentations
Awards will be given out to relay team and individuals as soon as possible once the results have been verified at the Finish. There will not be a scheduled awards ceremony. 

Awards

All finishers will earn a medal commemorating your phenomenal achievement, which you will receive after you cross the finish line.

Competitive awards will be given in each of the competing divisions as follows:

Individual 50-Mile

• Top three (3) female and male participants
• Top three (3) female and male participants in ten (10) year age groups.

Team Relay

• Top Relay Team of 3 or 4 (All Male)
• Top Relay Team of 3 or 4 (All Female)
• Top Relay Team of 3 or 4 (Mixed Gender)

• Top Relay Team of 2 (All Male)
• Top Relay Team of 2 (All Female)
• Top Relay Team of 2 (Mixed Gender)

150 Mile / 300 Mile / 500 Mile Commemorative Coins

• Ridge Rockers who have completed the full 50-mile course three, six, or ten times respectively will receive a commemorative coin at the Finish Line. Your bib will indicate your eligibility for a commemorative coin.

Fundraising Awards

Special awards will be given to the top 20 individual fundraisers. Awards include VIP parking at the start/finish, memberships to Mohonk Preserve, and fabulous race swag.

The relay team raising the most money cumulatively will win a special prize!

Norman Goluskin Spirit Award for Fundraising

Mohonk Preserve introduced a new award in 2023 for Rock The Ridge fundraising in recognition of Board Member Emeritus Norman Goluskin. Norman was instrumental in conceiving the event in 2013 and supporting its growth into an important fundraiser for the Preserve’s Conservation, Education, Stewardship and Visitor Experience programs.

Norman served as a Preserve board member from 1999 to 2022 and is a Preserver, Life, and Legacy Society member. He is also a board member emeritus of the New York Road Runners, where he established the organization’s after-school running program. An accomplished runner, Norman is a national age-group champion in both the 5,000 and 10,000-meter distances.

Norman’s highly effective fundraising philosophy is based on connecting as many people as possible to the Preserve’s conservation mission through personal participant outreach. As an eight-time runner in Rock The Ridge, Norman has raised $83,760 through his ardent fundraising campaigns.

The Norman Goluskin Spirit Award for Fundraising will be presented on event day to the Rock The Ridge participant with the largest number of contributors toward their fundraising goal. The winner will receive a special prize to recognize this achievement and their name will be add to a plaque permanently displayed at the Visitor Center.

 

Additional Information

Food / Refreshments
There will be hot food, beer and non-alcoholic beverages available to all Ridge Rockers at the finish line. Please show your bib. Spectators may also enjoy food and beverages at the finish with a suggested donation or bring their own. Please carry out any trash you bring in. 

Rock The Ridge Merchandise
Stop by the Rock The Ridge merch tent at the Start/Finish area for a great selection of Rock The Ridge gear available for purchase. Your purchases help raise money to put on this large-scale event. The merch tent will be open race day from 12:30 pm – 9 pm. 

Where to Stay
Lodging options are limited in the area and many require a two-night minimum on weekends. Please refer to our area guide for a list of local hotels and B&Bs that support the Preserve. Alternatively, you may search travel sites for hotels/motels/B&Bs in New Paltz, Gardiner, Highland, Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Rosendale or High Falls. Reserve early for a greater selection.