The Cold Pricklies Trail Race

Introducing the “Cold Pricklies Trail Races”

Nuhop was founded in 1974 an “Oovey Groovy” time in the history of all things.  In the early years of Nuhop our Founders were in tune with a series of books focused on a philosophy called Transactional Analysis.  These books were focused on helping youngsters develop self-esteem, esteem of others, personal and social responsibility, critical thinking and independent judgement. In fact, this is where the concepts of Warm Fuzzies and Cold Pricklies were first introduced.

To honor Nuhop’s history and the “Warm Fuzzy” we started the “Fuzzy Fandango” Trail Races in 2010.  Over the years we have contemplated adding another run to the docket and have decided that this is the year.  We would like to introduce you to the “Cold Pricklies” Trail Races.  Well what are “Cold Pricklies?”  Let us give you some context from the work of Dr. Freed the author of the T.A. book series.  

Dr. Freed states, “Strokes are what people do or say to other people to make them feel.  So there are two kinds of strokes. Strokes which feel good are called Warm Fuzzies.  Strokes that feel bad are called Cold Pricklies.”

“When I get a bad stroke, I feel not O.K. - I get shivers up my back . . . Cold Pricklies. Cold Pricklies make you feel Frozzy. Not O.K.”

Nuhop’s focus has always been to help people achieve their goals and to push beyond their boundaries.  So with that in mind, we are going to present you with the opportunity to have one, two or three strokes at the inaugural “Cold Pricklies Trail Race.  You may be asking yourself, what are we defining as strokes?  

One Stroke - One lap of the “Cold Prickly”

Two Strokes - Two laps of the “Cold Prickly”

Three Strokes - Three laps of the “Cold Prickly”

We have two iterations of the course right now and will be picking the final stroke shortly.  Rest assured that your each stroke will cover 8 - 10 miles!  So a one stroke prickly will be 9 - 10 miles, a two stroke 18 - 20 miles and a three stroke 27 - 30 miles.  

We hope that your strokes are successful and you destroy the “Cold Prickly!”  Are you game?

In-Person Event Details: 

The 1st Annual Cold Pricklies Trail Race will take place on April 17, 2021 at the beautiful Camp Nuhop Beach located on the shores of Pleasant Hill Lake!  There's no doubt those of us who train in Ohio through the bitterly cold winters get our fair share of "Cold Pricklies", but this race will be your opportunity to shed those "Cold Pricklies" and prepare for the Warm Fuzzies that the amazing Ohio Spring and Summer weather beholds!  Use this race as your motivation to continue training through the winter and as a celebration with your trail family to kick off the return of warmer weather!  You can expect unique single track trails on private and seldom raced property, beautiful vistas, HILLS, HILLS, HILLS, and incredible food/drink at the beach post-race. 

Due to the restrictions on event size in response to COVID-19,  All races distances will be limited to 125 participants with no exceptions.  Sign up early to secure your space in the event.

We are committed to providing safe and responsible In-Person Trail Racing in spite of the challenges placed before us due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. With that in mind, below are a few things to expect when attending The Cold Pricklies Trail Race this year.

We will diligently work to limit the spread or transmission of the virus by continuing to provide important supplies at all races and take extra precautions to create a safe environment.  Here are a few of the measures being implemented:

• Social Distancing - We will practice social distancing throughout the event by recommending each registered participant and spectators keep a minimum distance of 6 feet apart, not congregate in groups of more than 5, and adhere to all recommended CDC guidelines. We ask that racers please limit the number of spectators that they bring with them.  Social Distancing will be strictly enforced.  Not adhering to social distancing practice will restrict you from future Nuhop events.

• Start/Finish Procedures - Racers will be socially distanced through staggered starts at the beginning of the race.  Specifically, we will be releasing 1 runner every 20 seconds, faster runners first, until all runners are on the course. After finishing we ask that all racers not congregate at the finish and quickly move through the finishing chute.

• Touchless Packet Pickup - Racers will be pre-assigned bib numbers which will be put in a packet along with their race items and placed on a table to be picked up without the need to interact with a volunteer. We ask that you practice social distancing (keep a minimum distance of 6 feet apart, not congregate in groups of more than 5) and wear a mask while retrieving your items.

• Wearing of Masks - We require wearing a mask at the beginning and end of the race. Runners may remove their masks after the start of the race when runners have dispersed.  The wearing of masks will be strictly enforced.  Not adhering to this practice will restrict you from future Nuhop events.

• No Race Day Registration - There will be no race day registration. Registration cutoff will be 48 hours before race day or when the race hits its capacity.  A reminder that we will limit each race distance to 100 runners, so sign up soon to secure your spot.

• No Race Day Edits - There will be no race day edits to distances. The cutoff to make any changes (up or down in distance, etc.) will be 48 hours before race day.

• Indoor Race Briefings – Indoor race briefings that take place before a race, will be canceled.  Instead, pertinent and important race information will continue to be given via email and at the race, briefings held at the starting line, 20 minutes prior to each race. 

• Hand Sanitizer – Hand sanitizer will continue to be available at start/finish, all aid stations, and restroom facilities.  Please use products, as needed. We highly recommend that you bring your own supplies if the product is not available

• Gloved Volunteers – Volunteers who are in contact with food and drink areas will continue to wear gloves.

• Aid Stations – As has been our policy, bleach wipes, sanitizer, individually packaged water and food, etc.  Please do not share bottles with others. If you are not comfortable having snacks and foods from aid stations, please feel free to bring drop bags with your own supplies.  We will limit the number of workers at each aid station, the fluid filling stations will be self serve, and the offerings at the aid stations will be sufficient but limited to items that can easily be given to participants with minimal contact with volunteers.

• Sickness – We are asking for personal accountability.  If you are a runner, spectator or volunteer and feel that you are not well or you experience any of the known symptoms of the flu or coronavirus (COVID-19), please refrain from attending these events.  If you are unsure of your symptoms, please visit the official CDC website. 

• Questions – If you have questions in regards to the COVID-19 policies in effect for the Fuzzy Fandango, you can send an email to trevor@nuhop.org

• Other notes:  The main Nuhop lodge will be closed and all pre and post-race activities will occur outside.  There will be no after-party this year and we will not have lodging for runners due to the ongoing pandemic.  And we are sorry to say, the Chili will have to wait for next year.   All of these changes will inspire us for a more normal Fuzzy in 2021!  But let’s be honest...  When has the Fuzzy ever been normal?!

About the Cold Pricklies Trail Race:

The Cold Pricklies Trail Race Supports Nuhop, a residential summer camp for kiddos with special needs as well as outdoor education programming for school districts.

The race start and finish is on Camp Nuhop’s Beach along the shores of Pleasant Hill Lake. After you complete your run, enjoy this property with fresh food and BEER supplied to all finishers to help refuel you and keep you wanting to return to Nuhop!

Check out our virtual tour to get a feel for the property!

For those wishing to make a weekend out of the experience, we will have a block of rooms at Mohican Resort and Conference Center listed under the Cold Priklies Trail Race.  Camp Nuhop's Beach is within close proximity of Mohican Resort.

Mohican’s Block Rate is $125 rate plus tax and tech – rooms with 2 double beds. 15 rooms have been blocked at this rate.

Please call: 800-282-7275 and ask for the Cold Pricklies Trail Race block at Mohican for April 16-17 to make a reservation.

This will be an adventure away from ordinary running for some and just another day in the park for others but a great time for everyone!

Sign up for one of our many distances: 1 Stroke (9-10 miles), 2 Strokes (18-20 miles), or 3 Strokes (27-30 miles).

Date:  

April 17, 2021

Location of the event: 

Where: Camp Nuhop Beach

Address: 1077 Township Road 2916

Perrysville, OH 44864

Schedule of Events: 

Packet Pickup:  ALL race packets can be picked up at Camp Nuhop Beach on race mornings ONLY!  Due to our touchless packet pickup plan, the schedule will be as follows:

3 Strokes - participants can pick up their race packets between 6:30am-7:45am on Saturday, April 17 

2 Strokes - participants can pick up their race packets between 7:45am-8:30am on Saturday, April 17

1 Stroke - participants can pick up their race packets between 8:30am-9:15am on Saturday, April 17

Race times:

Saturday, April 17, 8:00am - 3 Stroke Race Start

Saturday, April 17, 8:45am - 2 Stroke Race Start

Saturday, April 17, 9:30am - 1 Stroke Race Start

Parking:

Parking for all events will be on the grounds of Camp Nuhop and Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp.  Maps with parkinng directions and locations will be sent out to all participants on race week so you can plan ahead and have an orgainzed race morning experience.

Pricing: 

1 Stroke - Between 9-10 miles  (Until February 28) = $50, (March 1 – March 31) = $55, (April 1 - April 14, or SOLD OUT) = $65

2 Strokes - Between 18-20 miles (Until February 28) = $60, (March 1 – March 31) = $65, (April 1 - April 14, or SOLD OUT) = $75

3 Strokes - Between 27-30 miles (Until February 28) = $70, (March 1 – March 31) = $75, (April 1 - April 14, or SOLD OUT) = $85

**THERE WILL BE NO RACE-DAY REGISTRATION**

Included in Registration:

All Cold Pricklies Trail Race participants will receive:

• A Custom Nuhop BOCO trucker hat ($35 value)
• A Premium Cold Pricklies Trail Race short sleeve race shirt (with your choice of color)
• Chip Timing from Mid Ohio Race Management
• Post-Race Food/Beer

Prizes:

We will have awards for overall finishers in each category. Top 3 Female/Male for 1 Stroke, 2 Stroke, and 3 Stroke distances. No awards for age divisions

About the Course:

The course will not dissapoint!  With access to private properties and trails on the grounds of Camp Nuhop, Pleasant Hill Outdoor Camp, Muskingum Watershed, Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail, Pleasant Hill Campground, and more, you can shake off the Cold Pricklies with unique courses...and potentially a surprise or two along the way!

Sponsors:  Thank you to our sponsors!  If you are interested in supporting the Cold Pricklies Trail Race, please contact Trevor at trevor@nuhop.org

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Herb and Janet Broda

Matt and Kristin Broda

Jeffrey Fleitz

The Gordon Family

The Brooks Family