The Big Deal At Great Seal
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About the race
The Big Deal at Great Seal is a trail running event at Great Seal State Park near Chillicothe, OH held on May 1, 2027. Multiple race distances share a common 20 mile loop that serves as the building block for longer races.
Distances:
- 100 mile
- 100k
- 20 mile
- 5k
The main loop is roughly 20 miles with about 3100 to 3200 feet of elevation gain per loop and is approximately 95% single track. The first loop originally included the Sugarloaf Mountain climb; later laps bypass that climb. A last-minute course change removed a section on Shrake Road for safety, which increases the length of two-way traffic on some sections by about one mile. Notable landmarks along the route include Ireland Shelter, Sugarloaf, Bald Hill, Sand Hill, Rocky Road, Rock Garden, Annie's Trail, The Cellar, Lick Run, Shawnee Ridge, and Grouse Rock. Some mid-loop sections on Shawnee Ridge will have two-way traffic and the course will be marked for clarity.
Aid stations: five stops per 20 mile loop located at the start/finish and at mile points near Rocky Road and Lick Run. Aid stations will offer water, electrolytes, soda, hot food, and snacks. Crew access is allowed at the start/finish (Ireland Shelter) and Lick Run only. Pacers are permitted for 100k and 100 mile runners after completing the first loop, limited to one pacer at a time; pacers must be registered and wear a pacer bib and must access runners only at Ireland Shelter or Lick Run.
Cutoffs: the 100 mile cutoff is 36 hours total and runners must begin their final lap within 28 hours. Packet pickup for 100 mile and 100k entrants is mandatory the prior evening at 50 West Brewing in Chillicothe. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
