Using the clues in that headline up there, can you guess the location of a cool new Erie county race?

Go ahead. Think about it. I’ll wait….

(whistle)

(whistle)

(whistle)

Need a hint?  The key words are “dam” and “bull.”

That’s right — Bull’s Dam, otherwise known by it’s “proper” (and way less fun) name, the Eaton Reservoir, in North East, is the setting for a couple of fun trail races — a grassy, flat 5K or a challenging 10K through the woods for experienced trail runners— on Sunday, Sept. 2nd (9 a.m.).

Dan & I love the Eaton Reservoir and frequently walk the dogs (and kids) around it. It’s a peaceful hidden gem in the East county. It’s the kind of place you can let your dog run off leash without anyone getting their panties in a bunch (though, um, don’t bring dogs to the race, K?).

Dan, Kelly, and Sammy (who, if he did come, would totally smoke ALL of you) running at the Eaton Reservoir. (No, Dan doesn’t usually run in jean shorts, they were running to catch up with me because I am impatient and they were taking too long getting out of the car. I wait for no one.)

The 5K course follows this path around the water. (How about that intense look on Dan’s face? I’ll give you a glimpse into his mind — this is a looooong walk with a couple of kids).

I recently caught up with Eaton Reservoir Trail Runs race director Stephen Haeseler to ask him a few questions about the race:

1. Is this the first year for this run?

Yes, and this is the first race I know of that has ever been held at the Howard Eaton Reservoir (Also known as Bull Dam).

2. Why did you want to do this run? Are you a runner?

I love all the sports of the triathlon. I love to ride to this location run and ride back. Sort of a mini-brick.

3. Why did you choose the location you did?

This is not a common area for recreation. Almost all major races are at PI and I wanted to see if the races could be run on the east end of Erie County. Much like Dan Pierce, the Erie Triathlon Club and James McMaster ran the Race to the Peak.

4. This is cross-country, right, i.e. grass, rocks, mud?

The 5 K course is an old Cross country course from some of the NY schools. The 5 k course is mostly grass and or gravel. It is very flat.

The 10K course is through woods and on small paths, where you have to jump logs, duck limbs fight branches etc. It is much more for an experienced trail runner. Footing can be challenging.  Depending on the time of year it can be very muddy. This year, there’s not much mud, but it will still be challenging.

5. What color is the shirt?

We have Forest Green shirts with Yellow ink.

6. Who will benefit from the race?

I am active with the North East St. Gregory’s Boy Scout Troop. They benefit for their efforts as race volunteers.

7. Why should people do this race ?

It is a great intro to trail running. If all you have done before is asphalt, this is a great switch. Perhaps the sport of trail running will become more popular.

8. Is the race timed? The race is timed Who is doing the timing?

The bigwhitetrailer.com is responsible for the timing. Jim Lang has graciously agreed to work with us as we develop our course and we are gearing up for next year already.

10. Are there awards?

Because it is the first year, we will only be giving finishers prizes to the first male and female in the 5K and 10K.  We are limited to what we can offer by the number of participants this year. Next year it will be bigger and better!

11. Anything else I should include?

This is the inaugural running of this race. We’re very excited to do it & really hope to grow it every year.

Ready to hit the trails? Race registration, application & info here.

Questions? E-mail Stephen.