540 Fest

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Celebrate the Complete 540 Project with us! As we approach the opening of the first phase of the extension of the Triangle Expressway later this year, we want to celebrate with all the community members who made it possible. 

Folks from all around the Triangle will come together to celebrate the extension of the Triangle Expressway from N.C. 55 to I-40, connecting Apex, Cary, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Raleigh and other local communities. Spectators are welcome to participate in the post-race activities including the Kids' Zone.  NO BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, ETC.  Pedestrians ONLY.  Plan to arrive at Wake Tech Community College after 8 AM as the shuttle buses need to transport registered runners down to the roadway in time for the 8AM 5K start.  The Kids' Zone and other activities are open until 11:30 AM.

Advanced Check-In

Thursday 6/20 from 4-7 PM at Pace Yourself Run Company 242 S (Main St Suite 102, Holly Springs, NC). Please pick up your packet (runners, cyclists and run/bike Challengers) on Thursday if at all possible. 

Saturday morning will be early due to the parking at Wake Tech and shuttle buses down to the roadway.  Make your Saturday less stressful by checking in on Thursday (or having a friend pick up for you).  If you attend on Thursday you won't have to wait in line to check in on race morning!

Saturday mo


540 Fest features:

• Free parking at Wake Technical Community College Southern Wake Campus with shuttle buses to and from the event
• Music and entertainment
• Kids' zone
• Food and drink

• Feature races:
  • 5K running race:  Runners receive an event shirt and finisher medal to commemorate 540 Fest.
  • Cycling time trials options:
    • 10K individual time trial.  No eBikes.
    • 10K eBike Individual Time Trial.  eBikes only.  No awards.
    • 10K team time trial.  Teams consist of four to eight cyclists riding in a pace line. Teams must have at least four finishers to qualify.  Each team's time is the average of the first four finishers' times.  No eBikes permitted.
    • Cyclists receive an event shirt to commemorate 540 Fest.
    • Cycling Awards by Your Bike Shop in Fuquay-Varina.
  • The Duathlon Challenge: Run the 5K race then head to the bike start to line up to ride the 10K Individual Time Trial.  Your separate 5K Run and 10K Individual Time Trial times are combined in the time-ranked online results. 

These courses are FLAT and FAST.  The 5K has just 110' of total climb.  There is a short uphill at the start and a downhill finish.  The 10K TT course has just 128' of climb of 6.2 miles!


Registration Prices:

• 5K Race:
  • Through April 30:  $30
  • May 1 - May 31:   $40
  • June 1 - June 19:  $45 (if not filled)
  • June 20 - June 22: $50 (if not filled)
• 10K Time Trial (Individual or team member):
  • Through April 30:  $23
  • May 1 - May 31:   $33
  • June 1 - June 19:  $40
  • June 20 - June 22: $45
• Run/Bike Duathlon Challenge (includes 5K run & 10K individual time trial):
  • Through April 30:  $48
  • May 1 - May 31:   $65
  • June 1 - June 19:  $75 (if 5K not filled)
  • June 20 - June 22: $85 (if 5K not filled)

Event Schedule:

• Thursday June 20: Advanced Check-In & Registration at Pace Yourself Run Co in Holly Springs (242 S Main St Suite 102, Holly Springs, NC 27540)
• Saturday June 22:
  • Parking shuttle bus from Wake Tech parking to the run check-in (on NC-540):
    • All participants, family and friends park at Wake Tech and look for the shuttle bus signs in the parking lot.
    • Shuttle buses will loop between parking and the run check-in area continuously between 6 AM and noon.
    • Registered runners plan to arrive between 6 AM and 7 AM.  If you are not there by 7 AM you MIGHT miss the start of the 5K.
    • Time Trial and Duathlon Run/Bike Challenge do not use the shuttle buses.  Park at Wake Tech and follow the event signs to ride your bike to the bike check-in area on NC-540.  After checking in for bike proceed to the run check-in area on the opposite side of the divided highway.
  • Registration/Check-In:
    • 5K Race:  6:15 AM - 7:50 AM
    • 10K Time Trial (individual and team):  10K time trial cyclists must check-in at the bike check-in area between 7:00 and 9:00 AM.
    • Duathlon Run/Bike Challengers:  Plan to arrive at Wake Tech by 7 AM to allow time to ride to the highway, check in at the bike check in area, and get to the 5K start before 8 AM.  After parking at Wake Tech, follow the signs to ride the coned off lane of Fayetteville Road and the highway entrance ramp.  You will enter the highway near the bike check-in area.  After checking in for the time trial and getting your helmet chip/bib, proceed to the run start area on the opposite side of the highway.  Note:  Your will wear the race bib number you receive at bike check in IN FRONT for both the run and ride.  You will also have a helmet timing chip used only for the time trial.
  • Race Start:
    
    • The 5K race starts at 8:00 AM
    • 10K time trial riders (individual and team) start between 8:00 and 9:30 AM.  First starter at  8 AM.  Last starter at 9:45 AM.  
  • Post-Race festivities continue until Noon.  

Everything You Need to Know by Race Division:

• Parking:  You will park at Wake Tech.  Follow signs and the parking attendants to park and head to the hearest Shuttle Bus Stop.  (There is a bus stop in each parking lot.)
• Plan to arrive between 6:00 and 7:00 AM. We have 8 shuttle buses between 6 and 7 AM to get all the runners down to the roadway in time to check-in and be at the 5K start line on time. If you arrive after 7 AM you will probably not have time to catch the shuttle bus, check in, and get to the 5K start before 8 AM.  (There are no late starts as it is an out and back course.)
• Check-In: The shuttle bus will drop you off near the 5K Race Check-In.  Lines are organized alphabetically by last name.  Look for the correct line for your last name.  You will receive your race shirt, race bib (with your timing chip on the back) and safety pins.  Wear your bib so that it is VISIBLE IN FRONT throughout the race.  There is NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION. 
• 5K Start:  The 5K start/finish is a metal truss arch and chute at the far end of the event area.  Please line up by 7:50 AM by expected pace.  If you are trying to win something or set a PR, line up toward the front.  Joggers in the middle.  Walkers/strollers at the back. 
• The 5K starts promptly at 8:00 AM.  No late arrivals will be permitted to start as it is an out-and-back course and fast runners will be finishing within minutes of the last starter.
• The race course is divided down the middle by cones.  STAY TO THE RIGHT.  Finish through the same chute you started in.
• After the race enjoy the post-race activities including ice cream treats, music, snacks, drinks, mascots, and a kids' area with bouncy house and other activities.

5K Awards by Pace Yourself Running Company

Details for 10K Time Trial Cyclists:

Details for Duathlon Run/Bike Challengers:

• Bring with you:

  • Bike
  • ANSI approved bicycling helmet  with chin strap (Mandatory)
  • Water bottle(s)
  • Optional:  Change of shoes (bike/running)
• Parking:  You will park at Wake Tech and ride your bike (following our signs) in a coned-off lane of Fayetteville Rd and down the ramp to the new highway.  As you enter the new highway you will see the Bike Check-In.
• Bike Check-In.  You will receive everything you need for both the 5K Race and the 10K Time Trial.

  • Race bib/chip which you pin to the FRONT of your shirt/jersey.  The bib is worn in front for BOTH the 5K run and 10K bike.
  • T-shaped bike helmet chip with removable adhesive "wings".  These wings stick down into your helmet vents (or to the surface of your time trial helmet).  The Helmet Chip should be at the top/crown of your helmet lined up between your ears.  
  • Helmet number sticker.  The number sticker goes on the front of your helmet.  the T-shaped Helmet Chip has removable adhesive wings.  Stick these 
• Bag Storage: If you want to store shoes, helmet, etc, bring a bag or backpack clearly labeled.  We will provide stickers/sharpie to write your bib/chip number on your bag, as well.  DO NOT store any valuables in this bag.  The event organizers take no responsibility for lost or stolen items.
• LOCK your bike.  There is a cross-over opening in the median just past the Fayetteville Rd overpass.  WALK your bike over to the run side and lock it up on the bike racks or steel median cables near the crossover.  NO BIKE RIDING on the run/party side of the median.
• 5K Race: You must checked in, have your bike locked and be at the 5K start by 7:50 AM.  The 5K race starts promptly at 8 AM.  If you are late you will not be able to run the 5K.
• After the 5K race unlock you bike, walk across the median to the bike side, and ride on the median-side shoulder to the Bike Start which is past the registration tent.  CAUTION:  There is time trial racing ongoing on the bike side!  Watch for bike race traffic. 
• 10K TT: 
  
  • Get in line at the bike start.  Our race official will start a rider every 20-30 seconds. The last rider will start by 9:45 AM.
  • Cones are placed to divide the out and back sides of the course.  STAY TO THE RIGHT of the cones.  Ride on the right side of your lane and pass on the left.  Call out "ON YOUR LEFT" as you approach another rider to pass.
  • CAUTION:  As you approach the finish watch for cyclists who are heading between the bike and run sides of the road.
• After the 10K TT you may head back over to the post-race area for ice cream, drinks, and music.  Cross the median and again lock you bike up as you did for the 5K run.  
• Return to Parking:  Ride the same route you took coming in, but in reverse.

Time Trial Awards by Your Bike Shop in Fuquay-Varina

Notes:

• Dogs are not permitted.  The pavement in late June is simply too hot and presents a danger to pets.
• Strollers ARE permitted at the event and in the 5K as long as the stroller can collapse/fold to fit on the shuttle buses.
• eBikes ARE permitted to ride the 10K individual cycling time trial, but will not be eligible for 10K TT or Challenge awards.  Tell the Bike Start Timer that you are on an eBike.  eBikes are NOT permitted in the 10K Team Time Trial.  Any team with an eBike rider will be disqualified.
• Joy rides are not permitted. Only registered 10K or Challengers may have bicycles on the roadway.  No leisure or spectator bikes or scooters are permitted.

Announcing:  540 Fest Shirt and 5K Race Medal




Race Awards



Parking and Shuttles:

Parking for all participants is at Wake Technical Community College - Southern Wake Campus (9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh NC 27603).

Buses will transport all runners, friends and family from the parking lot to the event on Toll NC 540.  All participants will check in for the event on the roadway after exiting the shuttle bus.

Cyclists will ride from Wake Tech parking on a coned/dedicated lane on Fayetteville Rd and down to the new 540 roadway where they will check in for the time trials.

Shuttle buses will be returning participants and friends/family to Wake Tech parking throughout the event.


Sponsors

We thank our sponsors for making this event possible!


Diamond Sponsors










Platinum Sponsors


Gold Sponsors


Silver Sponsors

• Central Carolina Seeding
• Triad Metals and Piling Products
• Barnhill Conracting Company

Bronze Sponsors

• Southeast Grinding and Grooving LLC