The Battle for the Queen City
Presented by Around the Crown 10k Together with Truist
Thanks to everyone who competed in the inaugural Charlotte Brackets. It was a special month of racing and we can’t wait to do it again in 2025! Final results can be found below.
2024 Segments
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Distance: 3 Miles
Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/routes/3159209284951023750
Description: This hidden gem of a greenway along Irwin Creek in W. Charlotte offers speed and humility. The elevation may be minimal, but that little climb from Remount to the turnaround can make or break your run. Rock that tight turn around the benches at West Blvd. and head back to the bridge at Clanton Road Community Park.
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Distance: 1.6 Miles
Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/routes/3159212116176473790
Description: Don’t let the low elevation fool you - this one will put you in your place. Start at the bridge, and take some strides at it, but don’t gas out too early. Sprint to the finish line back at the intersection of the Boyce Bluff.
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Distance: 2.7 Miles
Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/routes/3159315842032613054
Description: Charlotte’s premier cross country course will be the proving grounds for week 3. Start at the course map and run the entirety of the trails at McAlpine Creek Park and end with a last loop around the lake and then through the shoot to qualify for the championship!
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Distance: 4 miles
Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/routes/3159319309730624158
Description: The grand finale deserves one of the newest greenway sections in the Queen City. Take it in and save some energy for the climb up to the Tyvola parking area before you descend back down the service road. Be sure to touch the gate for good luck. Finish with a sprint as you cross back under the Brandywine Bridge.
FAQs
How Do I Record and Submit My Run?
All runs must be recorded with a GPS watch or phone and synced via Strava or Garmin. All runs must be recorded on “Race” mode or must show elapsed time (as opposed to moving time) and then emailed to run@trialsofmilesracing.com. Our team will verify all results to ensure accuracy.
Can I Run the Segment Multiple Times?
During the competition window you are free to run the segment as many times as you choose. We will not consider the time “FINAL” until you have emailed it to run@trialsofmilesracing.com or you indicate to us that it is a final/submitted time. Please keep in mind that once you email us your time, that time is final and we can (and likely will) publicize that time. If you think you may attempt the segment again later in the week, do not submit!
Can I Run the Segment with a Friend or a Pacer?
Competitors are free to run their segments alone, in groups, or with a pack of pacers. As long as you complete the segment on your own two feet, within the required time period it will count.
What Happens if My GPS Data Gets Messed Up? How Do You Prevent Cheating?
Virtual racing is not perfect. People's data is going to get screwed up and times are going to be slightly off. We've done this enough times to know how to deal with these issues and keep things fair. Rest assured, these fields are incredibly deep and nobody is going to be able to game their way to victory. Throughout the competition our team will also make whatever tweaks are necessary to ensure the integrity of the competition.
How Do You Make the Brackets?
There is no seeding in this competition and placement in the brackets is done using an online randomizer. As a result there is quite a bit of luck in terms of how far you can go in this competition. Please also keep in mind that most people aren't super fit in January and a lot of people plan to use these segments as workouts. Even if you're going against someone significantly faster than you, if you run hard you might be surprised by the result. Strange things happen in these races!
What are the Prizes?
The overall male and female winners of the race will each take home a $250 Gift Card from Charlotte Running Company. Additionally all participants in the Charlotte brackets will get a pair of Feetures socks!