Welcome to the May 2009 Strolling Jim 40 Mile Ultra-Marathon

We've been hard at work here in Wartrace (and Nashville), preparing for this year's SJ40 and I know you've all been anxiously awaiting all the final details. We have a fantastic weekend planned for you.

Check-in starts on Friday, May 1, between 9 and 10 AM and will last until 5:30 PM. My dad, Gary Cantrell, will be under the white tent set up at Memorial Park across from the Walking Horse Hotel in downtown Wartrace. Just look for the Blue Truck (You'll know it when you see it). When you check-in you will receive your packet containing a t-shirt, number, and safety pins.

If you're interested in getting a look at the course and Dad's infamous spray paint messages, the Race Tour will begin at 4:00 PM that day. Line up in your vehicle behind the Blue Truck and follow along. Don't worry, it won't be hard to keep up (You'll understand when you see the Blue Truck).

After you've enjoyed the course tour, join us for the Spaghetti Dinner, an annual tradition. It will take place at the Wartrace Community Center from 5:30 - 8:00 PM. Plates will be all you can eat, $8 for adults and $3 for children, pay at the door. Please RSVP to amethyst.cantrell@gmail.com with the number of adults and children. RSVP is NOT required to eat. We simply need a rough estimate to buy supplies.

Try and get a good night's rest. We will open check-in again at 5 AM on Saturday, May 2 and close it at 6:45 AM because the conch shell will be blown at 7 AM in front of the water tower. Since there is no 5 AM trek start, we will have no time limit and wait at the finish line as long as necessary. In the event that you feel unable to finish, please check in at the finish line and let us know. If we send a search party, you will be charged!

After the race, please join us for the post-race picnic, another annual tradition. You can swap your new war stories over a plate of chicken and baked beans. The picnic is open to all of the runners and their families and friends.

Some of you have been signed up since registration opened while some of you have waited until the last minute. Some of you have been entering since before I was born and some of you are entering for the very first time, but one thing is the same: We can't wait to see you this year!

Amethyst (Amiee) Cantrell
Strolling Jim 40 Race Director

FAQ

Will there be AID Stations?
This year's race will have 4 AID Stations, located at miles 13, 20, 29, and 35.

Can I leave a drop-bag at the AID Station?
We will once again be taking drop bags, but only to the AID Stations at mile 20 and 29. There will be 2 boxes at race check-in labeled for 20 and 29. You can leave your drop-bag, labeled with your name, in the correct box at check-in and we will have it at the AID Station. Keep it small, because size is at my father's discretion and he believes you need nothing more than some duct tape and cigarettes.

Where should I stay?
The website lists a few hotels in Shelbyville and Tullahoma. Shelbyville is probably the closest to the start. You can also camp out in Memorial Park or my parent's backyard (Yes, this is perfectly normal...for us).

hotel-guides.us/tennessee/shelbyville-tn-hotels.html

Main Street Inn (B&B), Wartrace 931-389-0389

Best Western, Shelbyville 615-684-2378

Hampton Inn, Tullahoma 931-461-5222

Country Hearth, Shelbyville 615-380-1030.

Parish Patch
http://www.parishpatch.com/cortnermill.html

Whispering Oaks Campground
http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/whispering_oaks_campground/

Is there a Trek start?
Sorry, no 5 AM Trek this year. My staff is too small. But we will be at the finish line as long as necessary.

Is Gary really as sick, twisted, and cruel as people say?
Yes.