STEAM WHISTLE 12k FAQ’s*

 

1.               Why is this the “Steam Whistle” race?  But for the work of three folks, Dr. Gil Hoffman, Tony Howe, and David S. Price, the accurate history of the timber and railroad industries in south Mississippi would have been lost forever.  Their works, Steam Whistles In The Piney Woods, Vols. I and II, and The Natchez Route, inspired us to add to and enhance the history of the Mississippi Central Railroad, now the  Longleaf Trace, through projects such as this.  (These books are available in downtown Hattiesburg at Main Street Books).

2.               Why is the entry fee twenty dollars?  Mainly because to get a quality, long sleeve t-shirt printed, fruits and other goodies for after the race, plus a few other incidentals done, it costs that much.  All of us donate our time to these races and are never even reimbursed for gasoline.  We promise that the only profit generated will be donated to a special project that will enhance the Longleaf Trace..  ($20.00 is the minimum, and donations are happily accepted).

3.     Where in the heck is Clyde Depot?  The extinct town of Clyde, Miss. is located on Old Hwy. 42, aka 4th Street Extension.  From Hattiesburg, this road roughly follows the Longleaf Trace, so it’s easy to get there from the USM Gateway.  It is about 71/2 miles from USM to Railroad Road, on which you take a right to get to the Depot. See Map to Clyde Depot.

4.     Will there be any fluids, etc.?  Yes, the Hattiesburg Coca-Cola Bottling Co. has graciously agreed to help us.  (Thanks, Russ). 

5.     Will there be any beer?  Sorry, it’s a dry county.

6.     What is the race course like?  The Longleaf Trace is a rails-to-trails project, in other words a recreational asphalt path upon an old, abandoned railroad grade.  Therefore it is flat and fast.  The only elevation changes are so gradual that they are barely noticed.  The route for this race passes through some of the most beautiful country in Mississippi.  Hardwood canopies, young pine stands, and dry lake beds enhance the beauty of the Trace.  As you run or walk you’ll hear birds sing and even probably see some wildlife.  (We’ll try to get an elevation and course map done soon.)

7.     How far is 12K and why was that length chosen instead of the normal 10K?  12 Kilometers is 7.4 miles.  The reasons that that length was chosen are that it’s the distance between the two depots and we wanted to “show off” some of the history of the Trace, and, it’s something different from the same old stuff we always do.

8.     What if I’m not sure I can do the whole 12K?  Somebody will come pick you up at Epley if you can’t, but we bet that you can…

9.     Who is this “we’ you keep talking about?  You got a mouse in your pocket?  “We” are Dr. John Harsh, Becky and Hollie Ryder, Tony Mozingo, and anyone else that volunteers to help make this a great event.  If you do want to help, please call Tony at 261-3366, and he’ll assign you a task.  (email tonymozingo@yahoo.com).

10.  What does the Longleaf Trace have to do with this?  The Trace will benefit as outlined above, and we have the distinction of being the first officially licensed event to take place on the Trace.  Although the route will not be closed to other folks, notice of the event will be posted along the Trace in the days leading up to the event.

11.  What can I do, even though I don’t have any money to donate?  Please spread the word to other runners and walkers, other running clubs, and help us get an announcement in the local newspapers.

 

 

STEAM WHISTLE 12k NAQ’s**

 

Elevation notes-

Between the years of 1903 and 1927, several revisions of the original Pearl and Leaf Rivers Railroad, later the Mississippi Central, took place, the purpose of which was to straighten the route and eliminate grades. As a result, the segment of the Longleaf Trace between Clyde and Epley is in no place higher than 385’ above sea level, and at no place lower than 355’. Although USGS maps show benchmarks with slightly different elevation readings, these maps do not account for the fills and cuts on the railroad’s path, engineering work that renders the elevation changes between Clyde and Epley barely noticeable.

 

Clyde-          360 ft.

1K-       355 ft.

2K-       375 ft.

3k-       380 ft.

4k-       380 ft.

5k-       360 ft.

Epley-    385 ft.

 

These readings are accurate only to within 10 ft., the margin of error in WAAS enabled GPS receivers.

 

*  Frequently Asked Questions

** Never Asked Questions. But here's the answer anyway.

 

Map to Clyde