Due to becoming aware of some potentially significant safety concerns (highly variable river water levels) at the water crossing on the Paluxy River, I do not was to put the event at considerable cancellation risk or have it be a sketchy crossing. I was not aware of this rivers ability to quickly raise if rainfall would occur. When I was playing around on the course throughout early January I could step from small boulder to boulder and not get my feet wet, or walk across the river with max height of around 1.5-2 feet (below my knee). The river floor has good footing as it flows along a sheet of stone. The water moved in a relaxed manner. With a guide rope and some spotters/assistance, I felt the crossing would be fairly uneventful and kind of fun.
Well, I was out there yesterday and the boulders were under water and water levels peaked out at mid-thigh on my body (when walking across the river floor). Last night I found some water level readings and found out that after the recent rains (they received about 4 inches in that area), the river water level raised 10 feet! I noticed the trees lining the far bank all had grass and stuff in them which I thought was strange but thought, there is no way the water was this high…well it was, at least for a while. When I was out there yesterday the river was still up about 10 inches to a foot from when I was out there in early January.
Also, with the river crossing occurring within the first 1/4 mile of the event, there is no way to have a backup modified course.
With no feasible alternate course options (ex: race start on trail side of river) after discussions with park personnel this morning, I feel it is best to cancel the event. All events have a risk of being canceled but I feel the cancel-risk associated with this event is too high. And with registration just recently opening, better to close it now. No runner wants their race to be canceled and your safety is a priority for me.
This course and park is epic for north Texas. Now if DV State Park could only get a bridge crossing the river. Not a single one in the park, yet that is where the miles of amazing trails are located. They can’t get funding approved. A bummer.
I sincerely apologize.
Back on the hunt for sweet north Texas trails.
All the best.
David – EnduranceBuzzAdventures.com
Let’s run…But keep it dirty!
That’s a shame, but you are doing the right thing. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with next. I’m sure it will be fun and have some great trails, whatever it is!
Thanks Julie for all your support! I really appreciate it. I am bummed but confident it is the right decision at this time.
Sad to hear. Given our lovely Texas weather, it seems likely that drought conditions will quickly return and we could stroll across the streams without a splash. I wonder if it would be worth organizing some club runs there and starting a fund for a footbridge? Maybe some generous trail runners can help make it happen. In the meantime, I look forward to whatever other races you put together!
Hey Paul – Yes, we very well could stroll across it without a splash. If I was able to have an alternate course to use if the river was up, I would be more willing to see what happens. Unfortunately there is not a single trail access point that doesn’t require actually stepping in the river.
Thanks for your support Paul. More adventures coming soon!