Tony Taylor TWOT Tribute Run

Tony Taylor’s favorite trail was The Wild Oak Trail, which we all affectionately shorten to TWOT. There are two events that utilize the complete loop of roughly 27 to 29 miles (depending on which options between new and old TWOT sections you choose). Clearly the original TWOT 100 in mid-February and its twin, Hot TWOT, which is held in October, were Tony’s favorite races. Two days before he passed away in early October, Tony completed a final loop at Hot TWOT 2024.

So, some of Tony’s friends, led by the current director of TWOT and Hot TWOT, Guy Towler, thought it fitting to put together a day on that trail in his honor. The Virginia Happy Trails Running Club has agreed to sponsor the occasion. Tony was a very proud member of the VHTRC, as evidenced by his wearing the club’s branded swag at so many events.

The club will be providing aid for runners’ use at the two traditional aid opportunities during a TWOT loop. The first is ten miles in, after the long climb up Little Bald and then descent down to the North River; this Camp Todd aid station will be available directly after the fording of the North River. Then, a few miles later, at the FDR 96 road crossing between Big Bald and Hankie mountains, there will be a second aid station.

We ask that runners bring a little something something to share at a pot luck “Party in the TWOT Lot” at the end. There will likely be some refreshing surprises available to finishers and other participants, as well.

Runners should arrive well in advance of the 7 AM start time to ensure they have time to park, and for some pre-run orientation. The start is at the same trailhead as the TWOT start/finish - the link to open the location in Google Maps is in the upper left column of this page. If there is no room for your vehicle in the parking lot (which is likely in this very small lot), park along the road near the lot, but as far off the pavement as you can safely place your vehicle. You need to be very aware and careful in some places, as there may be a stone culvert or ditch to be avoided. Another (and safer) parking overflow option: you can go back to the road junction about 200 yards back down the hill from the parking lot, turn left and park along the side of this dirt road (Tilghman Road). Tilghman Road has a shoulder that can handle a couple dozen vehicles.

Be careful parking on Tilghman, as runners have, in past years, ditched their vehicle while trying to pull off the roadway. Do not park at the Camp May Flather entrance, which you will pass on your way in. If you see cars already parked along Tilghman as you drive in on event morning, you can save yourself time and frustration by just pulling in to the next spot there and not coming to the TWOT lot first, as it will be a good sign that the lot is full.

While in the parking lot and on the trails, remember that we always want to leave our surroundings cleaner than we find them. Carry out not only any of your own trash, but try to achieve some good trail running juju by picking up after other users. Leave No Trace!

Interested in coming out to volunteer? That would be welcome. Quatro Hubbard will be organizing the aid stations, so reach out to him with your offers to assist or with any questions in this regard. Otherwise, reach out to event organizer Guy Towler for answers to your questions.

Interested in joining the run? Please reach out to Guy Towler to add your name to the RSVP list that he will be maintaining for planning purposes. See you on November 16 for what should be a special day on the trails.