FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – HURT100 TRAIL WORK REQUIREMENT
Why is trail work required? HURT’s trail work requirement reflects our commitment to giving back to the trails and communities that make our sport possible. By contributing your time, you help preserve the trails we all rely on—not just for the HURT 100, but for everyone who hikes, runs, and enjoys them throughout the year.
What types of activities are acceptable? As the race occurs on trail as well as to perpetuate the Hawaiian slogans “E malama pono i ka ‘aina” (to take care of the land) & “Aloha ‘aina” (to love & respect the land), the volunteer hours are preferred to be spent doing trail maintenance along existing trails. This would include removal of overgrown vegetation and debris, repairing of damaged areas, and improvements to the trail. All work must be approved by the park or trail’s governing agency (federal, state, city/county). Other approved work includes the removal of invasive species, replanting of native/approved plants/trees, installation/construction of equipment/structures associated with a trail system or park, cleaning up of debris, and clearing of new trails. Again, all such activities must be approved by the park or trail’s governing agency.
The hours may be performed during an organized event/outing or coordinated with the park/trail agency as an individual (or group) effort. Any pre-organized events need not be with a trail running group. Public, community, state park, or other trail user organized events are acceptable and encouraged.
Where may the volunteer hours be performed? The volunteer activity(ies) can be done within the runner’s state/country or in one that they may be visiting.
Who may sign off to verify my volunteer hours? All work performed must be approved by the trail/park’s governing agency (i.e., national park service, state park’s office, trails access group, land management board). The approving official may sign off on the hours once they have been completed. An approving official includes the park manager, the head park ranger, trails and maintenance program manager, or volunteer coordinator. If the hours were performed during a group coordinated event, the coordinator/organizer of the event may sign off on the form upon the completion of the hours.
Are there alternative means of performing the volunteer hours? We request that trail work hours are performed as part of an organized group connected to a park, race, or trail system in or near your community. If the HURT100 entrant has tried but is not able to find a group, they may contact the HURT Trail Work administrators and suggest alternatives that most closely match the description of allowed activity. Please send any suggestions in a timely manner. NOTE: Volunteering at a race is NOT an acceptable means to fulfill this requirement. Performing social media while doing volunteer hours is also not acceptable. The goal is to improve the spaces we all enjoy.
Are hours transferable from other persons (entrants or supporters)? No. The entrant must complete all hours on their own. Hours are not transferable for other applicants, fellow runners, supporters, etc. Any falsification of volunteering will be grounds for disqualification from the HURT100.
Do all 8 hours need to be completed at once? Can I do more? Applicants may do all 8 hours in one day or spread among several events. More than 8 hours are always a welcome sight to see!
If I run to the trail work, does the time it takes me to run to meet up with the group count? No. Volunteer hours begin when you arrive at the designated meeting location to start performing trail work.
What is the reporting period for trail work hours? See the Book of HURT for the applicable dates each year. In general, eligible trail work must be completed during the 12-month period immediately preceding the trail work submission deadline. Hours completed outside that period do not qualify.
Will this trail work requirement be in effect for future HURT100 events? Yes. We will continue giving back to all those who contribute so much for this event as well as to emphasize “Aloha ‘aina” everywhere!
What are the dates that trail work may be done for the following year? Please see the Book of HURT for specifics, but it will run roughly from mid-November of a given year to mid-November of the next. We sometimes extend the deadline beyond a weekend to provide as much time as possible to complete the requirement.
When can I submit my current form? You can submit your form any time after lottery registration opens, until the deadline.
Does trail work earn extra Kukui nuts for HURT100 and increase my lottery chances? Since this is a requirement for all participants, performing trail work does not earn extra Kukui nuts — but we greatly appreciate your efforts!
Where shall I submit the form? Forms must be submitted to the HURT100 Trail Work Administrators at hurt100trailwork@hurthawaii.com.
How can I find trail maintenance events? HURT100 entrants are encouraged to seek trail maintenance opportunities at their municipal and other governing agencies, parks and recreation departments, local hiking and conservation organizations such as the Sierra Club and similar groups. Some local ultras or trail running events might also hold trail maintenance outings to get the trail ready for their event. If you are on a Neighbor Island in the state of Hawaii, contact local Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) offices and hiking groups. On O’ahu specifically, you can find State-sponsored events at Na Ala Hele’s website. In addition, you may get on the HURT email list by subscribing at hurthawaii.com; all HURT-coordinated trail maintenance events are announced to that list.
What happens if I am selected via the lottery but do not complete and submit the trail work by the deadline? You will be removed from the event and the next wait-listed runner will be invited.
What happens if I am on the waitlist but do not complete and submit the trail work by the deadline? On the date posted in the Book of HURT, the wait lists will be updated and those who have not sent a valid form by the deadline will be removed from their respective wait list.
Do I get a notification when I submit the form? Yes, we will reply to your email confirming receipt and you will see the tracker at HURT100.com updated. If you don’t receive the email within a week, please reconfirm with us.
