BUILT TO BE AWESOME, NOT EASY! Our year three moto not only seems to mimic the race itself, but it reflects the feelings of our founding members who created this 150 mile relay mon-ster. The Buck Fifty was born from the idea we could create change by fund-ing a drug prevention program in our 8 local high schools. We dreamed that through Sponsors and Team Entry Fees we could financially support these teens who voluntarily join Drug Free Clubs of America. Last year’s race al-lowed us to invest over $150,000 into over 2,000 teens we believe in. We believe in them because we want their voices to be heard. We believe in them because we want them to know that their lives matter, and if they stay drug free…. Well, who knows what they can accomplish in their lifetime. So here is the NOT EASY part. You will need to train and prepare your body and mind for the over 9,000 feet of elevation gain in our 150 mile course. Of the 30 designed legs of the race about 2/3rds of them have a hill that is ready to test your resolve. Section 4 of this Guide Book has three training options to make sure you are prepared for race day. There isn’t much sleep during The Buck Fifty either, but Section 4 also gives you some places to lay down your head for a few winks. This leads to the AWEWESOME part! Our first two years of The Buck Fifty have produced more laughs, smiles, hugs, and high fives than a slap happy convention. We are honored, and thankful to have 77% of our inaugural year teams still with us in year three. What an AWESOME testimony to show how great this event is, and why you should be running with us for our third year. The slight modifications we made in year two for our course worked out well so you can expect the same track in year three. Over 350 volunteers worked our 29 checkpoints and once again brought their “A-Game”, and showed run-ners from 21 states what Southern Ohio hospitality is all about. They love this town, and they love that you