JenK - sorry, but I didn't notice that the post was in "Ask an REI Employee".  I am not, nor have I ever been employed by REI. mathineer ... View more

If you are going to use poles, please make sure that the race rules allow them. Here is a video on how to run hills without them:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DZNOje5KEY And another one with them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=301&v=qngty_KzFQs I suggest you try in training both with and without and see which works best for you. mathineer ... View more