The Story of El Oso Loco
El Oso Loco (The Crazy Bear) Trail Race Series is a summer, mid-week race series meant to highlight the incredible trails of the Bear River Range in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, while bringing together the local trail running community. The series was developed to showcase the trails we have here in Cache Valley's backyard and get more community members involved in the Adopt-a-Trail program in partnership between Cache Trails Alliance (CTA) and the local Forest Service district. All proceeds made through registration fees and t-shirt sales will help CTA grow staff, programming, and resources that will benefit our growing community of trail users.
Race Schedule - 2025
June 4th- Right Hand Fork #1
Short course- 5 miles, +895 ft (Willow Creek Out n Back)
Long course- 8.2 miles, +1,504 ft (Maughan to Willow Loop)
June 11th- Jardine Juniper
Short Course- 4.2 miles, +876 ft
Long Course- 9.66 miles, +1,902 ft
June 18th- Right Hand Fork #2
Short Course- 5.4 miles, +1,008 ft (Maughan to Cottonwood Loop)
Long Course- 9.2 miles, +1,592 ft (Willow to Cottonwood Loop)
June 25th- Temple Fork and Spawn Creek
Short course- 5.2 miles, +713 ft
Long course- 9.1 miles, +2,602 ft
July 9th- Long Hollow to Peterson Hollow
Short Course- 5.21 miles, +1,454 ft
Long Course- 10.44 miles, +2,528 ft
July 16th- Tony Grove to Bunchgrass
Short course- 5 miles, +727 ft
Long course- 8.8 miles, +1,352 ft
July 23rd- Steam Mill to Shorty’s Cutoff to Hell’s Kitchen
Short Course- 5 miles, +1,076 ft
Long Course- 8.2 miles, +1,785 ft
July 30th- First Dam/River Trail/ Bridger Look Off
Short Course- 4.76 miles, +342 ft
Long Course- 8.72 miles, +862 ft
*courses are subject to change - check this page for schedule updates*
Categories and Point System
LONG OR SHORT COURSE
At every race there are two different courses: a Short Course = 4-5 miles and a Long Course = 8-10 miles. You must register to participate in either the Short Course series or Long Course series. You cannot mix and match distances. Downloadable course maps will be posted soon.
POINT SYSTEM EXPLAINED
You must participate in at least 6 Races to be considered for end of season awards. Participation is running in at least 6 races or running in at least 5 races and volunteering (5pm - close) once. Note- if you run in all 8 races, all your points will count.
POINTS BREAKDOWN:
1st place - 25 pts
2nd place - 20 pts
3rd place - 16 pts
4th place - 13 pts
5th place - 11 pts
6th place - 10 pts
7th place - 9 pts
8th place - 8 pts
9th place - 7 pts
10+ place - 6 pts
In other words, everyone who runs will receive at least 6 points for finishing.
POINTS FOR VOLUNTEERING
Runners will receive 25 series points (equivalent of 1st place) for volunteering at a race from 5pm - Close. You may volunteer more than once but will only receive the 25 points one time. Runners can also receive 25 points for volunteering for a trail work day led by an Adopt a Trail (AAT) volunteer. We want to motivate runners to get more involved with CTA's AAT program, and our trails always need extra hands! Runners will only receive the 25 points one time, but are encouraged to volunteer for trail work throughout the year.
END OF SEASON AWARDS
Awards will be given to the top 3 series point leaders for both the Long Course and Short Course at the end of the season. Additional age bracket winners may be awarded. You must participate in at least 6 Wednesday evening races to be considered for end of season awards. This creates the possibility of someone who has enough points to place in the top 3 in their category but does not qualify for end of season awards due to not having raced the minimum amount of races. In that case, the next qualifying participant on the points ladder will be considered for that award. This system favors the consistent racer.
This is a 2 month fitness program. You will get in shape, increase your speed, learn new trails, and create new friendships!
Long Course Races Start at 6:30 PM.
Short Course Races Start at 6:45 PM.
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO RUN WITH PARTICIPANTS.
Registration Details
Registration is capped at 125 runners for each race date. This means that no more than 125 racers total (both short and long courses) will be permitted for each race date.
Series passes are $110 ($120.65 including fees) and go on sale April 1st; prices increase to $125 ($136.62 including fees) on May 1st. Individual race registrations are $25 ($29.06 including fees) and go on sale April 15th; prices increase to $30 ($34.37 including fees) on May 15th.
Refunds will only be issued if you cancel your registration before June 1st. After that date, registrations can be transferred to another runner. Please let us know if you cannot make a race. See more below!
Common Questions
1. Can I register for some short courses and some long courses?
If you are a series pass holder, you must select whether you will run in the long courses or short courses. There is no mix-matching.
If you are registering for individual races, you may select some short courses and other long courses, but be aware that your points do not get combined. You will have a total number of points in the short series and a total number of points in the long series, limiting your chances for awards.
2. What if I paid for the series pass, but can't make a race?
Please fill out this form as soon as possible, or at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot make a race in the series. This will allow us to open your spot up to an individual race registrant.
3. What if I registered for an individual race, but can't make it?
Same as above! Please fill out this form to let the RD know as soon as possible.
4. What gear is recommended?
Good trail shoes, comfortable running clothes, a hat/sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, smart phone/GPS watch for a course map. Note that there are no aid stations out on course. You must carry your own water/fuel. There is water available at the course start/finish.
Event's current local time: 2:39 PM MT
