THE COW BONE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY CANCELED DUE TO THE HOST VENUE
CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES FROM PAST YEARS CLICK HERE FOR ALL YEARS ALL FINISHERS LIST CLICK HERE FOR SITE MAP 2023 Runner Race Tee and Volunteer Hoodie
Course
The Cow Bone 6-12-24 Hour Trail Run is an endurance race that takes place on a 1.5 mile marked loop on private property owned by Shepherd’s Spring Outdoor Ministries. The course features 198 feet of elevation gain and is not a technical course, with little to no rocks and almost entirely under the canopy of tree shade. The course is designed to provide a varied experience so runners are not subject to constant repetitive motion. There are no stream crossings, and there is no threat of being rained out, making it a great race for runners of all levels. Participants can choose to run for 6, 12, or 24 hours, with the goal of (1) completing as many loops... as possible or (2) achieve a personal goal within their chosen timeframe. An actual course map will not be posted. Click pictures from past years link above for visual confirmation.
Info
- NO.. None... Nadda... Race Day Signup
- The Pavilion is the Start / Finish and the only Aid Station.
- Bib Pickup starts at 6:00 a.m. at the Pavilion.
- All races start at 7:00 a.m.
- Aid: Our first-class aid station will provide hot and cold food and drink throughout the event for participants still out on the course.
- SWAG - Each participant will receive a short-sleeved blended tee shirt.
- Awards: No. However you’ll get a hardy congratulations and perhaps some applause at the finish line.
- Drop Bags: You can leave your drop bags in the vicinity of the pavilion, but we can't guarantee they won't get wet if it rains.
- Personal aid station near the Pavilion can be set up on the cabin side of the gravel.
- Pacers: Hmmmm... no. It’s a short loop with lot’s of inspiration. Do you really need one? However... if not having a pacer for you 24 hour runners is a concern or a reason for you to not run then contact me. We're inclusive and want to see you reach your goal(s).
- Cut Offs: No! It’s a timed event. As long as you make it one loop then you’re a "Finisher". No need to worry about getting pulled.
- The final stopping point will be measured at the aid station. If you run out of the aid station and don't make it back to the aid station by the "bell" then that partial distance will not be measured.
- Crew, family, friends: Absolutely! All are welcome either at the Pavilion or along the course. Aid station supplies are for runners only. There are no rules on where a runner can be aided.
- The course will be adequately marked for day and night time running. However, if you get lost on a repetitive "short" loop course you may want to reevaluate and perhaps pursue another "hobby".
- Medical: That's your responsibility. Minor medical treatment (band-aids, blister care, lube application, etc.) is all on you. We will support you, but we won't bandage you up. There will be a small first-aid box for self-treatment that participants can utilize if needed. If you think you'll need 'em, pack 'em!.
- Dietary needs are crazy these days so no pre-race meal is provided.
- Pets? Yes! See "Good Stuff"
- Showers for campers? We have a bucket with holes in it and the Potomac river is close by. If that doesn't work for you then there's access to a shower in one of the cabins.
- It's on private property so there's no chance to view, assess or run the course before hand.
Good Stuff
- Want your own things close by? You’ll be able to set up your command center next to, or very near, a good portion of the course.
- If you don’t want to use our very hip and happening aid station then you’ll be able to take aid anywhere you set up .
- We’re encouraging you to bring your canopies, chairs, coolers and friends. Please firmly secure your canopy so we don't have to chase it down if the wind blows.
- Pets? Yes! Well mannered pets are allowed in the cabins, camping and at the pavilion. You must "pick up" after your pet. Dogs are allowed on the course with prior approval. If issues arise with a pet then the pet must be escorted off the property. No discussion.
- You want a bed and a shower? We’ve got you covered. The cabin village is right next to the Start/Finish and the Pavilion (Aid Station). See “Accommodations”.
- You wanna decorate with lights… no problem. Just make sure your generator isn’t loud.
- This is about fun during and after you finish. We’re not kicking out the 6 and 12 hour runners when they’re done. The 24 hour runners need to feel the “love” throughout the night.
- If you complete more than 100 miles, you'll receive a custom belt buckle to commemorate your achievement.
Lodging
Arrival time begins at 12:00 noon on Friday. Departure is by 12:00 noon on Monday. Prices are for the entire weekend. NO early arrivals or late departures.
There are two types of inexpensive lodging on site.
For Hotels AirBnB etc. suggest you search the surround areas. We have no recommendations nor suggestions
Rules
(1) Don't be a dick (2) No littering (3) No cheating. If someone does do something stupid… then the last name of the “infractor” will be used as the name of the "new" rule. For example… the “Smith Rule” for being a dork about parking.
Volunteers
Volunteers are greatly appreciated and much needed. Please consider lending a hand because without volunteers we would be unable to conduct races. Knowing that your time is valuable we thank all the volunteers who work a complete shift... with free entry to any one of the four races in the same calendar year or the next. They are the Greenbrier Ultras (100m 50m, 50k, 25k), Cow Bone 6-12-24 Hour, Catoctin 50k / Half Cat and Bobcat 11 mile. In addition each volunteer receives a race tee shirt and a race hoodie sweatshirt... provided the volunteer registers prior to the event and stays the entire shift. Click HERE to see what, when and who
Click the VOLUNTEER link at the top of the page to register. Thanks!
About the Race Director
Hi, My name is Kevin Sayers and I'm the Race Director. In 1994 I read an article about ultrarunning in a magazine and said "I just gotta do that". One hundred miles in 24 hours? What's not to like? Since that time I enjoyed a 39,000+ mile running adventure throughout North America. Now, I’m a race director and have made it my mission “to conduct and promote fun and rewarding running events for entrants, crews and volunteers alike”.
As a Race Director strive to conduct my races in an inspirational manner to help runners reach their goal. My two commitments are: (1) to be available at all times during a race and greet every runner at the finish with a smile, hand shake, high five, fist bump or a combination there of. (2) Be appreciative, grateful and thankful to all volunteers as without them we wouldn't be able to have events.
My running history on UltraSignup (1996 - current)
UltRunR.com website since 1996
Completed the Grand Slam of Ultra Running in 1998 Completed the JFK 50 Mile Run as a 100 miler (1998, 1999)
Received Vermont 100 "1,000 Mile" belt buckle in 2007
Aid Station Captain - Bull Run Run 50 Mile - Centerville A.S. since 1999
Race Director - Catoctin 50k Trail Run & Half Cat since 1999 Race Director - Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run 2011-2022
Race Director - Greenbrier Ultra's since 2018 Race Director - Bobcat Trail Run (11 Miles) since 2018 Race Director - Cow Bone 6-12-24 Hour 2019-2023
Live Tracking
Click Here
Event's current local time: 6:01 AM ET