Saturday, Sep 17, 2022

Crimson Canyons Ultra

575 W 400 N

Richfield, UT 50K, 25K, 10K

This Event Took Place Sat. Sep 17, 2022

True Adventure

10k/25k/50miles distances in 2024. The primal red rock canyons around Richfield, Utah offer endless adventure! This Crimson Canyon Ultra and Trail Runs links together several canyons, dry washes, remote sections of the Paiute ATV Trail systems, and the brand new Pahvant Mountain Bike Trail System, into a very unique experience. Run up red rock streambeds in narrow canyons, trek atop packed natural clay fins under colorful hills, power up and speed down groomed dirt trails, and catch great vistas along ridgelines.

The Spinal Tap 50 Miler is an all new very challenging and adventurous route. If you have run our 50km distance any of the past 4 years, or our older 50 mile routes the 3 years before that, you are invited to challenge yourself on this new breathtaking 50 mile route! With the completion of the Spinal Tap Trail, we just had to craft a route around this unique 18-mile downhill trail.

The 10km runs up the new Big Red and Kiln-It Trail to aid station #6, and there connects with the 25km route coming back down Cairn-Age & Tank Run Trails.

The 25km runs up the slot-like Dairy Canyon, out Flat Canyon, loops out the enchanting Cathedral Canyon, up the red rock roller coaster sections of trail 84, hits both the upper and lower sections of the Faulty MTB trail, down along the awe inducting Scorpion Ridge overlooking Cottonwood Canyon, and finishes on several other single track trails created since 2019, including the Cairn-Age and Tank Run trails.

The Spinal Tap Trail 50 Miler will start up Ken's Canyon and continue on up Table Mountain, then drop down to follow packed cow trails along South Willow Creek. After a good climb up a broad ridgeline to the summit of White Pine Peak (10,200 feet), runners will hit the signature center of the race, catching 18 miles all downhill on the Spinal Tap Trail. Then they will follow the 25km route looping out, up and back down to the finish.

This is a trail run, with a light sprinkling of adventure elements. The large majority of the race is run on trails or streambeds, but the 25km and 50 miler hit two canyons with a little climbing or easy scrambling over boulders. Both distances run through the lower 2 miles of Dairy Canyon with several small overhangs, a few fallen boulders, and a 4-foot ledge at the end (with a step and rope to assist). In Cathedral Canyon there is one small easy ledge. Besides these two canyons where runners might need to use hands, the rest of the course is pure, glorious running. The 10km is run on groomed bike trails and a gravel mountain road, but it still has some good elevation changes.

The Run

Racing in the heart of Panoramaland involves running in dry streambeds/washes, traveling on defined yet remote sections of the Paiute ATV trail, hitting sections of the brand new Pahvant Trail (mountain bike) System, and of course occasionally clambering over sandstone boulders or overhangs in your path. These are all part of the Fishlake National Forest.

Elevation Gain
* 10km (6.2 miles) 1264 feet / 385 meters (time limit 4 hours)
* 25km (16.5 miles) 3104 feet / 946 meters (time limit 8 hours)
* 50 Miles (80km) 8510 feet / 2594 (time limit 18 hours)

Getting There and Logistics

Richfield is located in Central Utah, about an 1hr 45min drive South of Provo, and about 1hr 40min North of Cedar City. There are many hotels to choose from in Richfield, as well as a KOA. Our race partner hotel, Ramada of Richfield is actually the very closest to the starting line. They have discount pricing for race participants. A field close to the event will also be available for free camping. Packet Pickup will be the afternoon before at the Lion's Park where the race starts/ends from 4-8PM. Morning-of pickup is discouraged, but available if you arrive at least 45 minutes before your race begins. Races start at 5:00 AM (50 miler), 7:30 AM (25km), and 8:00 AM (10km). Timing will be chipped again by Runnercard.com. There will be several aid stations throughout the course, stocked with standard ultra fare, including Hammer gels, fizz, & Heed. Given distances in rugged canyons and time (1 to 2 hours or more between stations), all runners MUST carry a personal hydration solution. Drop bags will be available at several aid stations for 50 mile runners, and one for 25km runners.

Event's current local time: 3:16 AM MT

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