Where and When
Ouray, Colorado, starting in Fellin Park at 9:00 am, Saturday May 17, 2024
What
A Backyard Ultra. Complete an easy 4.167 mile course. If you finish in less than an hour—just a 14:24 pace per mile—you get to do it again at the top of the hour. The race continues hour after hour until there is only one person left. To secure the win, that person must successfully complete one more hour than anyone else. The race then ends.
For many runners, a backyard race is a good opportunity for setting a distance PR!
Course
An easy out-and-back with only 140 feet of vert (1.3% average grade). The course includes about 0.50 mile on an asphalt running track, 0.75 mile on smooth dirt roads, and about 2.9 miles on the Uncompahgre River Walk (a gravel footpath broad enough for easy passing).
Conditions
Although the course itself is easy, the altitude here is about 7700 feet above sea level. This may become a factor, especially when runners start getting tired! Temperatures in May are often cool, typically ranging from 38F to 63F with an average of six days of precipitation.
Starting Procedure
We have signals at three minutes, two minutes, one minute, thirty seconds, a ten second countdown, and then the starting bell. To be eligible to start any given hour, you must be inside the starting corral when the starting bell is given. No late starts! Once the hour starts, you must immediately embark on the course and remain on it, other than for restroom breaks as described below, until you finish the circuit.
Restroom Rule
The South Restroom is near the Start/Finish. A runner may visit this restroom either between laps (i.e., after finishing one circuit and before starting the next), or while on course, but only after first completing the initial 0.25 mile asphalt path around the ballfield. The North Restroom is on the River Walk and can be visited at about the 1.5 and 2.7 mile marks.
Personal Stations
You'll be assigned an 8 ft x 8 ft area to set up your personal station. Early registration improves your chance for a space closer to the starting line and aid station.
At no extra charge, you may request a spot under one of the commercial canopies (big tops). Otherwise, you will be assigned a spot outside of the big top. Whether inside the big top or out, a group of runners can mutually request to be adjacent to each other.
If you're outside the big top, you may set up your own shelter. Any shelters with floors may only be set up in the gravel area. Requests to set up a shelter larger than 8 ft x 8 ft will only be entertained in the gravel area, or in the grass if it's for a group of runners.
Parking
Please park in the lot south of the park accessible from 9th avenue. You may use the Hot Springs parking lot before the race to unload stuff, but vehicles must be moved out of the Hot Springs parking lot immediately after unloading.
Amenities and Activities
Jeerleading is encouraged!
The hot springs pool is right next to the Start/Finish.
Many shops, restaurants, a grocery store, four breweries, and a distillery are within a few blocks.
There are many, many nearby trails for bored crew to go explore.
A few miles from town, there is quite a bit of free, dispersed camping.
Contact Information
Eric Robinson shortcutvelociraptor@gmail.com
Ginny LaForme truchaspeaks7@hotmail.com
Event's current local time: 1:55 PM MT
