Cancelled Event
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Cancelled!
We have decided to cancel the 2018 edition. But don't fear, WE ARE HOSTING A FREE GROUP RUN AND CLINIC TO KICK OFF SPOKATOPIA. Check the Spokatopia site for details.
Description
Come join us for the fourth annual Up Chuck Challenge trail run at Camp Sekani Park on the Up Chuck Trail for a fun, winding, nearly all singletrack climb to the top of Beacon Hill. The Challenge is in conjunctions with Out There Outdoors’Spokatopia-a celebration of all things outside. Choose between the 5K+ climb to the top of Beacon Hill or the newly added STRAVA (Virtual Challenge*) the Monday-Friday before the race. The 5k+ version gains nearly 1,000 feet of total elevation, with a few dips, grunts, twists and turns to keep the mostly mellow and meandering racecourse interesting. The race is timed on the up only, with another 2.3 mile run or walk back to the start for the 5k+. The trail run ends back at Sekani Meadows where the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival will be underway (beverage garden opens early so plan to use your complimentary beverage ticket). Pick up your Up Chuck Challenge finishers bandana and stick around to enjoy a day of trying different outdoor sports like rock climbing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding; bike demos; a mountain bike jump show; live music and outdoor exhibitors. Please note that there will be no vehicle parking at the race start at Camp Sekani Park (see below). Race parking and shuttles will be available 1-mile to the east at Pasadena Elementary and there will be a bike corral at Sekani so you can ride to the race on the Centennial Trail.
What: A fast, fun race (run, jog or walk) to the top of Beacon Hill above the Spokane River. $20 registration by July 5 for the 5k+ ($25 late registration). The Up Chuck Challenge (not the Virtual Challenge) trail run includes an Up Chuck Challenge finishers bandana and aid stations at the top of Beacon, a Spokatopia demo pass ($5 value) and a beverage garden ticket good for a beer, cider or kombucha! You’re on your own for the rest of the race, so plan accordingly for the summer heat.
When: 6:45-7:45am a.m. race check-in/late registration. 8:00 a.m. start.
Where: The race starts at Camp Sekani Park (aka Beacon Hill) by the old house across from the parking lot which is just east of the Shields Park climbing area parking lot. Camp Sekani is located on the Spokane River between Spokane Valley and downtown Spokane on E. Upriver Drive. Directions here. However, parking for the race will be at Pasadena Elementary 1-mile east on Upriver Drive. Park and walk/run/bike along the Centennial Trail to the race start at Camp Sekani or catch a shuttle van running every 10 minutes between the Pasadena parking lot and Camp Sekani. There will be a big bike corral available to Up Chuck racers and festival goers who ride their bikes. The Up Chuck Challenge 5k+ Course from camp Sekani, start on trail #30 (Up Chuck Trail) and slowly climb to the first summit. From here take trail #36 (Bastard Son). Now you get a little break from the climb and even a slight downhill on trail #24 (Disorderly Conduct), but remember you’re supposed to be running as fast as you can! From this point, the route heads straight uphill to the top. Once you reach the top, pat yourself on the back. You just ran 5k+ with around 1000' of elevation gain! Click here to check out a map of the course. From there, follow the markings back downhill to Camp Sekani Meadows and the Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival.
Up Chuck Virtual Challenge
Up Chuck Virtual Challenge-New this year is the addition of the Virtual Challenge (VC)! Using Strava, participants can have a go at the Up Chuck Challenge course the Monday-Friday before the race (July 2 12am to July 6 11:59pm). This is a unique chance to have a time in the results and a chance at the overall prizes. Please register and join the Out There-Up Chuck Challenge Strava group to ensure your results are included. You will still need to register (free entry and does not include the above listed entry items). We have decided to try this new format to open the racing up to everyone everyone’s schedule and everyone’s desires. Look for similar events in the future!
-compete on the route as many times as you want
-compete in both the VC and the Up Chuck Challenge
-course will NOT be marked physically prior to race (Saturday July 7)
-must register for VC (automatically registered for VC when registered for Up Chuck Challenge)
-Please contact us with any questions
-VC only runners WILL be added to final results and eligible for prizes
Course
Event's current local time: 7:39 AM PT