With campground closure this event is no longer organized.
Runners can continue to do laps on their own, self supported, but we are not organizing any event this year.
What is this?
This year, we are not charging a fee. We are trying to decide if it is worth our time to turn into a large, for pay event. We think it's pretty darn cool. We are taking donations for food and such, however. But, only if you can.
Race date and time:
The 36 Hours of Black Bear starts at 9:20am, the 15 miler starts at 9am.
A loop course on the Shores Lake/White Rock spur of the Ozark Highlands Trail, starting and finishing at Shores Lake Recreation Area. It is all on trail. A very technical trail.
Each loop is approximately 15 miles and over 3500 feet of elevation gain (so the 15 miler is 15 with 3500). GAIA says it's less mileage and nearly 3800' of gain. Either way, it's a lot of gain per mile.
If someone can do 8 loops in 36 hours, that's ~ 120 miles and over 28,000 feet of elevation gain.
At the start/finish at Shores Lake we will have bonfires, camping, food, beverages and a really good time.
This year, the event is limited to 15 runners (combined distances).
Most participants were registered last spring before we had to cancel.
Runners will get credit for distance they finish based on number of complete loops. So, finishing 2 loop gets you a 30 mile credit. Finishing 2.5 loops gets you a 30 mile credit, not a 37.5 mile credit.
1 loop-~15 miles-3500' of gain
2 loops-~30 miles-7000' of gain
3 loops-~45 miles-10,500' of gain
4 loops-~60 miles-14,000' of gain
5 loops-~75 miles-17,500' of gain
6 loops-~90 miles-21,000' of gain
7 loops-~105 miles-24,500' of gain
8 loops-~120 miles-28,000' of gain.
9 loops-~135 miles-31,500' of gain.
10 loops-~150 miles-35.000' of gain
Details
Runners will alternate directions with each loop. The run will begin with a CW loop (15 milers do one CW loop). The next loop will be CCW. Loop 3 CW and so on. On the first lap, runners will most likely do the White Rock Rim trail. If this is something we make part of the course, we will ask that you not run most of the rim trail. It is on a bluff.
All other loops will just be to the OHT TH parking at the top and turn around.
We'll have a couple of tents and food at Shores Lake. We suggest you camp there, have all of the gear you need and your favorite foods too. Just in case we might not have your tummy's choice.
We'll have quesadillas, avocados, peanut butter, maybe pizza, sodas, tailwind, chips, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, etc. We will not have gels for this event.
Please bring lots of light. We would like for you to have 2 sources on you if you are doing night loops.
You should prepare for warm or cold daytime temps and chilly nighttime temps. We suggest blister kits, rain gear, anti chafing cream, extra shoes, etc.
There will be one major aid station at the start/finish at Shores Lake. Runners will retrieve something at the TH at White Rock on every loop they complete. Fifteen milers will do the same. There are 2 county road crossings, one on the West side and one on the East. There will be light aid at those intersections. As in, water. We cannot leave food unattended like we had panned due to recent bear activity.
The start/finish at Shores Lake has camping.
This loop is the final portion of the Hare Mountain 100, 50, 50k. So, a great little taste of the course if you are looking to run HM in the fall.
RD. N. Johnston
Weather
If there is a chance of extreme weather, like tornadoes or an ice/snow storm--we will cancel this event.
Let's hope we are not faced with anything like that. But, for your safety, even the chance of tornadoes and high winds, will cause cancellation.
Event's current local time: 12:14 AM CT
