Cancelled Event
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
2022 52k AND 7 MILER *CANCELLED*
*CANCELLED DUE TO WILDFIRE*
On 4/22/2022 the Jemez mountains (and much of Norther NM) were hit with a "catastrophic wind event"; there were several wildfire starts, almost simultaneously that afternoon. The Cerro Pelado fire was driven by high winds, narrowly missing a local community. It did impact the heart of our race course, including Cerro Pelado where the fire lookout tower is (featured picture), Los Griegos mountain, the Dozer Line and saddle in between the two peaks; unfortunately, that saddle has a drainage that will likely suffer from monsoon season flashfloods into other parts of the course. At this point, there is little I can do to create an alternate course, especially since we are facing forest closures due to the drought and high fire risk.
*We hope to have a Backyard Ultra this same weekend (9/24/2022) in another portion of the Jemez, not impacted by the fires. I am making the proposal to the USFS this week (4/26) but they have their hands full with the fire currently, so please be patient. I will post on social media and post the Backyard Ultra on Ultrasignup as soon as possible.
Thank you, and be safe.
Bleassings,
Cheryl
Wildland 52 Trail Races
After a couple of crazy years, we are excited to bring back the Wildland 52k Ultramarathon on September 24,2022!
*While we have always promised half of the race proceeds go to our beneficiaries, we hope that this year, as in past, we have been able to donate 100% of the entry fee. We keep no profits from the race!
WILDLAND 52K COURSE:
The full course is as challenging as it is beautiful and boasts over 8,000' feet in elevation gain and 6,500' feet of descent. Past events have begun with a run through the Jemez Monument, then a steep ascent out of the Jemez canyon onto Cat Mesa; however, due to some land ownership changes we are trying to work out and overuse of trails the Jemez saw in 2020 by a record amount of visitors to our public lands, we are planning some course changes. It will include many of the mainstays, some favorite sections from the 2020 "Fun Run" and last year's Vertical K; however, there are plenty of miles I have been wanting to incorporate, areas that are on the "path less traveled" that we have mapped on various outings and know will bring us to our 52k distance and close to 9,000' gain; much of it is off-trail. Runners will enjoy a scenic run through creeks and by waterfalls, and summit two of our higher mountains (maybe three). You will flirt with the edges of new burn scars along a high mountain ridge, run through old burn scars to witness the rebirth of a forest, follow fire-lines hand cut by wildland crews, climb an old dozer line up steep slopes now covered in wild flowers and behold the spectacular views from the fire tower. If we’re lucky, elk will be bugling! A minimum $52.00 of each entry will be split between the Wildland Guardian Institute and Eric Marsh Foundation; two organizations created by the loved ones of firefighters who died in the line of duty. EMF steps in when a firefighter is killed or injured in the line of duty, assisting financially, helping navigate legalities and providing emotional support. WFGI was created with the goal of minimizing tragic line of duty incidents that may result in a firefighter being seriously injured or killed through education and better equipment; they also support families and crews with emergency preparedness and emotional support.
VERTICAL CHALLENGE: We will also bring back last year's "vertical challenge".
A minimum of $30.00 of each entry will be donated to the Eric Marsh Foundation. Last year the course was just over 9 miles with 3,300' of gain; I do have another, steeper but shorter course in mind however and will have the course finalized by June. The snow is melting so I will be heading out to map the routes in the next few weeks. Much of the Vertical K course will not be cleared so be prepared to scramble over plenty of deadfall and bushwack through mountain locust!
Entry Rules
This year's race is presently limited to 30 runners for each distance.
Entry for the full ultra distance (52K) is limited to those with prior mountain ultramarathon experience as well as experience with navigation as much of the course is off-trail and unmarked. Pease understand this is an "advanced" mountain race on a technical and steep course that includes established trails, off-trail sections, loose and hardpacked uneven surfaces. Runners for both distances may find themselves alone for lengthy periods of time, are expected to be prepared for extreme weather conditions, must be able to navigate in outdoor environments with no course markings and should be willing and mentally capable of "self rescue".
Cancellations
In the event the race is cancelled, you may transfer your entry fee to next year or donate your entry fee to the Eric Marsh Foundation to support Wildland Firefighters.
If the race is carried out but you need to cancel thirty days or more before the race, half of your race fee will be donated and half rolled over to next year. If you DNS or cancel less than 30 days out, the full amount of your entry fee will be donated.
VOLUNTEER
An event is only as good as it's volunteers, so we need YOU! Volunteers will be needed to help organize the event, purchase supplies, solicit sponsors and volunteers, help with the pre-race dinner and runner check-in the afternoon before and morning of, as well as at the aid stations! You can sign up at the Volunteer tab!
SPONSOR
If you can't make the run but wish to support the Wildland 52:
Contribute to the event. You may contribute to the event as a business or a personal sponsor! As a personal sponsor of the event, you will help cover expenses. Any and all funds remaining after expenditures will be donated to the EMF and WFGI. If you or your business would like to be an event sponsor, please email me at runwildland52@gmail.com.
Event's current local time: 9:35 PM MT
