We sent out an email a few days ago informing you that we might need to change the course for the Bryce 100 Miler. We have been working closely with the Forest Service to provide the safest racing experience for everyone involved. Due to the excessive amount of moisture the area has received this year, access to several of the Aid Stations has been suspended by the Forest Service to protect the roads and the fragile state of the vegetation.
Like I said in my previous email, we will move ahead with our Plan B course, which is to run the 50 mile course twice. There will be new aid station cutoff times and Grim Reaper times associated with these changes. Keep reading for more details, plus the new 100 mile course map.
New Grim Reaper Times
There will be 3 new Grim Reaper times for the 100 miler:
- 5:40 pm on Friday at Red Canyon (2nd pass)
- 10:30 pm on Friday at the Start line 2 (turnaround)
- 12:00 pm on Saturday at Red Canyon (4th pass)
These are hard cutoff times. You will not be allowed to continue after these times, even if you’re only 1 minute behind. All runners need to leave the aid stations before the Grim Reaper time.
We also have new minimum pace times on the cutoff sheet. These should be considered more as a guide to go off of. If you are continuously coming in past the minimum pace times, your chance of making the Grim Reaper times isn’t likely. These minimum pace times are also when the aid stations are scheduled to close, so keep in mind that aid stations may not be open if you come in past the minimum pace times. Anyone coming into an aid station more than 30 minutes past the minimum pace time will not be allowed to continue the race.
New Course Map
We have updated the 100 mile maps in Avenza. (attach instructions for avenza from the dropbox folder) Search for the map: Bryce 100 Mile Ultra Run Alternate
What to Plan For
The area received several feet of snow this winter. Most of it has melted off in the past few weeks, so the ground will be very wet and saturated in areas. Plan ahead and make sure to have plenty of dry socks to change into in each of your drop bags. A clean, dry pair of socks can make a huge difference in keeping your feet from suffering later. I always carry an extra pair of socks in my hydration pack with me. They don’t take up a lot of room and you never know when you might need to use them.
Running conditions will be nice throughout the day. We will send an email early next week updating you on the weather forecast for race weekend. Expect freezing temps through the night. It will be cold throughout the night with a possibility of wind. So plan to have plenty of warm clothes, gloves, a beanie and a solid wind breaker to get you through the night.
Start Line Gear Check
Since all the 100 milers will be coming through the finish line before starting the second loop, you should plan to use this as a crew and drop bag location. We will also have some basic Aid Station supplies there. This will be a perfect location to pick up any pacers, access drop bags for cold weather running gear, etc. We will have Fire barrels burning where you can warm up, so take as much time as you need to get ready. Just keep in mind that you will need to start your second loop by 10:30 pm.
Crew Access
Crew Access will be as listed on the cutoff sheet, at East Fork, Coyote Hollow, Red Canyon and Hillsdale Aid Stations. All these Aid Station locations should be easy to access.
Please Note: There is very limited space to park at Hillsdale aid station. The last ¼ mile before the aid station can get really muddy if it has been raining. There is a good chance we will eliminate crew access to this aid station next week if the road conditions prove to be unsafe for crew and staff to drive on, so plan accordingly. You will still have drop bag access at this aid station., you just might not be able to have crew meet you there. I drove on this road when I was out there yesterday and it scared the $#!@* out of me.
We are excited to have you come run with us next week. Make sure to hydrate and to rest up. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
If you have not read the race guide, what are you waiting for? Please read the race guide. The answers to every common question we get at the race is found in there. See you soon!
Lyle Anderson
Event Director, 2019 Bryce Canyon Ultras