Bryce Canyon Ultras
50 Mile, 60K, 50K & 30K
Tentative 2024 Date: May 18, 2024 | Hatch, UT
The 2023 event has passed! Check back soon for details on the 2024 Bryce Canyon Ultras.
This scenic, mountain course runs around the northern half and western edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau, offering spectacular views above and below the hoodoos. The race is run at high elevation, with most of the miles on this rugged course between 7,000 – 9,000 ft.
Let the Canyon push you farther...
Our courses are designed to push you physically and mentally. They're the perfect way to train for the next big thing on your bucket list. Check here to see which Bryce Canyon Ultras courses may qualify you for other competitions!
UTMB has updated their system and no longer uses points! The races listed here are considered qualifying races for UTMB events of a similar distance. For more info, please reach out to UTMB.
Bryce Canyon 100 Mile (this event will be held in 2024)
Runners who complete either 100 Mile race within your time limit or the Zion 100K within 19 hours will qualify to enter a lottery where the runners for Western States will be selected each November.
Course Descriptions & Maps
30K Course Overview
The 30k starts at the mouth of Proctor Canyon and climbs 700 ft. over 2 miles on doubletrack up to Proctor Canyon aid station (mile 2.7).
From there, the route heads southeast for 1.6 miles toward Blue Fly aid station (mile 4.3). After Blue Fly aid, the course will head west on a rugged doubletrack road. This will be mostly downhill for a little over 4 miles before coming to the Badger Creek aid station (mile 8.6).
From there you will take a right running along forest service road 109. This will be a nice doubletrack road for the next 4 miles. It will be a steady climb with about 1,500 ft. of elevation gain. You will peak out around mile 12 where it will begin the nice steady downhill for the remainder of the course. We will have a water only station set up at the FS road 601 junction (mile 13.8).
You will jump onto a nice downhill singletrack section for the next 3 miles bringing you into the Proctor Canyon aid station one last time (mile 16.8). From it is all downhill for 2.1 miles to the finish line at the bottom of the canyon
Elevation Profile
Bryce Canyon Ultras 30K Elevation
Course & Aid Station Map
Bryce Canyon Ultras 30K Map
GET INVOLVED
Support Our
Park Communities
Fundraise for your chosen race and your registration fee could be waived. All funds go to Wander Project to support efforts in and around the communities that host our events.
New as of 2023, YOU choose whether the funds you raise support a WP community partner or an organization that matters to you!
Volunteer with Us!
Our volunteers help runners at the race expo, finish line, merchandise tent, and beyond!
Join us for a 3-4hr shift and earn a $50 or $100 credit towards a future race (credits can be gifted!)
HOW TO PREPARE
Bryce Canyon Ultras Race Details
Check here for race weekend logistics and rules for participation!
Please review our eligibility qualifications (required) and recommendations (suggested) before registering for a bib!
A link to your official qualifying race results will be required in order to participate. If the qualifying race is scheduled to take place after a runner plans to register, please include a link to that race's website during registration. Upon completion of the qualifying race, your Zion registration must be updated to include a link to the official results*.
100 Mile (2024 event)
Qualification
Runners interested in registering for the 100 Mile race MUST have completed a 50-mile race (or a race of greater distance) between May 19, 2022 and May 18, 2024.
50 Mile
Qualification
Runners interested in registering for the 50 Mile race MUST have completed a marathon race (or a race of greater distance) between May 20, 2021 and May 19, 2023.
60K, 50K, & Half Marathon
Recommendation
It is strongly recommended that runners interested in registering for either the 60K, 50K, or half marathon races train on technical trails prior to race day. These are technical trail courses and should not be your first introduction to this type of terrain.
*Need to update your registration? Log into your RunSignUp account, click Profile, click Manage Registration, click Questions, add the link in the text field under the qualification section and click Update Responses at the bottom of the page.
Our 100 Mile Ultra is taking a break until 2024!
In the meantime, check out the course maps, elevation, and description below so you're ready to run.
100 Mile Course Map
Course Time Limit: 36.3 hours
Bryce Canyon Ultras 100 Mile Map
Bryce Canyon Ultras 100 Mile Elevation
100 Mile Course Description
The 100 miler starts at the mouth of Proctor Canyon and climbs 700 ft. over 2 miles on doubletrack up to Proctor Canyon aid station (mile 2.7).
From there the route will continue on for 1.6 miles to the Blue Fly aid station (mile 4.3). After Blue Fly aid, the route heads inland on a doubletrack that heads northeast on a gradual downhill slope to Johnson Hollow water station (mile 11) then continues on for another 3 miles to an aid station near the East Fork of the Sevier River in the center of the plateau. From East Fork aid (mile 13.6), you’ll continue northwest on doubletrack that takes you back towards the edge of the plateau.
After the aid station at Coyote Hollow trailhead (mile 19.9), runners hop on the famous Thunder Mountain Trail. The first 4 miles of this trail climbs up and down a series of about a dozen small ridges, each with about a hundred feet of climb and descent. It then steeply drops through a series of hoodoos on what is likely the most photographed section of the course. This section of trail can also be a bit slippery on the steeper sections, as there is often a tiny gravel layer that sits on top of the hard pack trail and can cause runners to lose their footing.
When the Thunder Mountain trail T’s into the Grandview Trail (approximately mile 25.7), take a left and head south to the Thunder Mountain water station 27.9) about 2 miles.
After the Thunder Mountain water station you will continue on for another 2 miles to the Hillsdale Canyon aid station (mile 30.2). Although this appears to be a comparatively mild section along the bottom of the plateau, this terrain is relentless with constant ups and downs- there is still over 800 ft. of climbing!
The next section is similar, climbing over a series of small ridges in the foothills that ends up being more than a thousand feet of climbing over 7 miles to Proctor Canyon aid station (mile 35.9).
From there the route follows the Grandview Trail south for 3 miles on singletrack past an unmanned water station (mile 38.5) and then continues on for nearly 7 miles and over 3,000 ft. of climbing through one of the most remote and rugged sections of the course to Blubber Creek aid station (mile 45.4), offering runners their first views from the rim of the Paunsaugunt Plateau.
The route then continues south along the Grandview Trail, staying above the rim for just over 7 miles to Kanab Creek aid station (mile 52.8). This section is mixed singletrack and doubletrack with some amazing views and approximately 1,700 feet of gain and an equal amount of descent.
From here, runners continue on singletrack along the rim for just under 2 miles with some of the best views of the course, then head inland on doubletrack for 3 more miles on a gradual descent to Straight Canyon aid station (mile 57.8).
Runners exit the aid station on the main road for a half mile, then take a right along a rolling singletrack trail through Mill Valley for just over a mile to face a brutal 1,500 ft. climb over the next 3 miles up to the high point and crowning overlook of the course at Pink Cliffs water-only station (mile 62.6).
From here, runners will continue on a nice downhill descent (approximately 900 ft.) to the Crawford Pass aid station & turn-around point (mile 67.7).
Runners will turn around and start climbing back toward Pink Cliffs water-only station (mile 72.7), then onto Straight Canyon pass 2 (mile 77.5), Kanab Creek pass 2 (mile 82.5), Blubber Creek pass 2 (mile 89.9), and the unmanned water-only station (mile 95.9).
From there, the route follows the Grandview Trail north on singletrack back to the Proctor Canyon aid Station (mile 99.4). After the final aid station, it’s all downhill to the finish line at the bottom of the canyon (mile 102.1).
Below is an anticipated schedule for the 2023 Bryce Canyon Ultras race weekend. We are still some months out from the event, so please check back for updated info.
All times listed are in Mountain Time.
Friday
1pm-7 pm: All distances may pick up their race bib at the expo which is located at the staging area in Hatch, UT.
8 pm: 50 Mile, 60K, and 50K drop bags deadline
Saturday
4 am: Race day bib pickup opens (get here early!)
6:00 am: 50 Mile race start
6:30 am: 60K race start
7 am: 50K race start
7:30 am: 30K race start
4:00 pm: 30K cutoff
9:00 pm: 50K cutoff
10:00 pm: 60K cutoff
12:00 am (Sunday): 50 Mile cutoff
Please have a headlamp for early morning race starts. This course is technical and you will need to see your path!
Arrive early & get ready with us
We encourage runners to arrive early on race morning. Find a parking spot, grab some Summit Coffee or hot chocolate, and listen for updates from our race announcer (they're the one with the megaphone and early-bird energy)!
You have a couple of options for picking up your bib and race packet:
Option #1: Race Expo (recommended)
We recommend getting your bib at our Race Expo, always held the Friday before the race. We’ll have our merchandise table set up, so be sure to stop by and say hi!
Option #2: Race Morning (not recommended)
We will have limited race morning bib and packet pickup on race morning at the start line. Get there early!
Option #3: Shipped Before the Race ($30)
You can add a shipped bib to your registration until one month before the race by logging into RunSignup, clicking Manage Registration, and Add Ons.
Refunds: Once your package is shipped, you are officially checked in to the race and no longer qualify for our refund, deferment, or transfer options.
Race Expo
Date: Friday before the event
Hours: 11 AM - 7 PM (drop bags allowed until 8pm)
Location: BCU Start Line in Hatch, Utah (at the mouth of Proctor Canyon)
Our race expo is your chance to pick up your bib and race packet, ask last minute questions, meet fellow runners, and get pumped for race day! Merchandise will be available. We'll have a variety of swag from shirts and tanks to our favorite Hydro Flasks and everything in-between.
Expo and race day parking are at the same location.
Drop bags should be submitted by 8:00PM!
At our ultra marathons the aid stations play a critical role in getting you across the finish line!
Note: Each distance will have a different set-up of aid stations.
100 Mile (2024) - 14 full aid stations + 6 water-only stations
50 Mile - 8 full aid stations + 3 water-only stations
60K & 50K- 6 full aid stations + 2 water-only stations
30K - 4 full aid station + 1 water-only station
Hours - Aid stations will close according to the posted minimum pace time.
Medic - At our busiest aid stations we try and staff a medical volunteer to help with larger issues. See your race guide for more details.
All aid stations have composting toilets.
Food & Supplies
- Water
- Gnarly Fuel2O
- Fresh-cut fruit
- Soda
- A variety of both salty and sweet items
We will also have additional food and supplies further along in the course which may include:
- Boiled potatoes
- Tortillas w/ Nutella
- PB&J
- Turkey sandwiches
- Dill pickles
- Chips
- A variety of candies
- An anti-chafing agent
- Sunscreen
- First Aid supplies
We will also have a limited supply of:
- Gels
- Salt caps
- Electrolyte caps
If any item is of critical importance to your ability to finish, please consider putting it in your drop bag.
While we do our best to help each runner finish the race, food selection and nutrient needs vary between runners. If you rely on a specific food or hydration routine, please use the drop bags to pack what you need along the course.
For any ultra marathon distance you may use drop bags. You can leave a drop bag at designated aid stations. Please observe the following rules:
- All bags must be labeled with name, bib # (in large print), aid station, and race distance. Optional, but a good idea if your label comes off, is a card inside with the same information and contact information. Please label your bags the day before the race on your own or at check in.
- All drop bags must be left in the designated drop off location (near the start line) by 8pm the night before the race.
- No valuables or fragile items in your drop bags. We are not responsible for any lost/stolen items.
- Watch the weather forecast. If there is any chance of rain, place your items in zip lock bags inside of your drop bag.
- Minimum size: Gallon size freezer zip lock. No grocery store plastic bags or garbage bags.
- Maximum size: Shoe box size for single pass and daytime aid stations. Small duffle or small carry on for multiple pass aid stations.
Getting Your Drop Bag Back
Generally all bags come back about 90 minutes after the aid station fully closes (all distances that pass through it). There will be a "Return to Finish Line" area at all aid stations that allow drop bags. This is an area where you can place your drop bag after you no longer need it from that particular location and we will try to get it back early if possible. You must place the bag in this area. Crew or volunteers are not allowed to sort through them in order to reduce the risk of a drop bag inadvertently being returned to the start line.
If you do not want to stick around, we can mail your drop bags to you after the race for $10 per bag.
Offline Avenza Maps
Now you can use our maps offline with a gps-enabled device!
We plan to mark the course with such rigor that you should not need your own map to help you find your way. However, we have experienced blown down signs and vandalism in the past. We recommend downloading the free Avenza app (available for iOS, and Android devices) before the event. There you can find our uploaded maps that work without cell coverage.
Here's how:
1. Download the free app "AVENZA MAPS" to your smart-phone or tablet while your device is online. It’s compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
2. Open the app > Tap "Store" (Shopping Cart Icon) > Tap "Find Maps" > Search for the specific distance you would like to download. Type your search exactly as it appears below:
Bryce Canyon 100 mile Ultra
Bryce Canyon 50 mile Ultra
Bryce Canyon 60km
Bryce Canyon 50km Ultra
Bryce Canyon 30km
3. Tap on the label on the map > tap "install" and the map will begin to download.
4. The map is now ready to use “offline”. Simply open the app, click on the Map and your GPS location will appear on the map.
NEW!
Tap below to directly download your race distance map!
Interactive Course Map
Overall Cutoff Times
You must complete your race within the respective cutoff time, otherwise, you will receive a DNF. Your time begins when you cross the start mat, so pay attention to YOUR individual start time and not just your starting window when assessing your progress throughout the race.
100 mile (2024) - 36 hours and 20 minutes
50 Mile - 17 hours and 55 minutes
60K - 15 hours and 30 minutes
50K - 13 hours and 50 minutes
30K - 8 hours and 30 minutes
Minimum Paces (Guidelines only)
Below is a timing guide to help you gauge your progress throughout the race. Beating these times during training will help you avoid a DNF. If you find yourself consistently behind these minimums, your chances of finishing before the official close of the race are slim. Finishing after the minimum pace time or outside of your overall cutoff time will result in a DNF.
If you do not meet these minimum times, you may be allowed to continue the race at the discretion of race officials. Race officials will consider runner health, extraction resources/accessibility, grim reaper times, etc. to make this determination.
Don't Fear the Reaper!
Grim Reaper deadlines are cutoff times that result in a DNF and removal from the course if you miss the cutoff time. Even if missed by one second, these deadlines are non-negotiable and exceptions will not be made.
A race official will be onsite to ensure all runners are past checkpoints before the Grim Reaper. You must EXIT the checkpoint before the posted Grim Reaper time to beat it. These cutoff times are shown in the cutoff sheet.
Competing for a Top Finisher spot?
While qualifying times are based on chip time (the moment you cross the start mat), overall top finisher awards are based on gun time. If competing for a top spot, you will need to be at the start line at the beginning of your race's 20-30 minute start window.
When competing for these top spots and starting before the official race start, you will have more of a buffer to beat aid station cutoff times. This does not mean that you have more time to complete the overall race. Regardless of when you start, you must complete your race within the allotted overall cutoff time (i.e. 30 hours).
General Rules
Who Can Have Crew & Pacers?
Rules & Registration
Failure to comply with these rules will result in disqualification of the runner being paced.
Pacer/Crew Conduct
You are responsible for the actions of your crew and pacers. If their behavior is deemed inappropriate by race staff, you will be disqualified. Please let them know this and only choose crew members that will treat our volunteers and staff with respect while you are out on the course.
Online Pacer/Crew Registration
Save time at the expo and register your crew members and pacers in advance!
Crew & Pacer Course Access
Course access is allowed ONLY at the aid stations listed below.
Each course passes through a different set of aid stations at different miles. Please refer to your course map or the Bryce Canyon Cutoff Sheet for your specific access points.
100 Mile Pacer Note
The 2nd pass of the Straight Canyon Aid Station (mile 77.5) is the last aid station on course with crew access.
If you accompany your runner past this aid station, you have committed to finishing the race with them! There are no accessible points for you to be picked up after mile 77.5.
Find Your Access Point
Take a look at the Bryce Canyon Google Map below to see your aid stations in map form!
Driving Directions
There is no shuttle service for pacers or crew. You will need to coordinate with your race crew to drop off/pick up crew members during the event.
Use the links below:
Tracking Your Runner
Live Updates (Not Available)
Due to the remote location of this race, we will not be able to provide live updates for your friends/family. We do have satellite phones and/or radios at the aid stations so that we can account for runners on the course and keep communication lines open among our staff members, but we do not have the ability to communicate runner whereabouts to your loved ones during the event.
On Course Calls & Texts
If you would like to let friends and family know your status on the course, you can text them from the areas of the course with cell service (there are many points on the course where reception is good enough to get a text out, but it can be difficult to get a phone call out.)
Location/Tracking Apps
There are also apps available such as RaceJoy which will automatically update your whereabouts when you come into a reception area. Set these up beforehand and test that they are working correctly before you begin your race!
Note: These apps tend to drain your cell phone battery if you plan on leaving it on for the duration of the event.
Carry an External Battery Pack (Or Two!)
We highly recommend that runners, crew, and/or pacers carry an external battery pack with them to make sure your devices don't die during the event. Cell phones and trackers are key to your communication and safety, so don't neglect them.
If you're worried about your cell phone battery, you can turn it off after sending a text or leave it in airplane mode to extend the battery life.
Results
Visit RunSignup for race results. We publish both gun and chip time, but overall awards are determined by gun time.
Racer times are available online ~20 minutes after you finish the race. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all racers have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director.
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you!
Got questions about your placement? please email timing@runsum.com.
Awards
The belt buckles (awarded for the 100 miler finishers only) are each hand crafted using organic materials gathered on the course and preserved in resin. A variety of locally made or unique custom made awards or finisher medals will be provided to the finishers of the other distances. Special awards will be given to the **top 3 overall male and female finishers for each distance as well.
Ultras Overall awards are based on gun time. Here's why:
At our Ultramarathons, we offer a larger, more unique overall winner prize. Calculating awards based on gun time allows us to award these prizes in-person, instead via mail. We believe strongly in celebrating your accomplishments at the event (plus, the prizes don't ship well...)
If you are interested in competing for a top award you will need to line up at the front at the beginning of your start window so your chip time and the gun time are the same.
Packing List
Whether this race will be your first ultra marathon, your first trail race, or your first time running in this area of the country- we recommend coming prepared. We've created a packing list to help you think through what you may need for your race, so you can minimize stress and feel prepared.
Trail Gear
Running distance trails is no joke. We highly recommend you give your gear some extra care as you prepare for your race. Make sure you have trail shoes that are right for your feet, a hydration system to get you across the finish line, and take stock of any special nutrition needs you may have.
Looking for recommendations?
La Sportiva
Nathan
Or ask the community!
Search in the group for discussions about trail gear, training, and more.
Please review these guidelines so you know what to expect during the race!
Course Marking
For course marking all distances/courses will be marked with pink flags and ribbons. Any tricky junctions will be marked well with signs and flour arrows. A piece of highly reflective tape is attached to each trail marker that may be encountered at night.
Checking in at aid stations
It is the responsibility of the runner to check in at each aid station (coming in only, no need to check out of the aid station). Seek out the aid station worker wearing the fluorescent orange vest and give them your bib number. Failure to check in at an aid station can result in disqualification. If you drop out of the race YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR BIB TO THE NEAREST AID STATION CAPTAIN. If you fail to do this, you will be responsible for all related search party costs.
Timing Checkpoints
Depending on which distance you are running, you will find checkpoints at the following aid stations: Proctor Canyon, Blue Fly, East Fork, Blubber Creek, and Red Canyon Aid Stations. We will have a short corral that all runners MUST pass through upon arrival at the aid station on each pass. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the race.
Dropping
Any runner dropping out of the race MUST hand their bib over to the aid station captain where they are dropping. Failure to do so will result in a 2 year suspension from all Vacation Races events.
Medical
At each aid station there will be a tent with self serve medical items like bandaids, salt tabs, etc. We will have trained medical personnel at the finish line as well as at the Crawford Pass, East Fork, and Red Canyon Aid Stations. If you find yourself in an emergency, call 911. You will be personally responsible for any costs associated with medical dispatch. If the problems are not urgent, please contact race personnel. We are equipped to respond quickly to problems on course that are not life threateningly urgent.
Crew/Spectators
Due to the remote area of where the races run, this is not a very spectator-friendly event. The course and trails purposely get runners out into desert solitude while offering fantastic views of Bryce Canyon. There are only a few spots to watch and cheer on runners. East Fork, Coyote Hollow, Straight Canyon, and Crawford Pass are open to crew and spectators.
Please be courteous and cautious while driving to these locations as runners may be on the same road that leads to the aid stations. Also, check with HQ before trying to access these locations if there is inclement weather. Of course, the finish line is one of the best places to cheer on the finishers.
