Connor’s Claims Ultra is Tooele County’s Newest Ultra! Conquer the hills and mountains where General Patrick Connor and his soldiers staked mining claims in the early 1860’s!
In the southern Oquirrh’s lie the hills and mountains where US General Patrick Connor and his soldiers staked mining claims in the early 1860’s. After 150 years, there still remain the old Gisbourne toll road, steadily climbing up the west face of Bald Mountain; the ruins of Jacob City, a thriving mining town of 300 established in 1865; the steep, rugged mining road which took men, animals, and ore down Dry Canyon; Soldier Canyon Road, with its remnants of silver ore kilns beside the way; and the old pack trail ascending the South Fork of Soldier Canyon.
Tackle the beauty of these challenging, high-elevation roads; take in the breathtaking views of Rush Valley from 4,000 ft above; and experience the magnitude of the towering 10,000 ft+ Oquirrh Crest, rising to your east.
The Courses
Starting at an elevation of 5,800 ft, you will trek through the rolling central Oquirrh foothills; climb the steep, rugged Dry Canyon road; and make your way past the ruins of Jacob City, founded in 1865. Take note of the old mine shaft openings, wooden ore bins, and various relics of the past. After topping out at 8,230 ft, enjoy the beautiful views as you descend the Jacob City Rd. 2 miles from the Jacob City Trailhead, your technical running skills will be put to the test as you descend steep, rocky, rugged ATV trails, leading you back to where you started. This is where the Half Marathoner’s will finish.
Next, you will descend the foothills to the west, to the mouth of Soldier Canyon Rd. Climb this road to the east, 1,500 ft up, until you get to the South Fork of Soldier Canyon – a steep, gnarly road, bringing you 1,700 ft up to a saddle overlooking Soldier and Ophir Canyons.
From here, continue southwest, another 1,000 ft to the top of Service Berry Canyon, looking down on Jacob City and the beautiful Rush Valley to the west. Runners will then be treated to expansive 360° views from the summit of 10,006′ Bald Mountain East. After descending its west face, you’ll summit 9,626′ Bald Mountain West, which also offers incredible views of the Rush & Tooele Valleys, as well as the towering Stansbury Mountain Range, to the west. After descending the southwest flank of Bald Mountain West, enjoy bombing 5.5 miles and 2,700′ down the Jacob City Rd, back to the finish!
The 50k will net you ~9,000 ft of vert and the Half Marathon will get you ~2,900 ft.
Aid Stations
Aid Station #1 will be at the Jacob City ruins (mile 7.3)
Aid Station #2 will be back at the start line (mile 13.1)
Aid Station #3 will be at the top of Soldier Canyon Rd (mile 20)
Aid Station #4 will be at Commodore Pass (mile 24.5)
Aid stations will be stocked with water, electrolyte, assorted fruits, and savory goods.
Race Simply
We create our events, especially our courses, to give you a beautiful, challenging, fun experience, racing in the foothills and mountains of Tooele County’s Oquirrh Mountains!
Our prices are low. We don’t give out gimmicky race entry bags full of clutter you’ll never use. We don’t hand out finisher’s awards that will end up in a drawer somewhere. We don’t play thumping music, announce finishers over a PA, or display flashy finish line arches.
The course is where it’s at. Each year, we change up the course routes. Always with an eye for scenery and the challenge: what will the runner see as they’re flying down technical double-track or as they crest a tough summit climb? Would it be more of a challenge to climb a mild dirt road or a rocky, technical ATV trail? Each of these distances will treat you to challenging trail conditions and beautiful views of the surrounding Oquirrh & Stansbury Mountain Ranges and the Rush & Tooele Valleys.
Our aid stations will be minimalist, but they will help you get to the finish line.
The vibe will be very low-key; but you’ll face stiff competition, whichever distance you choose.
The top man & woman in each distance will receive a modest award.
We look forward to having you, and are excited to show off some off the great trails the Oquirrh’s have to offer!
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