Valerie Yoder's Staging Area

This is a great race for anyone who loves trails or wants to get into trail running. The trails are well groomed and not technical, with a good mix of flat, uphill, and down. About 2-3 miles are paved. But it is at high elevation and mostly exposed so prepare for that. In its 2nd year, the race is very well organized and the organizers sought feedback from participants to continue improving – but I thought every aspect was well covered! Aid stations were well stocked and thoughtfully placed. Course was well marked and gpx maps were available too. Generous cutoff time.
The race is a relatively short drive from Utah so check it out!

I do a lot of trail running but this 50K was my first ultra. The trail is overall not technical: mostly smooth packed dirt, mostly double-track or even wider, and easy to follow. Elevation gain is on the low side for an ultra. Good support at aid stations and finish line. I think it’s a good choice for people less experienced on trails.

Be prepared for heat! This year the weather was in the high 80’s by noon, at least 10 degrees above average. The trail is almost completely exposed so you’re in full sun 99% of the race. This made me take a lot longer to finish than I expected from my training. I included a picture that’s representative of the course.

Swag: really disappointing white t-shirt. The new duathlon the following day got a much nicer looking teal shirt! Medals are handmade (lasercut wood) and look nice, but mine fell apart and I had to re-glue it. They’re the same for every distance. The race website says a training plan is included but I never received one.

This was my first Ragnar and I had an amazing time with 2 teams from my run club. It’s a great setup with a central base camp and the 3 loops going out around it. There are showers, bathrooms, and restaurants if you don’t want to live on camping food. Trails are challenging, even the green loop, but epic views and a great, positive vibe the whole time.
Expect to wait in long car lines upon arrival if you arrive anytime on Thursday.

Bryce Canyon: Accurately described in the course preview as “beautifully brutal” – the last 5 miles took me about as long as the first 10 due to long steep climbs. The course is gorgeous and runnable. This course was not very well marked, a critical intersection had no signs or flags and many people went the wrong way. You don’t need gaiters for this course. Would do it again!
Zion: Fun rim run! This is a great follow-up to Bryce with gorgeous views and a lot less climbing. The course was well marked and gaiters aren’t needed. Would absolutely do this again!
Antelope Canyon: This 13.8 mile route replaced Horseshoe Bend. We had the first race ever on this specific course, and it showed…. Arrival logistics were a bit messy compared to the other days. The course was well marked and a really unique experience from start through the slot canyon. After the slot canyon, it was a long hot slog through deep sand, though at the course preview they said 5-10% of the course was sand – does the RD not know desert crust turns into sand after a couple people pass the same area? Gaiters necessary. I’m glad I did this one, but I wouldn’t do this particular course again.

You get to recover each day at base camp in Kanab with massages and entertainment. You can use their tent, bring your own, or stay in a hotel – I used their tent which was a nice size and in good shape. Overall this is an amazing & unforgettable event that I recommend!