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Monday, January 12, 2015

Go Run Behind the Rocks Ultra 2015!



Behind the Rocks is an ultrarunning event in Moab, UT. This year the race will be held on March 28th. Registration is already open! Sign up and get away for a weekend!

http://www.grassrootsevents.net/#!behind-the-rocks-home/cee5

Exploring the day before the race

I quote from the home page of the website, "Behind the Rocks was created to highlight Moab's last hidden gem, the Behind the Rocks Wilderness area." And it certainly does. The scenery throughout this course is gorgeous. Nothing beats the spectacular views of the La Sal mountains in the distance, or the challenging foot travel over slick rock. The rock formations, arches, fins, & desert plants to be seen during your race are just as incredible as the national parks in the area, but without all the tourists. It's a perfect little hidden gem.

Beautiful desert

Come toe the start line with a fun group of runners and battle it out Saturday morning. There are three races to choose from: 50 mile, 50k, & 30k. I would highly recommend this race for your first ultra! I'm definitely not saying it's easy, because it's not. But what's ever easy that's worthwhile?! It's beautiful and put on by some great people. That's enough to make it worthwhile. Plus there's dispersed camping right at the start! It doesn't get any better than that. Hang out with your friends the night before the race and wake up a few feet away from the start! That's any runner's dream come true.

2014 start of the 50-miler

The course winds through the desert on trails within the Behind the Rocks Wilderness. There are some very technical sections with some steep ledges. Below is a screen shot of the course map for the 50 miler. As you can see, not too much repeating the same trails which is sweet.

Behind The Rocks Course

If you've never been to Moab, Utah, you are missing out. It's a very unique place. If you've never run an ultra, this is your chance! Go big or go home :) See you all at Behind the Rocks in March!!

Photo credit: Chris Noble