Up-to-the-minute (as of Nov. 7) Information on the big Feb. 2, 2013 SUGARLOAF ULTRA VISTA (S.U.V.) TRAIL RUNS in Vado, New Mexico.
–We will have full on-line registration up soon. There will also be race morning registration.
–The cost is a mere $15, payable by check or cash at any time up to 15 minutes before the start.
Race numbers to be picked up race morning at the start unless other arrangements have been made with the run organizers. Each runner must also fill out a Search & Rescue form before the start. The races start at 8:15, there should be plenty of time to get this paperwork done. WE will have coffee, tea and water at the start, plus a portable restroom.
–Official Race time= Sat. Feb. 2, 2013. 8:15 sharp start all races.
Dry Run/ Time Trial/ Course Preview one month prior (exact date and time to be announced).
Vado, New Mexico– start line/ parking area = 2 miles east (uphill, towards the high mountains) of I-10 exit #155. This parking area is well-signed and is just after passing under some power-lines. Vado is about 13 miles south of Las Cruces or 20 miles north of west side El Paso.
–Main race distance = 60Km (37.5 miles), the perfect stepping-stone between a standard marathon and a 50 mile or 100Km race. We also have a marathon (26.3 mi) option. There will be a strict cut-off (time to be announced, but probably +-6.5 hours or 2:45 p.m.) at this point.
–Medals to all finishers of 60Km main event and 26.3 mile run.
Also: 12Km (7.5 mi.) race (official International Cross Country Distance of IAAF). Ribbons to all finishers of 12Km.
6Km Fun Run/ Walk. (3.7 mi.) ***only those under-15 and over 70 are eligible for awards in 6Km***
–OTHER AWARDS: Pair of Saucony running shoes to overall male/ female winner in 60Km. Raffle of two NICE Saucony gym bags to other runners in 60Km. Other raffle prizes include gift certificates to Up And Running (El Paso’s running leader with shops on both the east and west sides), Crazycat Cycleries, Starbuck’s Coffee, etc.
AID STATIONS at races:
Water and other drinks available +- every 3 miles. We ask that each runner carry a water bottle while running. Full-service food (crackers, gels, grapes, fruit, etc.) at 3.7 miles, 14 miles, 26 miles, finish.
HOW HILLY IS IT? No individual climb is greater than 60′, but there are endless small rolling hills of 15 to 25′. Lowest elevation= 4,040′, highest = 4,410′ (north turnaround).
FOOTING? Sometimes sandy, sometimes loose rocks, other places runnable smooth dirt.
WEATHER? Expect lows at the start to be in the 30sF, highs later in day to be close to 60F. Chance of high winds. There may be some snow and ice in a few of the more shadowed arroyos. Come prepared for anything!
COURSE MAP: Will be posted ASAP. Basically after an initial 3.7 mile loop the other runs head north on Sierra Vista hiking trail. 10Km turns around 1.4 miles north of start area. Longer runs turn around just before Mesquite parking area/ road (11+ mile round trip). It IS possible for a helper or friend to drive around to the northern turnaround (Mesquite Road area, 5.5 miles north of start) for the 60Km and marathon, but it may not be easy to find one’s way in from I-10 exit 151.
COURSE MARKINGS: We will do our best to have orange surveyor’s flagging and some signs at all tricky turns. However, each runner will receive a detailed color map and turn sheet. Each runner should carry these and be prepared to use them as needed.
T-SHIRTS: We may have some nice, cool-max t-shirts for sale– more news on that later.
All finishers of 60Km will be listed in ULTRARUNNING magazine.
&&&&& Other questions?? Please e-mail us at: markgd55@gmail.com, or post to this blogsite. Phone # (915)581-9541. Please leave name and number.
Hope to see you in February! This is a unique, beautiful part of the U.S.A. with giant (6′ tall) barrel cactae, red rock cliffs, tall yuccas, and a great variety of high desert flora and fauna.
