4.5 steep, rocky and beautiful miles
Saturday, September 12, 2009
9:00am Start
Estes Park, Colorado
(Sombrero Ranch stables off Hwy 34)
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Results:
Age Groups: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+.
Grub: At the finish line unlimited pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs will be served with orange juice and cowboy coffee. For city slickers we will also offer bottled water and Gatorade. Additional Grub tickets can be purchased for $5.00 for all your friends and family who come to cheer you on.
The Course: The run starts at the Sombrero Ranch stables off Hwy. 34 in Estes Park. Click here for directions to the ranch. The race covers 4.5 miles over rugged singletrack, with lots of rocks, steep hills and amazing views of Estes Park and the Continental Divide. The elevation ranges between 7,500' and 8,000' with about 900' of hard fought gain from start to finish. You will finish at the outdoor steak fry grounds, about a mile from the start line. Here's the elevation profile.
Course Records:
Men: Bill Raitter - 31:38 (2005)
Women: Susan Nuzum - 38:20 (2006)
Mile 1: The run heads out from the stables on a flat wagon road for a short stretch before turning up Piss Hill. This first hill is steep but short, and soon you will veer left to follow the contour of the hill. After some moderate uphill, you will reach Mile 1 near the Griddle Grounds finish area.
Mile 2: Through Thunder Gulch the trail gets steeper and rocky for about a quarter mile before topping out on Rattlesnake Ridge. The ridge is the flattest portion of the course and takes you to the Big Rock Overlook (if you can look without tripping, enjoy the view). Winding back around you will head downhill to reach Mile 2.
Mile 3: A short and very steep hill takes you to the highest point of the course at Birdbath (this rock formation will be on your right). While you take a breather on the downhill watch your footing as the next half mile goes down steeply with lots of rocks to keep you on your toes. You pass Mile 3 as you head down the hill in Wildwood Forest.
Mile 4: After some rolling ups and downs you will hit the last steady climb back to the ridge. The 4 mile mark comes just before the top of the climb. At the top of the ridge you can cruise down the wagon road to the finish. Grab something to drink and get ready for a hearty trail breakfast!
Course Cut-off: The course will be closed at 11:15am (which allows for 30 minute per mile pace over the 4.5 miles). Walkers who can make the cut-off are welcome to participate.
Furry Friends: Dogs on leash are welcome to accompany runners or walkers at the back of the pack and on a leash 6' or shorter. Please be considerate of others on the same trail.
1.1 Mile Fun Run: New for 2009! For anyone who wants to cross the finish line but doesn't want to run the full 4.5 miles, we have a 1.1 mile fun run that starts at the stables and finishes at the Griddle Grounds. It's the same course as the first mile of the regular course so it's mostly uphill and very rocky. Fun Runners receive a hearty trail breakfast, but no t-shirt. Fun Run starts at 9:05am. Cost is $14 (no late fee on race day).
After the Race: Have your cheering section ride the route on horseback when you're done for $15/rider. You can also purchase discounted rides for future dates.
Results: Results will be posted here by 5pm on Monday, September 15. You can use your 4.5-mile time at the Sombrero Ranch Roundup as a 10K time to qualify for the 2010 BolderBOULDER! The course is so tough we figure it's a good trade.
Entry Fees:
$30 (or before Thurs. Sept. 10) - No extra charge for online registration
$35 (on Race day, Sat. Sept 12)
