Spring is Coming….. in a while. But now is the time to prepare – for Ragnar! Gather up your trail running team, get registered and get training! The race takes place May 10-11th, just outside of Zion National Park, South Western Utah.
While John and I are not racers, we did go up to Ragnar last year and volunteer at the arrival and unloading zone. Wow, what a lot of folks and what a lot of ENERGY! And what a beautiful setting for a trail race. Zion Ponderosa is just a few miles outside of the East gate of Zion National Park. You just cant beat this setting. The stars are going to be amazing on the night portion of this run.
The popularity of trail running has been growing rapidly in our area the last couple of years.
– June bring on the extremely tough “Top of Zion Relay”.
– September is 7 days of “Grand 2 Grand Ultra Marathon”, an outstanding event with folks from all over the world.
– Grand Circle Trailfest in Oct. is a huge 3 day event that pretty well fills up the town of Kanab.
From the official ragnar website: https://www.runragnar.com/event-detail/trail/zion_ut#overview
High desert mesa trails, billions of stars, unforgettable long weekend
“Ragnar Trail Zion-UT presented by Salomon is the trail relay that inspired the entire series, and it’s back for year seven! Grab your most adventurous friends (or anyone ready for an unforgettable, nature-fueled experience) and join us May 10-11, 2019 to run relay style over two days and one star-filled night!
Your team will set up camp at Zion Ponderosa Ranch, a hidden gem just outside of Zion National Park. This venue features amenities such as a pool, hot tubs, showers, a rock climbing wall and restrooms. This year, Ragnar Trail Zion is a full blown 3-day weekend adventure in the desert. Runners (friends, co-workers, kids) are welcome to start their Ragnar Trail experience one full day earlier on Thursday for s’mores, campfires, a stargazing activity and a live band!
On Friday, the real fun begins as teams of 8 (or 4) cycle through a series of three challenging trail loops that start and finish back at Ragnar Village. You’ll run through sweet summer sage, under towering ancient pines and across red dirt trails that take you up (and up!) to some expansive overlooks including Dixie National Forest, Cedar Breaks, and Zion National Park’s famous “Checkerboard Mesa.”
When the sun sets and the moon comes out the party keeps going as runners head to the trails in the dark for a spirit-quest, soul-searching, star-fueled night of running is where the real memories are made.
The race wraps up Saturday where you can finish together under the Ragnar arch and celebrate with the best medal ever. Mark your running calendar for May 10-11, and don’t miss the experience that just might change you.”
Get ready, Get set, GO!
