Zion 50 and 100

This weekend is the inaugural running of the Zion 50 and 100. This new event is the brainchild of RD Matt Gunn, who from all indicators will be overseeing a first-class event. Matt seems to have thought about everything; from aid stations, shuttles for pacers, misters to keep runners cool, great post event activities, unique awards, and some innovative LED trail markers. I’m looking forward to running the 100 and reporting back on my experience.

A number of Wasatch Front runners are making the trek south for these races; Erik Storheim, Mick Jurynec, Sarah Evans, Brian Kamm, Mike Place, Jim Huffman, Rich McDonald, Emily Brackelsberg, Colleen Ford, Aric Manning, Carl Tippets, Charlie Vincent and others. Good luck to everyone!

The Zion 100 course looks to be fast with just a couple of slow/technical sections. Be sure to check out the fabulous course maps created by our very own local mapmaker/artist, Christian Johnson. The big variable of the day will likely be sun and heat – with the forecast calling for a high in low 90’s and sunny. Kind-of hot for those of us from the north who still have our winter blood and haven’t acclimated yet to the heat!

For anyone interested, the race can be followed at http://ultralive.net/zion100 or http://ultralive.net/zion50. The Zion 100 race starts Friday at 6:00 am. The Zion 50 starts Saturday at 6:00 am.