Quad Rockers – we’re looking forward to seeing you all on Saturday morning at Lory State Park for the eighth running of the Quad Rock 25 & 50 mile trail races. Before we send you on your way on Saturday, we’d like to draw your attention to some important details for race weekend.
Weather & Trails
There is some moisture in the forecast for today and Thursday, with clearing skies predicted for Friday and Saturday. If we get the moisture promised, our permitting agencies may require that we re-route part of the course early in the loop from the lower-lying Valley Trails onto better-draining higher trails (Mill Creek Link, Loggers, Stout). That decision (with course details) will be made and communicated Thursday evening / Friday morning.
Please make every effort to stay on the trail and run through any mud that you encounter so we can keep our single track single. Avoid the temptation to jump to a side track or skirt around. Embracing the mud is part of the fun.
Packet Pickup
- Friday, May 10 – 4-7p at Altitude Running (150 E. Harmony Rd #2B, 80525).
- Saturday, May 11 – 4-7a at Soldier Canyon (race start/finish)
- Picking up your bib either day tells us that you are starting the race. If you pick up your bib, but miss the start, it is your responsibility to notify us. Texting RD Brad Bishop at (303) 946-9320 will be the best means of communication on race day.
Bib Numbers
Have been assigned. You can check yours at OpenSplitTime. 50 Mile. 25 Mile.
Parking
Parking for 50 mile runners will be available beginning at 4:00am, and for 25 mile runners beginning at 6:00am.
All runners registered for the race will receive a park pass – good for one vehicle – as part of their entry fee. Any other crew or spectator vehicles will be required to purchase a park entry for $8 if they don’t already have a CO State Parks annual pass.
Parking spaces adjacent to the Soldier Canyon start/finish area will be given to carpools of 2 or more registered runners on a first come – first serve basis. All other vehicles will be directed to park first in the Timber trailhead lot and then on the east side of the Lodgepole Drive spur road. Overflow parking will be at the Eltuck Picnic area, and then on the EAST side of the main park road, north of Eltuck.
**Please give yourself an extra 20-30 minutes to park and get to race check-in on time. Late arrivals may have up to 1 mile or longer to walk to the start.**
Parking Map
Cut-Offs
The 50 mile race will be limited to 14 hours and will end at 7:30pm. Course cut-offs will be enforced at the following aid stations:
- Soldier Canyon (Mile 25) at 12:15pm. 6:45 Total time.
- Arthur’s Trailhead (Mile 32.4) at 2:10pm. 8:40 Total time.
- Horsetooth Trailhead (Mile 39.6) at 4:35pm. 11:05 Total time
This is a challenging course so some runners may find it difficult to meet these cut-off times. Any 50 mile runner who drops out or fails to meet the course cut-offs after completing the first 25 mile loop will be given a finish time in the 25 mile race, but will not be eligible for 25 mile overall and age group awards.
Check In @ Aid Stations
At each aid station (except the first time through Towers), volunteers will record runner bib numbers. Runners are responsible for making sure that aid station volunteers record their number. Please make sure that your bib number is visible from the front and call out and confirm your number when passing through an aid station. This is important so that we can keep track of runners and know that you are not lost or injured.
Dropping Out
If you need to drop out of the race for any reason, you must check out with the timing staff at the nearest aid station. If you do not inform us that you have dropped, we will assume that you are lost on the course.
Drop Bags
50 mile runners may leave a drop bag at the start to be transported to the Horsetooth Aid Station (mile 10.3 / 39.7). Both 25 mile and 50 mile runners can leave bags at the start/finish to use as finish and 25 mile drop bags.
Drop bags will be collected on race morning only – don’t bring them to Friday’s packet pickup. They should be labeled with your Bib Number, Name, and Aid Location.
Timing and Runner Tracking
As runners come through each aid station, they will be recorded by our timing crews. Results will be near-live throughout the race for 50 Milers and 25 Milers. For detailed results for a specific runner, click the runner’s name.
Note that some of our aid stations have weak or intermittent internet access, so some results may be delayed. We will do our best to keep the live results as current as possible.
Pace Planning
Using data from prior years, OpenSplitTime provides a planning tool to help you figure out your pacing for any finish time. You can plan your effort for the 50-mile and 25-mile courses.
Live Text and Email Updates
You can subscribe to free live updates on specific runners throughout the day:
1. Visit opensplittime.org and sign up for an account
2. Log in
3. Find your runner at one of the links provided above and click the name
4. Locate the box that says “Notify me” and click the email or text button
We will also be providing race coverage through our Twitter and Instagram accounts: @gnar_runners
Trekking Poles are not allowed. This is a running race on tight – sometimes heavily populated – trails. We do have one pregnant runner who has been granted an exception and will be using poles – look for her in the “Quad Rock for Two!” shirt. 🙂
Crewing
Crew access is available at the Arthur’s Rock Aid Station, Horsetooth Aid Station, and the Soldier Canyon turnaround/finish area. Please make sure to pass the parking instructions above to your crews! Also note that access to the Horsetooth Aid Station requires a Larimer County Parks Pass or day-use pass ($9).
Park Visitors
The park is open to the public. Please be courteous to other users. Yield when appropriate, especially to equestrians.
Thanks, and once again, we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
Gnar Runners Race Management.
