Quad Rockers – we are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday morning at Lory State Park for the 13th running of the Quad Rock 25 & 50 Mile Trail Races. Before we send you on your way, we’d like to draw your attention to some important details for race week.
Weather & Trails
The current forecast for race day is partly cloudy with start temperatures in the 40s, rising to a high in the low 70s. There is a bit of moisture in the forecast for Thursday, but otherwise race week looks to be generally dry.
Trail conditions are currently excellent and we do not anticipate any trail closures or changes to the route.
Packet Pickup
Two opportunities to get your packets:
- Friday, May 10 – 4:00-7:00p at Altitude Running (2531 S Shields St #2N, Fort Collins, CO 80526)
- Saturday, May 11 – 4:00-6:45a at Lory State Park’s Soldier Canyon TH (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, please notify us (racedirector@gnarrunners.com) so we know that you are not lost on course.
Thursday Shakeout Run
Join us Thursday night at 6pm for a fun social run with the Fort Collins Trail Runners. If you’re coming in from out of town, this is a great opportunity to meet local runners and get your Quad Rock course questions answered.
The route is a largely non-technical 5 mile loop around Dixon Reservoir. The group splits into a couple of pace groups. Each group will stop and re-group at three points along the route. This is a no-drop run, and all paces are welcome. After the run we’ll have an informal get together with race veterans to answer any questions you may have.
The meetup is by the Spring Canyon Park Dog Park.
Race Start
The 50 mile race will start at 5:30am and the 25 mile race at 7:00am. Both starts will be single-wave starts.
The park will be open to 50 mile runner traffic beginning at 4:00am. For the 25 mile race, morning check-in will begin at 5:45am after the start of the 50 mile race.
Bib Numbers & Runner Tracking
Bib numbers will be assigned on Wednesday. You will be able to check yours on our race tracking platform OpenSplitTime at that time.
At each aid station, volunteers will record your bib numbers, and that data will go out near-live to OpenSplitTime. You are responsible for making sure that your number is recorded. Have your bib visible from the front. Call out your number when entering and leaving the aid station.
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.
If you have friends or family who want to follow your progress, point them to OpenSplitTime. If they want email or text notifications about you, follow these instructions:
- Visit OpenSplitTime and sign up for an account
- Log in
- Find your runner and click their name
- Locate the box that says “Notify me” and click the email or text button
- We will also be providing race coverage through our social media accounts: Twitter & Instagram
Parking
Parking for 50 mile runners will be available beginning at 4:00am, and for 25 mile runners beginning at 5:45am.
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 $10 if they don’t already have a CO State Parks annual pass.
As always, we strongly encourage you to carpool. Parking spaces in the Soldier Canyon lot nearest the start/finish 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 on the Lodgepole Drive spur road and the Timber trailhead lot with overflow parking at the Eltuck Picnic area.
**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.**
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 24.9) at 12:15pm. 6:45 total time
- Arthur’s Trailhead (Mile 32.3) at 2:30pm. 9:00 total time (extended 20 min this year)
- Horsetooth Trailhead (Mile 39.5) at 4:35pm. 11:05 total time
The 25 mile race has one intermediate cutoff at:
- Arthur’s Aid Station (mile 17.5) at 2:30pm (extended 20 min this year). 7:30 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 finisher award & time for the 25 mile race, but will not be eligible for 25 mile overall and age group awards. Runners who choose this option should report to the 25mi aid station and NOT come down the finish chute to avoid confusing our timing team.
Performance Nutrition
At this year’s Quad Rock, we’re thrilled to welcome the aptly-named Gnarly Nutrition as our hydration sponsor, with their Limeade Fuel20 on course at every aid station.
We also bid a fond farewell to long-time supporter VFuel and offer one final chance to enjoy their gels on course at Quad Rock, with Vanilla, Fudge Brownie and Salted Caramel Apple flavors.
Drop Bags
Drop bags are allowed at the Horsetooth Trailhead and the finish/25 mile turn (Soldier Canyon).
Horsetooth Drop Bags must be dropped off at the start by 5:25am on race morning. We will not have a second transport shuttle for the later 25mi start.
Soldier Canyon (Finish/25 mile turn) drop bags may be dropped off any time before the start of each race.
Please keep your drop bag to a reasonable size (small duffel bag or stuff sack). They should be clearly labeled with your name and bib number. Please do not leave any valuable items in your drop bags – volunteers are not responsible for lost items.
Drop bags will not be returned to the start until the Horsetooth Aid Station shuts down and packs up at the end of the day (after 5p). If you finish early and need your drop bag before heading home, you are welcome to drive around to the Horsetooth trailhead (25-30 minutes) to pick up your drop bag. Unclaimed bags will be left in a lost and found box at Altitude Running for two weeks before being donated.
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 ($10). The Horsetooth trailhead is very popular on the weekend and will likely be full by 9:00am. Access later in the afternoon for returning 50 mile support teams should be better but not guaranteed.
Post-Race BBQ & Expo
We will be hosting a finish line BBQ at the Soldier Canyon Group Picnic Area, featuring:
- Burgers (beef & veggie)
- New Belgium Beer, Athletic Brewing NA beer, sparkling water
- Mary’s Mountain Cookies
- Trimmings
Reusable dishware – cups at aid stations and all finish line meals will be served on reusable dishware. When you’re done with a piece, simply hand it back to any volunteer to get washed.
All runners are welcome to the BBQ by showing their race bib. Extra meal tickets purchased in advance can be redeemed at the BBQ and can also be purchased on site for $10 (cash preferred).
Park Visitors
The park is open to the public. Please be courteous to other users. Yield when appropriate.
Post-Race Expo
Altitude Running and Colorado in Motion will be on site post race offering post-run recovery services.
CJ Olson will also be on site offering unique, custom-made and individualized finisher plaques. Be sure to check in with all our vendors.
Thanks, and once again, we look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.
Nick Clark & Brad Bishop
Gnar Runners
