Course Information

Directions:

If possible, please car pool as parking is limited inside the park. From Green River, take Interstate 70 west approximately 3 miles to exit 149. Take State Route 24 south, continuing about 31 miles, where you will see a sign on the right for Goblin Valley and Temple Mountain. Turn right, and take this route about 5 miles. There will be a sign for Goblin Valley Park where you will turn left onto the Goblin Valley road. The park gate is about 6.5 miles. All runner’s names will be provided to park rangers and staff, and you will be allowed entry to the park. Park staff and rangers will provide you with directions to parking and the starting line.

Course Information:

The Goblin Valley 50k course is primarily a gently rolling out-and-back course. The course begins in the Goblin Valley State Park at the valley site pavilion, runs about 2.5 kilometers on pavement to the end of the park campground area, then along the valley floor and bottoms of beautiful canyons, up on top of scenic mesas, and ends back at the park, where you will run the final 1k gauntlet through the ghostly goblins.

The 25 km course is also out-and-back, the turnaround being at the 50k half-way point. This course runs on the same course as the 50k race, with a turnaround at the half-way point. The race will also finish through the 1k goblin gauntlet then to the finish line.

The 10k course starts at the same site as the 50k and 25k races, just south of the State Park pavilions. The course runs on pavement to the park exit road then turns sharply left and uphill towards the Curtis Bench Trail. At the trailhead, it continues along the Curtis Bench Trail. In order to get the correct distance, it is necessary to repeat the trail course again. The trail then returns back down to the Valley of Goblins where it continues for the traditional 1k “Goblin Gauntlet” through the Valley and back to the finish. The Curtis Bench Trail runs along the butte above the Valley of Goblins, and has a magnificent view of the valley along most of the route. The course is fairly level with no hard climbs, mostly sandy, rocky in some places. It is a very good course for the beginning ultra runner.

These courses will be well marked with flagging and arrows. There is little chance of getting lost, but we will have volunteers at some of the turns and plenty of patrolling. The Park Rangers and County Sheriff will have radio dispatch and first aid support along the route.

STUFF YOU SHOULD KNOW:

And They’re Off!

The 50k race starts promptly at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 25k race at 8:30 a.m., and the 10k at 9:00 a.m. The races will start at the proper times. Stragglers will have to make up the time on their own!  The start site for all races is located at the valley site pavilion. Ask any ranger or deputy for directions to the pavilion.  Watch for transfer vehicles for a ride to the start.  Remember to attend the pre-race meeting at 7:45 a.m.!!

Cut-Off Times:

There are only two cut-off times. The first is at the 50k turnaround at 1:00 p.m., and the second is the finish line at 5:00 p.m. This means you will have nine hours to complete the course. Anyone not making these cut-offs risks being eaten by goblins, chased by beastly apparitions, or will be driven to the finish area by the course sweepers. However, there are no technical sections or major climbs, so these cut-offs should be ample for even the most distracted by the scenery runner.

Toilet Facilities:

The start/finish area will have extra toilet facilities for the event. There will also be facilities at campground. If you are in that area, please use the toilets there, as the ones at the pavilion will be crowded. There will be toilet facilities at all stations. In case of emergency, you may discreetly use nearby rocks and bushes. Please have the supplies needed with you for such emergency. When using the great outdoors, remember to bury your deposits.

Post-Race Meal:

Sandwiches, chips, cookies, and drinks will be served on the pavilion near the start/finish line after 11:00. (Yes, we will have vegan food!) Runner’s meals are included in the runner’s entry fee. Additional meals for family and friends are available at $8 per meal. Please indicate additional meals on your entry form and include payment with your entry fees.

Spectators:

The Park will be open to tourists during the race, so please be courteous and respectful. The race route is passable for most passenger vehicles as far as the 2nd aid station, and there are plenty of pull-off areas for spectators to cheer on the runners. High clearance vehicles are recommended beyond the 2nd station.  Please drive slow and give the runners plenty of clearance.  Dust is a real problem.

No crew or assistance from spectators is allowed. If you have someone following to pick up after you, please be sure they do not assist you by such things as handing you clothing or shoes, carrying your extra water, and such.

Dogs are allowed in the area, and can accompany you in the race. However, there is a leash law in effect, and animals must be accompanied by an adult.

Bad, Bad Goblins!

We want this to be an enjoyable event for everyone, and there will be some grounds for disqualification and immediate removal from the course. Rudeness, foul language, inebriation, or unlawful acts will not be tolerated in any situation.  There will be plenty of trash cans available at the stations, so please carry litter from station to station.  You may report any problems to the Emery County Sheriff’s deputies along the route.