Goblin Valley Ultra Marathon : Course Info
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.
CONSTRUCTION: The road from Hwy 24 to the Goblin Valley
turn off is currently under construction. There should not be any work
being done on Saturday, but the road is rough. Please allow extra travel
time Saturday morning.
COURSE INFO:
The Goblin Valley 50 km 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 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 gauntlet through the ghostly goblins.
The 25 km course is also out-and-back, the turnaround being at the second aid station. This course also begins at the valley site pavilion, is relatively level with gentle climbs, and ends in the goblin gauntlet at the park as well. The five-mile course will be held within the park itself, and will have more interaction with the goblins in the valley.
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.
CUT-OFF TIMES: There are only two cut-off times. The first is at the 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 and 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.
AND THEY’RE OFF!
The 50 km and 25 km races start promptly at 8:00 a.m. to the sound of a gong.
The 10k course will start at 8:30 a.m. The start site is located at the valley
site pavilion. Ask any ranger or deputy for directions. Remember to attend the
pre-race meeting at 7:45 a.m.!!
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.
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
or gestures will not be tolerated in any situation. No crew or assistance from
cyclists allowed. Littering will not be allowed, and plenty of trash cans will
be available along the route. Also, don’t forget to carry the mandatory water
bottle.
POST-RACE MEAL: Sandwiches, chips, salads, cookies, and drinks will be served on the pavilion near the start/finish line. 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.
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