September 27th-28th, 2014. 100 Mile Ultra, 2-, 4-, 6-, & 8-person Relay.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The Beginning of Something Great!

Aspens below the San Francisco Peaks (photo by Neil Chapman)

As you may know a 100 mile event isn't the doing of one, but many.  The details are intricate and extensive.  We have many to thank for bringing, to the public, this unique opportunity.  Our list of partners is long and will expand before the final participant has crossed the finish line just outside of the Grand Canyon National Park in October.

While we work diligently on putting the finishing touches on the official race website (which should be ready within the week), please use the information below to gain some cursory knowledge about our 100 mile ultra and relay.  We hope to see you in Flagstaff, Arizona this fall.

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Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line 100 mile Ultra & Relay

The 100 mile Ultra & Relay starts Saturday, October 19, 2013 (limited to 200!)
We are open for registration!!! 
 Welcome to Our Event
Welcome to the inaugural Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line 100 Mile Ultra and Relay held in the wonderful mountain town of Flagstaff, Arizona. The 100 Mile Ultra & Relay Races start at 2pm on Saturday, October 19, 2013. This event is a beautiful journey that retraces the historic stagecoach line route that brought tourists from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon in the late 1800’s. You will start your race at the foot of the magnificent San Francisco Peaks (volcanic mountain range) in the ponderosa pines of the Coconino National Forest (The largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the country!). You will begin to climb up the ancient volcano to reach the glorious and golden aspens trees, contour below the Peaks and head down to Babbitt Ranches on the Arizona Trail and under a full moon!  You will climb gently back up to the ponderosa pines of the Kaibab National Forest to finish at the doorstep of Grand Canyon National Park. This is a point-to-point race, all trails, single track or forest roads, no highways! Most of it is part of the Arizona Trail, a continuous, 800+ mile diverse and scenic trail  that crosses Arizona from Mexico to Utah.

Low Point, 6,124 feet.
High point, 8,445 feet.
Vertical Gain: 7,000 feet.

Race time limit: 30 hours
11 Aid stations
Relay options: 4- or 6-person teams

Race Information

Check Back for Updates
The Flagstaff to Grand Canyon 100 Mile Stagecoach Line Ultra & Relay website will continue to be updated regularly. Please check back for the most current information.

Date & Time
The first inaugural Flagstaff to Grand Canyon 100 Mile Stagecoach Line Ultra & Relay will be held October 19, 2013 starting at 2:00 PM.  The race concludes at 8:00 PM on Sunday October 20th. A small award ceremony will be held at 5 PM on Sunday in the quaint village of Tusayan at the Imax Theater near the entrance of the Grand Canyon National Park. Food vendors, beer and pizza will be available throughout the day near the finish line.

Race Instructions
We will post updated Race Instructions for the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon 100 Mile Stagecoach Line Ultra & Relay Run including packet pickup, parking, aid stations, relay exchanges, awards, and much more periodically. 

Aid Stations
View the Aid Stations, mileage, relay legs and time cutoffs for both races check out the Runner’s Manual (see below). All aid stations will be fully stocked with at least water, soft drinks, electrolyte replacement drink, sweet and salty foods, and sandwiches.

Runners Beware
A word of caution: These are not beginner’s runs. The run is at an altitude, maxing out at 8,445 feet; it is not easy and requires acclimation. The uphills and downhills can be fairly steep. There may be wind, rain, hail and snow so you should have the appropriate gear (rain jackets, hats, tights, hydration packs). Trail conditions might be wet and slippery. You could encounter wild animals or cattle out there! This is not an easy race! .Please do not try to run this course if you are not completely prepared. Most of the race will occur at night, flash lights and head lamps are necessary even though the moon should be bright! For those of you that are, you will be greeted with a well-marked and challenging mountain run through alpine vegetation, spectacular autumn scenery, terrific aid stations (located approximately every 6 to 13 miles) and an opportunity for you, your family and your friends to visit one of the greatest area in America –Northern Arizona, home the fantastic little town of Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World!

Time Limit
For the 100 mile Ultra and 100 mile Relay there will be a 30 hour time limit.

Weather
The average high in Northern Arizona on October 19th is 61 degrees. The average low is 31. Temperatures will be lower at higher elevations so be prepared! Sunrise is approximately 6:36 AM, and sunset is 5:50 pm. There will be close to a full moon on both the 19th and the 20 of October 2013. There could be wind, rain, snow, hail and thunderstorms. Dress accordingly.

Registration
Registration is limited and we do expect the races to fill fairly quickly. Please visit the registration pages below for more information.  Portions of the registration will go to the Arizona Trail Association, The Coconino Sheriff Search & Rescue Unit and the Coconino Amateur Radio Club.

Ultra Registration:  http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=23989
Relay Registration:  http://www.virtualroster.com/index.cfm?action=dspClientHome&clientid=146&showBanner=1

Permitted Event
Run race is a permitted event on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests. Part of this event is conducted on Private Lands under authorization from Babbit Ranches.

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2013 Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stagecoach Line 100 Mile Ultra and Relay
Participant’s Manual

Course Description:

The majority of the course follows the Arizona Trail and begins at the base of Snowbowl Road north of Flagstaff, Arizona and ends near the gates to Grand Canyon National Park in the small gateway town of Tusayan, Arizona. The Arizona Trail in this area follows the historic Flagstaff to Grand Canyon Stage Line route. Many of the aid stations are located at the Stageline’s rest stops.

The course ranges from single track to varying degrees of dirt road and two-track and from heavily vegetated ponderosa pine and aspen forests to sparsely vegetated pinion-juniper grasslands. The course starts at 7,437 feet, reaches a maximum elevation is 8,445 feet, finishes at 6,597 feet, and has approximately 7,000 feet of climbing.

The run will begin in wave starts at 2PM in order to alleviate trail congestion.  Therefore, even the most fleet of foot will be running in the dark.  A large section of the course that will be covered during the night will be sparsely vegetated and lighting will be aided by the full moon – barring cloud cover.

Sunrise: 6:36AM
Sunset: 5:50PM

Aid Stations and Cut-Off Times:

Aid Stations/ Exchanges
Miles for
segment
Cumulative Miles
4-Person
Team
Exchange (miles)
6-Person
Team
Exchange (miles)
Cut-off
Time
Facilities
Start: Hotshot Ranch
2PM Start
---
0
---
---
---
---
Hart Prairie Preserve- The Nature Conservancy
8.0
8.0


---
Aid (No Crew Access)
Kelly Tank
12.3
20.3

20.3
---
Aid, Relay Exchange, Crew Access &
Drop Bags
Cedar Ranch
13.4
33.7
33.7

1:00 AM
Aid, Crew Access & Relay Exchange
Tub Ranch
4.5
38.2

17.9
---
Aid, Relay Exchange, Crew Access &
Drop Bags
Dirt Tank
5.0
43.2


---
Checkpoint
& Aid
(No Crew Access)
Babbitt Ranches/Kaibab NF Boundary
10.0
53.2
19.5
15
6:00 AM
Aid, Relay Exchange, Crew Access &
Drop Bags
Moqui Stage Station
5.5
58.7


---
Checkpoint
& Aid
(No Crew Access)

Aid Stations/ Exchanges
Miles for
segment
Cumulative Miles
4-Person
Team
Exchange (miles)
6-Person
Team
Exchange (miles)
Cut-off
Time
Facilities
Russell Tank
8.0
66.7

13.5
9:00 AM
Aid, Relay Exchange, Crew Access &
Drop Bags.
100 Mile Pacer allowed
Turn to Hull Cabin at FR 307
11.0
77.7


---
Checkpoint
No Aid
No Crew
FR 307 to Hull Cabin (out)
1.3
79
25.8
12.3
2:00 PM
Aid, Relay Exchange, Crew Access &
Drop Bags.
100 Mile Pacer and Pacer switch allowed
Hull Cabin to AZ Trail on FR 307 (back)
1.3
80.3


---
Checkpoint
No Aid
No Crew
Watson Tank/FR 303
5.7
86


---
Checkpoint
& Aid (No Crew)
Tusayan/Reed Tank (via Loop #2 & #3 Tusayan Bike Trails)
10.5
96.5


---
Aid, Crew Access
Finish: Tusayan Grand Canyon I-Max (via Loop #1 Tusayan Bike Trails)
3.5
100.0
21
21
8:00 PM
Finish Line Drop Bags

100 Mile and Relay Runner Rules:
The purpose of these rules is to ensure the Run’s integrity is a test of individual performance, providing equal conditions for all. The guiding principles of the Performance Rules are as simple as: play fair, be safe, and respect the land.

Relay Runners:  A relay runner may run as many legs as they deem necessary for their team.  For example, if Team X’s 6th runner pulls up lame, sick, or is unable to attend the event, Team X may use one runner to run two legs of the relay. However, only one relay runner can run each segment.  You cannot run a course segment in tandem.  Runners must also maintain control of their Team’s slap bracelet during the entire event.  Loss of the bracelet forfeits your Team’s finish.

  1. Each runner’s official run number must be worn prominently on the front of the body and must be easily visible at all times.

  1. Runners must follow the marked trail at all times. Any runner departing from the official trail must leave and return to the point of departure on foot before continuing.

  1. Except in case of medical emergency, runners may not accept aid or assistance in any form from anyone between checkpoints.

  1. Runners may not store supplies of any kind along the trail.

  1. Runners are responsible for the actions of their crews and pacers. Everyone associated with the Run must comply with all Run rules (Runner Rules, Pacer Rules, Crew Rules), regulations issued by the Race Director in pre-Run memos and at the pre-Run briefing on Saturday afternoon, and all parking and access instructions, or risk disqualification of the runner.

  1. Each runner must be checked IN and checked OUT of all checkpoints.

  1. All cut-off times will be strictly enforced. Runners must be checked OUT of the checkpoint BEFORE the cut-off time. Runners returning to the checkpoint after the cut-off time will be pulled from the Run.

  1. All runners may undergo brief medical examinations at designated checkpoints. Additional monitoring of individual runners may be required at the discretion of medical personnel. Refusal by the runner to cooperate fully may result in immediate disqualification. Medical personnel have complete authority to evaluate the condition of any runner at any time and to determine whether the runner may continue.

  1. In addition to information provided by the runner in the Run application’s medical questionnaire, each runner must fully disclose to medical personnel at the pre-Run check-in any changes to existing medical conditions and all prescription medications being taken.

  1. Injection of fluids or drugs (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous) during the event may result in immediate disqualification.

  1. The Stagecoach Line 100 Mile Ultra and Relay is committed to keeping ultrarunning a clean, drug-free sport.  Use of performance-enhancing drugs or blood doping as defined by the USADA is forbidden.

  1. Littering of any kind is prohibited. Please respect the natural beauty of our trails and the right of everyone to enjoy them. Littering will threaten our continued use of the Arizona Trail, Hart Prairie Preserve, Babbitt Ranch, and USFS Lands.

  1. Runners must refrain from any act of bad sportsmanship.

  1. Smoking is not permitted at any of the checkpoints or along the trail.

  1. Any runner who is unable to finish the Run must personally inform the aid station captain of the nearest checkpoint of his/her decision to withdraw. Runners who leave the course without notifying a race official will be classified as “lost,” thereby activating the Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Unit. Time spent searching for any such runner will be billed to the runner, a VERY expensive proposition.

  1. Runners or relay teams crossing the finish line after the 30-hour cutoff will not be listed as official finishers.

100 Mile Pacer Rules:

  1. A pace runner, or pacer, is defined as a “trail companion” who may accompany a runner along designated sections of the trail.

  1. Pacers should be experienced trail runners in excellent physical shape and conditioned adequately to run the distance they are to pace. Pacers should be adequately supplied with flashlights, food, and water. They may partake in all the aid station amenities like the registered runner they are pacing.

  1. One pacer at a time may accompany each runner from the Russell Tank (mile 66.7) or Hull Cabin (mile 79) aid stations to the finish. Pacers may be switched at Hull Cabin only.  (Runners with certain medical conditions may have a pacer from the Start to the Finish. Conditions included are seizure disorders or vision loss). Changes of pacers may be made only at the following designated locations: Russell Tank and Hull Cabin. Those runners who are paced for the entire 100 miles may change pacers at any aid station designated as crew accessible/relay exchanges, which include: Kelley Tank, Cedar Tank, Tub Ranch, Babbitt Ranch/Kaibab NF Boundary, Russell Tank, and Hull Cabin.

  1. Each pacer must sign a release form and pick-up a pacer bib at Hot Shot Camp Start, Russell Tank, or Hull Cabin aid stations before they begin pacing.

  1. Each pacer must wear the official identifying pacer bib. One pacer number is provided per entrant. The official pacer bib must be transferred between pacers if duties for one runner are to be shared.

  1. All pacers must clearly identify themselves when passing through checkpoints. It is extremely important that personnel know exactly who is on the trail and where.

  1. Pacers must stay with their runners at all times, except in the case of an emergency. If the runner withdraws from the Run, and the pacer wishes to continue, he/she must remain at the aid station until another runner enters the aid station and requests the services of a pacer. The pacer may not continue on without an official Run participant.

  1. Pacers must enter and leave each aid station WITH their runners. They may assist with the re-filling of water bottles or replenishment of supplies while in the station.  “Muling” (carrying gear or supplying aid outside of aid station line of sight) is prohibited.

  1. No mechanical or physical assistance may be given by the pacer to the runner at any time.  Pacers must remain behind their runner.

  1. Please respect the trails; littering of any kind is strictly prohibited.

100 Mile and Relay Crew Rules:

100 mile and Relay Team Crews must follow all of the rules and regulations of the Run, including the Runner Rules, Pacer Rules, and the following Crew Rules and any supplementary instructions issued in nay pre-Run memos or at the Saturday afternoon briefing.  All crew members must willingly comply with all instructions from Run personnel and race management at all points along the trail and its access routes, including parking regulations, or risk disqualification of their runner.

  1. A crew member is defined as any individual who provides material support to a runner in the event.

  1. Crews may meet runners or assist them only at those aid stations specifically designated for crews.

  1. Crews must adhere to instructions of all aid station personnel, including requests to vacate a certain area of the checkpoint.

  1. Crews must stay within a 200-yard radius of the aid station while attending to their runners.

  1. No crews are allowed at the following checkpoints: Hart Prairie Preserve, Dirt Tank, Moqui Stage Station, the turn to and from Hull Cabin at FR 307 (Please proceed to Hull Cabin to crew), and Watson Tank/Fr 303.  You may NOT crew your runner from the vehicle on concurrent or shared routes (examples include FS 307, FS 301, or FS9008A).

  1. Crews must always drive at safe speeds! No matter how fast a runner may be, it is possible for crews to arrive at all the major checkpoints without exceeding the posted speed limits. Speed limits are rigidly enforced.

  1. Crews must never park in such a way as to block traffic, access to the trail or checkpoint, or other parked cars. Vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense, and their runner may be immediately disqualified.

  1. NO SMOKING WILL BE ALLOWED AT ANY OF THE CHECKPOINTS OR ALONG THE TRAIL.

9.    Littering of any kind at any checkpoint, along the trail, or at the finish line is strictly prohibited.

Aid Station Access

  • Access roads must remain open at all times for emergency vehicles.
  • Drive slowly and carefully.  Beware of runners on FR 307 to Hull Cabin, FS301 (runners cross the dirt road) to the Babbitt Ranches/Kaibab NF Boundary aid station, and between Cedar Ranch and Tubb Ranch on FR 9008A as cars and runners share the course.
  • Allow plenty of time for travel.
  • Cooperate with traffic control officials.

Plan To Take Care of Yourself

  • Eat regular meals and hydrate regularly.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and pack proper bedding and shelter.
  • Have headlamps at the ready as many of the race’s miles will be covered at night.
  • We recommend four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles for this event.
  • Cell service is available along much of the course.

Crewing Directions:

Hotshots Ranch (Start): Take Highway 180 North out of downtown Flagstaff approximately 7 miles (from the intersection of Humphreys Street/US-180 and Route 66) to Snowbowl Road. Take Snowbowl Road uphill one mile and turn left onto a dirt road. Follow parking monitors instructions.

Hart Prairie Preserve:  Aid Only – No Crew Access

Kelly Tank (Crew and 6-person Team Exchange): From the Hotshots Ranch (start), drive south on Snowbowl Road back to Highway 180. Turn Right (north) on Highway 180 and drive ~13.5 miles. Turn right on FR 514 just before the White Buffalo Buildings. Continue 3 miles to the Kelly Tank Aid Station.

Cedar Ranch (Crew and 4-person Team Exchange): From Kelly Tank Aid Station go back to Highway 180 and turn right (North).  Travel 13.1 miles, just past mile marker 248 (If you reach the Kaibab USFS Sign you’ve gone about a quarter mile too far) to FR 417 and turn right. Travel 5.2 miles and arrive at Cedar Tank.  NO cell service, however, there is good reception back out a few miles on FR 417.

Tub Ranch (Crew and 6-person Team Exchange): You’ll be sharing the road with the runners at this point.  Please drive slowly and with great care!!!  From Cedar Tank take FS 9008A north to Tub Ranch 4.5 miles. 

Dirt Tank: Aid Only – No Crew Access

Babbitt Ranches & Kaibab National Forest Boundary (Crew and 4 & 6-person Team Exchanges):  NOTE:  The drive to this aid station requires the use of a four-wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle.  FR 301 is a barely maintained single-lane road!!!  There are some tight turns, deep ruts, and rocks that may need negotiated.  We feel you can make it safely, but care and the right vehicle will make your life and ours much easier.  Drive slowly as runners do cross this road once in this section.   From Tub Ranch retrace your steps back to Cedar Ranch and then back out to Highway 180, turn right (north) and proceed to State Route 64 (the intersection is in the town of Valle, AZ). Go north on SR 64/US-180 for 11 miles to FR 320 (mile marker 224). This turn is also located approximately 11.5 miles south of the town of Tusayan and 56.0 miles north of Flagstaff.  Turn east onto FR 320. Continue east on FR 320 for about 16 miles to its intersection with FR 301.  Turn right or south on FR 301.  Pass the Moqui Stage Aid Station at about 3.5 miles from the FR 320 intersection.  Do not stop here, this is a no crew accessible aid station.  Continue on to the boundary with the Forest and Babbitt Ranches (~8 miles from the intersection with FR 320).  Cross through the fence and follow the signs to parking in the field on the right.

Moqui Stage Station: Aid Only - No Crew Access

Russell Tank (Crew and 4 & 6-person Team Exchanges): Retrace your steps from the Boundary Aid Station, passing the Moqui Stage Station en route (again, do not stop).  Turn right (east) once you meet back with FR320.  In less than a mile turn right (north) on FR 311.  Continue on FR 311 for 3.3 miles and turn right onto FR 311A to the Russell Tank.

Access to Russell Tank is also available through Grand Canyon National Park, but an entrance fee must be paid ($25). From the South Entrance Station follow state Route 64 east toward Desert View. Two miles past Grandview Point, an Arizona Trail sign indicates a right turn onto a gravel road. This road becomes FR 310 at the park/forest boundary line. Pass the Grandview Fire Tower and follow FR 310 (Coconino Rim Road) for 8.3 miles form the boundary to FR 311. Turn right and drive 1.7 miles to the Russell Tank turn off.

Hull Cabin (Crew and 4 & 6-person Team Exchange): From Russell Tank head north on FR 311 for 1.7 miles on FR 311 to the Coconino Rim Road (FR 310). Travel 6.5 miles to FR 307 and turn right (east).  Stay on FR 307 for 1.5 miles to Hull Cabin.

Access to Hull Cabin is also available through Grand Canyon National Park, but an entrance fee must be paid ($25). From the South Entrance Station follow state Route 64 east toward Desert View. Two miles past Grandview Point, an Arizona Trail sign indicates a right turn onto a gravel road. This road becomes FR 310 at the park/forest boundary line. Pass the Grandview Fire Tower and follow FR 310 (Coconino Rim Road) for less than a mile and turn left (east) on FR 307.  Stay on FR 307 for 1.5 miles to Hull Cabin.

Watson Tank & FS 303:  Aid Only - No Crew

Tusayan Grand Canyon IMAX (Finish Line) at 450 State Route 64, Tusayan, AZ 86023:  Take FR 307 back to FR 310, turn right (north) to Highway 64. Turn left (west) on Highway 64 and travel 10.7 miles to highway 180 (South Entrance Road). Travel South on South Entrance Road 6 miles to the Tusayan Imax Theater.  [Must pay NPS entrance fee.] 

To avoid park entrance fees - Travel west on FS 302 (from the Grandview Fire Tower) to Tusayan and Hwy 64.  Take a right (north) on Hwy 64.  The IMAX is on the left in about a half-mile.

Race Weekend Agenda

Friday, October 18th – At Run Flagstaff (204A East Route 66 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 (Next to Absolute Bikes) (928) 774-2990

3:00PM-6:00PM –
           
  • 100 Mile and Relay Team Packet Pick-up and check in
  • 100 Mile Drop bag drop off

Saturday, October 19th – At Hot Shot Ranch Start

11:00AM-12:30PM – 100 Mile Drop bag drop off (Drop bags will begin to be sent to aid stations at 12:30PM)
11:00AM-1:30PM –

  • 100 Mile and Relay Packet Pick-up
  • Mandatory 100 Mile and Relay Pre-Run check in.  All runners and teams must check in on Saturday before the start – even if you picked up your packet on Friday.  Relay Teams will be issued their slap bracelets at this time.
  • 100 Mile Pacer Check-In

1:30PM –  Mandatory Pre-Run informational meeting near start line
2:00PM – Race Start in Waves

Sunday, October 20th – At Tusayan I-Max Theater (Finish Line)

5:00PM – Awards to Top Finishers
8:00PM - Last Official Finisher (30-hours) & Course Closes



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