I had the pleasure of speaking with Matt Gunn this week. Matt is the race director for both the Zion 100 and Bryce 100 Ultra Marathons. Here’s a snapshot for each of these races.
Zion 100
Date: Friday 4/19/13
Distance Options: 100 mile & 100k
Cut-off Time: 32 hours (with an option for an early start)
Elevation Range: 3,600′ to 5,800′
Vertical: 10,000′
Pacer Option: Anywhere after Grafton Crew Access Point (approx mile 47).
Temps: Hot (per Matt)
Course Design: The course has a somewhat clover design that takes you out and back to the tops of multiple mesas.
Aid Stations: Expect hot foods such at grilled cheese and pancakes as well as the usual ultra foods. Matt is also planning to have hand driven shaved ice machines in order to keep you cool with your favorite beverage poured over the top.
Matt’s Notes: Expect it to be hot… this is the desert. Some minor course changes have occurred where trails were replaced with fire roads.
Website: zion100.wordpress.com
Why we think you should run it: Matt takes care of his runners. Also, traveling from mesa to mesa provides views that are unmatched in US races.
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Bryce 100
Date: Friday 5/31/13
Distance Options: 100 mile & 100k
Cut-off Time: 34 hours for 100 mile and 20 hours for 100k
Elevation Range: 8,000′ to 9,400′
Vertical: 18,000′
Pacer Option: At turnaround points for both races
Temps: 60’s during the day and 30’s overnight
Course Design: An out and back along the Grand View and Paunsaugunt ATV trail
Aid Stations: In addition to the normal Ultra foods aid stations from the Pink Cliffs turnaround point on will have a different warm food item available. There will be a breakfast bar at the finish line.
Matt’s Notes: The course if very remote, beautiful and rarely used. Despite the remoteness however, the trails are still well maintained.
Website: bryce100.wordpress.com
Why we think you should run it: Running at 8000+ feet along pines and towering red cliffs will not only be a great challenge but you’ll see areas of remote wilderness that few ever see.
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Travelling from LA for the race. Looking fwd to a tough course and amazing scenery.