RULES

• no headphones - Please enjoy the birds and don't wear headphones for safety reasons  
• no poles for runners until the lodge - You won't need it, and with 400+ runners, those poles end up will get in the way.  We'll have poles for you to use at the lodge, or you can give us your poles/bag and you'll be able to access it before the final climb.  
• no shortcuts - this should be obvious, but please stay on the marked course.  
• no muling - there are plenty of aid stations as is. No need to have a friend carry water or supplies for you.  

FAQ

​updated June 2025.  

• Refunds? - No, sorry.  This is a benefit for some great trail organizations. Consider it a donation towards a great cause. Send me an email, and I will gladly rollover your registration if you can give me a good story.  
• Where is the start of the race? - At Nutley and Winburn by the bandshell
• Where should we park for the race? - It's best to get dropped off by someone at the start. If you have to park, we recommend the parking structure on Hargadine St adjacent to the OSF campus, which is 2$ to park for all-day parking from 6 am to 6 pm.  There is on-street parking nearby, but most parking spots downtown has a 2 hr limit.  Here's a good downtown Public Parking map
• Can we continue if we miss the cutoff? - Yes, but if you do, you are no longer in the race, and you'll be on your own. Take a few extra snacks/water from that aid station. The cutoffs are very generous.  Most years we haven't had to cutoff anyone.  
• Will there be snow? - Maybe? Hopefully? I'll keep you posted, but hiking on snow isn't a big deal in June.  
• Drop bag? - Yes, but please limit your bag size.  Just toss in a change of clothes and some warm layers. We'll have it as you pass the lodge and will be laid out by number so you can grab your poles any any other items you may need for the final steep mile to the finish. 
• Are there restrooms on the course? - Not unless you count the big outdoors. NOT THAT WE'RE SUGGESTING THAT. It is too difficult to get Portapotties in remote locations, through closed gates, bumpy dirt roads, etc. There will be portapotties at the start, there are restrooms at the upper reservoir, and there are restrooms at the Mt Ashland Lodge. 
• Prizes/Categories? - We'll have age group and gender categories for the runners:
  • Runners - Youth (under 18), Adult, Masters (over 40), and Super Masters (55+).   
  • Cyclists we'll have Youth/Male/Female/Masters (over 40)
  • No prizes for the hikers
• What kind of bike can I use? - Entirely up to you.  I suggest a light XC mtn bike so you can enjoy the single-track on your way back down, but feel free to use your gravel bike or even road bike (you might be cursing me on the steeper dirt sections when you want to stand up and you can't get any traction). Or if you just want to join the party and climb up with your dual crown DH bike, go for it. You'll have the most fun on the way descent.  
• Where should I put my bibs? - put your bibs on the front so it's visible from someone in front of you and bikers must put their bibs on their handlebars. 
• Will the course be well marked? - You betcha! But please study to map so you know what to expect. 
• Can you run if you are in the hiking category? - Sure, but the hiking category is non-competitive and there are no prizes. In general if you think this will take you more than 4 hours, I suggest entering the hiking category.  Doing the hiking category will get you to the summit an hour earlier and you'll get to see the fastest cyclists and runners pass. You'll still get an official time, so you can see how you'll square up against the runner in the future.  

Contact Us

Questions that aren't answered elsewhere on this site?  
Interested in volunteering?  "Volunteer" in the subject
Email: [email protected]