Black Canyon Ascent 6M Run and Challenge Walk

Black Canyon Ascent 6M Run and Challenge Walk

Saturday, May 14, 2022   •  6 mile

Address:

CO HWY 347 & US HWY 50, Montrose, CO    view map

Registration closed:

Online registration is closed. Please register at packet pick-up Friday, May 13th, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Montrose Visitor Center located at 107 S. Cascade.  There is no race day registration.

Description:

The Black Canyon Ascent 6-mile Run and Challenge Walk features a tough, scenic 6-mile course starting at an elevation of 6500' and climbing almost 2,000' to the rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. For over 40 years, beautiful vistas and scenic surroundings have inspired people to challenge themselves and the competition in this classic Western Colorado event. After the race, participants and their family and friends can enjoy visiting the spectacular Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The race is also the San Juan Mountain Runners primary fundraiser for several local non-profits. This year we will feature:

   -Tasty food and drink at the finish line area

   -Great overall and age group awards

Features:

 T Shirt

 Goody Bag

 Course Certified

 Event Timed

 Food and Drinks

 Awards

 

Course description:

This 6-mile event climbs almost 2,000' to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on a 2-lane, paved road.  The road will be open to traffic and participants must stay on the left side of the road.  On race-day morning the Colorado State Patrol will be helping us to monitor the course.
 
Two aid stations will be set up:  at mile 2 water only and at mile 4 water and Gatorade.  If it is a warm day we encourage those who anticpate being on the course for more than 90 minutes to carry extra water.  
 
At mile-5 at the kiosk entrance to the park, the course flattens out and the last leg entering the campground area is a fast downhill.  Be careful!  On tired legs that downhill stretch can get the better of you!

Course maps:

 BCA course  

Directions to start:

Both the walkers and runners will start at the intersection of US Hwy 50 and CO Hwy 347 which is approximately 6 miles east of Montrose, CO.  The course climbs 6 miles into the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park on a paved 2-lane road.  The finish area is near the park campground with post-race festivities at the adjacent amphitheater.

Parking:

THERE IS NO PARKING AT THE START.  Race participants must park in the San Juan Cinema parking lot at the NW corner of Hillcrest and Highway 50.  Bus and shuttle service will be provided taking participants to the start.  Post-race bus and shuttle service will return particpants to the parking area.  Carpooling is recommended.  Participants who have picked up their race packet may be dropped off at the race start: however, parking will not be allowed.  Additionally, the NPS has restricted parking at the finish to race officials only.  Family and friends of participants will NOT be allowed to park at the finish and are encouraged to shuttle up to the finish on the bus or shuttle after the race starts.

Awards info:

This year we are offering a $100 bonus if someone sets a new course record in the Overall Male or Female category.

  • Overall Male Course Record - 38:55 (Mike Popejoy, 2017)
  • Overall Female Course Record – 44:53 (Kim Dobson, 2016)

We will feature custom awards for:

  • Overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Male and Female
  • Masters 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Male and Female
  • 1st place for Male and Female in the following age groups: 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.

Additional info

Event Schedule:

  • 7:30 am - Walkers
  • 8:00 am - Runners
  • Awards immediately following the run
  • Delicious hot food, drinks, and entertainment at the finish line.

Awards ceremony will take place in the amphitheatre overlooking the Black Canyon and the Elk Mountains immediately following the run. 

Professional Timing:

Timing will be provided for all runner participants.  Walkers will be listed in order crossing the finish line and are encouraged to keep track of the own time. 

Proceeds Benefit:

All proceeds will go to local non-profits.

Technical Singlets

All participants will receive technical short-sleeved t-shirts featuring our Black Canyon logo. 

Packet pickup:

Friday night Packet Pick-up & Registration, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. located in Montrose at the Office of Business and Tourism, 107 S. Cascade at the corner of South First and Cascade.

Race day Packet Pick-up, 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at the San Juan Cinema parking lot at Hillcrest and Hwy 50, 1869 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401.

There will be no race day registration.

Registration info:

Registration Fees

*These prices are for those with a verifiable National Park Pass.  An additional $15 will be added to your registration if you do not have a pass.

$40* - online registration until midnight, 05/12/2022

$45* - 05/13/2022 at Packet Pickup 5:00-7:00 pm at Montrose Visitor Center, 107 South Cascade, Montrose, CO

Special Youth Offer - free youth registration (13 and under) with paid adult registration!

 

 

Options:

• Youth (13 and under) with paid adult

FREE

 

Online registration is closed. Please register at packet pick-up Friday, May 13th, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Montrose Visitor Center located at 107 S. Cascade.  There is no race day registration.

 

 

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