The North Rim of the Grand Canyon remains untamed and isolated – an uplifted, forested plateau surrounded by arid desert. Although only 10 miles (as the crow flies) from the busy tourist area of the South Rim, the North Rim is more than 200 miles away by road. Just one road crosses the top of the plateau and ends abruptly at the edge of the canyon. Very few visitors attempt to visit the North Rim, so you and your fellow adventure runners can expect to encounter a remoteness now rarely experienced in daily life and the adventure of a lifetime.

You will be self reliant – carrying your food, water and survival equipment. Water stations will be set at regular intervals, and medical staff will be positioned along the route for support if necessary, but otherwise it’s you against the other runners, and the elements!

Route

Our route will follow a series of trails through the Kaibab National Forest in Northern Arizona. This beautiful area borders the Grand Canyon National Park and is perched on a high plateau averaging between eight and nine thousand feet above sea level.

The scenery is spectacular – set among towering ponderosa pine tress with hills and ridges interspersed by large open valleys of grass and golden aspen trees. As the trail winds along the North Rim your views will stretch across the canyon to the South Rim and beyond to the highest point in Arizona – the San Francisco Peaks (over 12,000 feet in elevation and 60 miles away).

Accommodation

Camping in the stunning forests of the  Zion National Park,1 night in a hotel in Las Vegas and 1 night in a lodge on the edge of the spectacular Zion National Park. Hotel and lodge rooms will be basic but clean and comfortable.

If you require any further information on this event please contact Susan.

Day 1  ARRIVE AT KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST                       

Independent travellers will be asked to meet at our base camp in Kaibab National Forest at approximately 1600. Upon arrival there will be a short orientation briefing and instructions on camp hygiene. After this you are free to settle in, begin race preparations and take in the awesome surroundings.

Accommodation: Kaibab Lodge or camping (tbc)

Meal Plan: Dinner

Day 2  RACE BRIEFING AND PREPARATION                                            

After breakfast, our morning begins with a half day trek designed to give you an indication of the type of terrain you will faced with during the race. Our local guides will also talk about the ecosystems in the area and the types of wildlife you might expect to encounter en route. Later in the afternoon a full race briefing will be held, including route navigation, safety and a session from the ATD doctor on possible medical issues you may face and how to deal with them. A hearty pre-race meal will be prepared and served in the evening. A final Q&A session will take place early evening before you head to bed for an early night in preparation for the big day tomorrow.

Trek: 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Kaibab Lodge or camping (tbc)

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3  RACE DAY                                                                                                                  

After an early breakfast you should be making a final check over your race kit before heading to the starting line.  The race will begin at 0900 and the arduous run through this spectacular part of the world will commence.

Our route will follow a series of trails through the Kaibab National Forest in Northern Arizona. This beautiful area borders the Grand Canyon National Park and is perched on a high plateau averaging between eight and nine thousand feet above sea level. The scenery is spectacular – set among towering Ponderosa pine trees and punctuated by hills and ridges interspersed by large open valleys of grass, streams and golden aspen trees. As the trail winds along the North Rim your views will stretch across the canyon to the South Rim and beyond to the highest point in Arizona – the San Francisco Peaks (over 12,000 feet in elevation and 60 miles away). 

Accommodation: camping or lodge

Meal Plan: Breakfast, dinner. Runners will be responsible for their own food during the competition

Day 4  RACE FINISH AND RECOVERY                                                                        

 This morning, we get up to cheer in the ultra marathon runners who have been running throughout the night. Breakfast is served from 0900 and the rest of the morning is spent in recovery. After lunch we’ll pack our bags and head to a local lodge, where beautiful scenery, good showers and a cosy bed will help you relax and recover. We will gather in the evening for a meal and the opportunity to chill out, compare blisters, chat with friends and swap stories of the race. 

Meal Plan: Breakfast

NEW EVENT FOR 2011