2022 Run - Major Updates
Course Changes
Since last year, our route has changed in two places, and three aid stations have been moved.
The largest change is moving our Grouse Gulch Aid Station (and renaming it) to Animas Forks. This move is due to a necessary relocation to nearer the permanent pit toilets at the ghost town site. The new aid station site is along CR-9, just off of CR-2, in a large clearing immediately upstream of where CR-9 crosses the Animas River (37.9295° -107.5681°).
The route change adds a 1.08mi loop through the townsite, while removing the previous 0.27mi out & back at the old Grouse site, for a net increase of 0.81mi.
It may appear on a close-up map that the route takes the long way around. Of the alternatives, an out & back option from CR-2 is only 0.04mi shorter with much more congestion. We had hoped to find a social trail shortcut directly from CR-2 to the aid site, but hours of searching proved that is not a viable option. (Plus the loop gives you a close up look at the town). New crewing/parking specs apply.
The next set of changes are in the Pole Creek section.
In 2021, we were required to change the route to eliminate a traditional shortcut bridging the Cataract Creek and Pole Creek Trails near Cataract Lake and revert to system trails with a short section on the Continental Divide Trail, making the actual route 0.61mi longer than the 100.5mi published in the Runners Manual last year.
For 2022, we are required to make a similar change, eliminating another traditional shortcut between the Pole Creek and West Pole Trails and following them to their true junction before turning, adding another 0.56mi to the route.
In addition, to better site the aid station and limit its exposure to significant weather events, it will be moving slightly east from its traditional location to along the Pole Creek Trail between the East Fork Middle Pole and West Pole Trails (37.8061° -107.4669°). See a close up map of the changes.
Finally, the Governor's Basin Aid Station will be moving slightly along the established route, 0.37mi further downhill towards Ouray. This will both take advantage of a more spacious pull-off and avoid future conflicts with a neighboring parcel of land that has new ownership (37.9774° -107.7571°). No change in distance.
In total, the course is 1.37mi longer than 2021, and 1.98mi longer than our last clockwise year in 2018. The cut-off at Cunningham Aid Station is lengthened from 2:00AM to 2:30AM to allow runners following the now slightly faster requisite 48Hr pace their best chance to finish.
- Download the updated GPX file
- Download the Quick Reference Map
- Check out the updated Aid Station Table
- Download the updated written Course Description
- View the route in Strava*
*Mileages for the same GPX file will vary between different mapping platforms. Strava is linked here because of its popular use, but a full comparative data set gives the more accurate mileages and elevation changes listed on the Table.
Runners Manual
With the finalization of our course details for this year, the Runners Manual has now been fully updated and is ready for your study.
Construction:
There is major construction happening on US 50 between Delta and Gunnison. While this does not directly impact the course, it may impact the normal route crews take between Ouray and Sherman, as well as one of the main routes to Silverton from the Denver/Front Range area. Check https://www.us50info.com/ for the latest info, and we'll include an update during the Runners Briefing. Currently, their schedule is:
- Monday-Friday OPEN for single-lane, alternating traffic operations: 6:30 – 8:30 AM, 12:30 – 1:30 PM, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
- Weekends OPEN to two-way traffic 5:30 PM Friday to 8:30 AM Monday
- Full roadway closures all other times
Community Camping:
Hardrock has rented the Kendall Mountain Ski Area for camping for our runners, crews and volunteers for run weekend, from Wednesday July 13 through Sunday July 18. See full details and reserve a spot here.
Considering both gas prices for everyone traveling and this being an inaugural test, we are making it free this year. Know that Silverton is taking a proactive stance towards legal camping and away from folks sleeping in their vehicles along city streets - please help us be good partners for the town.
There is plenty of room for tent/car/truck camping. Advance reservations are appreciated, but we expect to have plenty of space for folks to just show up. Sprinter Vans, RVs and Trailers are restricted to a specific area, and space may fill - reservations recommended. Campground Map
If you arrive between 6a-10p, check in with the Camp Host. If they are not present (or you arrive outside those hours), go ahead & set up camp, and send a text to the Camp Host (970-759-0369) with your name, vehicle make/model, license plate number, and nights you'll be staying, and they'll put a pass on your windshield later that day.
Additionally, the Ski Lodge will be open for general use by registered campers, including a small kitchen, dining area, water, bathrooms and electricity (Hours TBD).
Showers are available to all at the Silverton School Gym from 5-7p Wednesday & Thursday evenings for $5/person. The showers will also be available while the run is happening, and ask that everyone gives runners priority. Alternatively, the Silverton Lakes RV Park (2100 Kendall Rd) has showers available everyday from 8a-7p for $15/person.
