See that picture of me in the right column? That's taken at the finish line of the Black Gap 50K back in January of 2007. I have run this event twice; it falls under the heading of favorite races. That's why so many of us were saddened when race organizer Carroll Voss was forced to cancel the race in 2008. It seemed at that time the race was finished for good. There was just too much disappointment for Carroll to continue struggling with the difficulties of putting on a quality event in such a remote setting.
Well, I have it from Carroll Voss directly that the Big Bend Ultra Run lives again and though it won't make it back for 2010, it is a definite GO for 2011. Mark your calendar now for January 16, 2011. That's Martin Luther King weekend, the traditional time for the last two races which were run. Personally, I think this is a great time to go out to Big Bend National Park and run a race. Here's why:
The weather will be cool to cold. Throw in a goodly helping of the unknown and it makes for an exciting event in which Mother Nature might throw in a cold front, rain, sleet, or lots of sun with indescribably blue skies.
By mid-January the holiday crowds have moved on. This means more available accomodations for those who prefer to sleep on a bed rather than in a sleeping bag. In fact, Carroll tells me there will be some additional rooms available in Terlingua which have not been there in the past. Personally, I enjoy staying in my tent in the little tent village which sprouts out of the group campground at Rio Grande Village. The race organizers provide transportation to the starting line on race morning and transportation back to Rio Grande Village after you finish the race.
The Big Bend Ultra Run is either a 50k (31 miles) or 25k (15.5 miles). I have run the 50k each time, as much for the opportunity to run through the somewhat spooky "black gap" as for running an "ultra" distance. That said, I am sure the 25k course is spectacular also. The races have a common start line (and a common start) and a common finish line. I can't imagine a more spectacular finish line anywhere. You will say wow.
Carroll Voss promotes the 50k as a logical distance for testing the so-called ultra distances (anything beyond the 26.2 miles of a marathon) and I concur. If you are looking for a distance challenge but are not yet ready to chew on a 50 miler, this 50k is for you. It is run on primitive road, rough but mostly passable for high clearance vehicles. The breathtaking scenery and the sense of isolation give a special character to this race. Support is excellent as is the company and the pre and post race outdoor dining. Let's welcome back this great race with lots of runners. The details will be evolving over the next few months, but consider this post as an unofficial official notice that we will be racing come January 16, 2011.
just spent time in Big Bend...amazing space for an ultra! Views changing with every few steps!
ReplyDeleteMr Baker; hit your site to read about renewed Big Bend race....thanks for that info. but I also viewed your podcast site...and there you refer several times to the "Black Gap 50K". I think that the "Big Bend 50" is the event and Black Gap was the road for the 50K, Glenn Springs being the 25K route (and start). I can see why you have it as Black Gap race in your mind, tho...that's a memorable road!!
ReplyDeleteIn both 2006 and 2007 the race was referred to as "Black Gap 50K - Glenn Springs 25K." That was what was printed on the long sleeve technical shirts given to each participant. The finisher medals called the event "Big Bend Ultra." Perhaps it's a bit confusing, but I am sure the intention is to brand the race with "Big Bend" since "Black Gap" and "Glenn Springs" are only familiar once you know the primitive roads and campsites in the Big Bend National Park. Thus the current website is Big Bend 50 (BigBend50.com). And yes, the Black Gap Road, unmaintained and practically impassable by vehicle, is a great adventure. I've been through there numerous times in a high clearance 4WD and thrice running, once as a training run and twice running the "Black Gap 50."
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