Press Releases
Leadville Champion to Compete at the 2019 UROC
Read the Endurance Sportswire press release
Vesuvius, VA –February 6, 2019
Katie Arnold, the 2018 Leadville Women’s Champion, will toe the line at the 9th annual Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) 100K. Katie will compete with a deep field of elite men and women ultra-distance runners on one of the most challenging and scenic 100 kilometers courses in the US. The race boasts a $21,000 cash purse. It attracts many elite runners while remaining open to competitors of all abilities, following the inclusive culture of ultra-distance running. It also includes a 50k and 25k and is set to take place on May 11 at stunning Skylark in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Skylark, a vineyard and nature preserve, is a unique and beautiful venue with 360 degrees views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Katie is very excited to return to the Blue Ridge, where her passion for running was born. “I'm so excited to return to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where I became a runner as a girl of 7 years old, running my first race, a 10K, near my father's farm outside Front Royal. UROC's course looks amazing and the race will coincide with the publication of my first book, RUNNING HOME: A Memoir, to be published by Random House in March.”
“I am thrilled to have the 2018 Leadville Champion, Katie Arnold, compete at the 9th Annual Ultra Race of Champions at Skylark,” says James Russell Gill III, UROC’s Race Director and Founder. “Katie is an incredible running talent and has proven her ability to compete at the highest level on extremely challenging courses. Katie’s skills will serve her well: UROC was created to bring together the best ultra-distance runners from around the world and compete on a course that will challenge all ultra-running disciplines, while still remaining open to all runners.”
The 2019 event is also possible thanks to the support of the race sponsors, including Naked Hydration Packs.
The Ultra Race of Champions is produced by Bad to the Bone Sports and registration is now open. More information can be found at www.ultraroc.com. On social media, UROC can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information and for sponsorship or press inquiries, please contact Dr. Francesca Conte at (434) 218-0402 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About Bad to the Bone Sports™
By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Sports™ strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 13 years, Bad to the Bone Sports™ events have reflected owners James Russell Gill III and Dr. Francesca Conte decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About the Ultra Race of Champions
UROC is open to all runners. The mission of UROC is to create the Super Bowl for the sport of ultra-distance running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendation of the UROC Elite Advisory Council and their performances at key events in the sport all over the World: at UROC, elite runners and weekend warriors race side by side. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultrarunners from around the World: Ian Sharman, Dave Mackey, Michael Wardian, Kaci Lickteig, Devon Yanko, and Anna Frost. UROC also relies on the support of several Ambassadors, who are vital to the success of the championship. UROC Ambassadors Catra Corbett and Ken Michal are the backbone of ultra-distance running and some of the most active and influential runners in the sport. Best of the Best, One Course, One Day. For more information, visit http://www.ultraroc.com/ or find it on social media on Facebook at “Ultra Race of Champions” or on Twitter #UROCUltraRace, #BeAChampion.
The Ultra Race of Champions Will Return to Skylark
Vesuvius, VA –August 13, 2018
The 9th annual Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) will return to Skylark in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia on May 11, 2019. The mission of the Ultra Race of Champions is to attract the best runners in the sport of ultra-distance running, while remaining open to competitors of all abilities: UROC offers a cash purse of $21,000. Skylark, owned by Anne and Craig Colberg, is a farm and now winery located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia: it offers unparalleled views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and great access to some of the best trails on the east coast.
After two very successful years at this venue, where the race has grown, UROC will return to beautiful Skylark for another year of stellar competition and unparalleled views. With the 2018 field as one of the largest and deepest in the history of the race, 2019 is sure not to disappoint: the mixed-terrain point-to-point course received rave reviews from both elite and age group runners for its beauty and uniqueness.
“We are very excited to have found such a unique and stellar venue for UROC”, says James Russell Gill III, race director of the Ultra Race of Champions. “Skylark represents the best that ultrarunning has to offer with 360 degrees views of the Blue Ridge at the finish line. By standing on the finish line, runners and spectators can see the layout of the entire course. Because of the overwhelming positive feedback from all the participants from the past two years, we have made the decision to return to Skylark and allow the race and venue to grow together. In addition, this true mountain course is well suited to attract a very deep field of elite international runners. We cannot think of a better venue for the 2019 event.”
Anne and Craig Colberg, the owners of Skylark, are also looking forward to welcoming the runners back in 2019. “With Skylark becoming a vineyard during the summer of 2018”, says Craig Colberg, “the runners will be welcomed by a different landscape in 2019. We know that running and wine are a perfect pairing and we look forward to sharing our wines with the participants after the first harvest. The climate and soil at Skylark are very unique and similar to the piedmont of the Alps, allowing us to grow grapes normally not found in the area. This differentiates Skylark from the current winery landscape: we know our wines will be very well received and cannot wait to debut them.”
Given the success of the event which has been hosted for the past two years at Skylark, the 9th annual Ultra Race of Champions on May 11, 2019 promises to be even better and larger. Registration will open at 8:00am EST on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at www.ultraroc.com
The Ultra Race of Champions is produced by Bad to the Bone Sports. More information can be found at www.ultraroc.com. On social media, UROC can be found on Facebook and Twitter (@UROCUltraRace). For more information and for press inquiries, please contact Dr. Francesca Conte at (434) 218-0402 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About Bad to the Bone Sports™
By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Sports™ strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 13 years, Bad to the Bone Sports™ events have reflected owners James Russell Gill III and Dr. Francesca Conte decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About the Ultra Race of Champions
UROC is open to all runners. The mission of UROC is to create the Super Bowl for the sport of ultra-distance running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendation of the UROC Elite Advisory Council and their performances at key events in the sport all over the World: at UROC, elite runners and weekend warriors race side by side. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultrarunners from around the World: Ian Sharman, Dave Mackey, Michael Wardian, Kaci Lickteig, Devon Yanko, and Anna Frost. UROC also relies on the support of several Ambassadors, who are vital to the success of the championship. UROC Ambassadors Catra Corbett and Ken Michal are the backbone of ultra-distance running and some of the most active and influential runners in the sport. Best of the Best, One Course, One Day. For more information, visit http://www.ultraroc.com/ or find it on social media on Facebook at “Ultra Race of Champions” or on Twitter #UROCUltraRace, #BeAChampion.
Breakout Performances and a Deep International Field Concludes the 8th Annual Ultra Race of Champions (UROC)
Vesuvius, VA –June 12, 2018
The 8th Annual Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) 100k has once again drawn one of the deepest international elite fields in the sport of ultra-distance running. The race, which also includes a 50k and 25k, has taken place on May 12 and 13 at stunning Skylark in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. This year’s race was highlighted by a breakout performance by both the men’s and women’s winners. Amanda Basham of North Logan, UT, the returning women’s champion, dominated the men’s and women’s fields, coming in third overall (10:40:55) and only 32 minutes behind the men’s winner, Tyler Sigl of Seymour, WI, who led the field with a time of 10:08:24. Basham’s time was also a new women’s course record.
This year’s field was one of the largest in the history of the race. Over the past eight years, the Ultra Race of Champions' elite field has included some of the biggest names in the sport, including Kilian Jornet, Max King, Rob Krar, Kaci Lickteig, Ellie Greenwood, Emelie Forsberg, Geoff Roes, Devon Crosby-Helms, Camille Herron, Ian Sharman, Jorge Maravilla and Dave Mackey. This year, the elite field included stellar runners from the USA and Europe: Michael Wardian, Tyler Sigl, Anthony Kunkel, Brian Rusiecki, Stefano Ruzza (Italy), Zac Marion, Marco Sturm (Germany), Jim Sweeney, Cory Logsdon, Cole Crosby, Jeffrey Colt, Zach Merrin, Greg Soutiea, Tim Gruber, Henry Blair, Brock Butler and Mark Langham. For the women’s field, returning champion Amanda Basham, Bethany Patterson, Sarah Keyes, Amy Rusiecki, Erin Williams, Sheila Vibert, Leah Ling, Lauren Head, Taryn Olmstead, Samantha Creath and Rachel Long. Also registered but unable to compete, Ian Sharman, Laura Kline and Simona Morbelli from Italy.
The mixed-terrain point-to-point course received rave reviews from both elite and age group runners for its beauty and uniqueness. Unseasonably high mid-80s temperatures this year resulted in a high attrition rate, particularly in the 100k race and a men’s winning time significantly slower than the course record (8:56:39 by Chris Mocko- 2017). “This course is beautiful, gnarly and unexpected” says Amanda Basham, the women’s winner. “Almost every bit of the 12,000 feet of elevation gain is runnable so that alone is challenging. Add the humidity and technical terrain and you have a true mountain course. I actually love the road sections mixed in because you get the chance to have some rhythm. I think I did well because I stayed positive the entire time and fixed problems before they got too bad. I hope this race continues to grow and attract people from all over. I absolutely love it. From the beautiful trails to volunteers to the race directors, Gill & Francesca, this race embodies trail running in every way.” Tyler Sigl, the men’s winner, also had a great experience at the event: “UROC is a remarkable race on a remarkable course put on by remarkable directors and volunteers. With the competing nature of the race I didn’t have time to dilly dally around and take in many of the wonderful views that the course has to offer. I’d love to run the course on a training run and stop to enjoy it. Between the views, the competition and the results, I couldn’t have asked for a better race.”
The cash purse at UROC is over $21,000, with $5,000 going to men’s and women’s winners. The podium included Jeffrey Colt (10:36:23), Brock Butler (10:48:55), Michael Wardian (10:56:41), Cory Logsdon (12:01:37) for the men and Sarah Keyes (11:55:50), Samantha Creath (12:36:53), Sheila Vibert (12:46:53) and Bethany Patterson (12:53:43) for the women.
The 2018 event was also possible thanks to the support of the race sponsors, including Hoka One One, Camelbak and Spike-Free (SFUELS).
The Ultra Race of Champions is produced by Bad to the Bone Sports. More information can be found at www.ultraroc.com. On social media, UROC can be found on Facebook and Twitter (@UROCUltraRace). For more information and for press inquiries, please contact Dr. Francesca Conte at (434) 218-0402 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About Bad to the Bone Sports™br/> By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Sports™ strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 13 years, Bad to the Bone Sports™ events have reflected owners James Russell Gill III and Dr. Francesca Conte decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About the Ultra Race of Champions
UROC is open to all runners. The mission of UROC is to create the Super Bowl for the sport of ultra-distance running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendation of the UROC Elite Advisory Council and their performances at key events in the sport all over the World: at UROC, elite runners and weekend warriors race side by side. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultrarunners from around the World: Ian Sharman, Dave Mackey, Michael Wardian, Kaci Lickteig, Devon Yanko, and Anna Frost. UROC also relies on the support of several Ambassadors, who are vital to the success of the championship. UROC Ambassadors Catra Corbett and Ken Michal are the backbone of ultra-distance running and some of the most active and influential runners in the sport. Best of the Best, One Course, One Day. For more information, visit http://www.ultraroc.com/ or find it on social media on Facebook at “Ultra Race of Champions” or on Twitter #UROCUltraRace, #BeAChampion.
Deep International Field to Compete at the 2018 Ultra Race of Champions (UROC)
Vesuvius, VA –May 9, 2018
The 8th Annual Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) 100k has drawn a deep international field of elite runners to stunning Skylark in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The race, which also includes a 50k and 25k, will take place this weekend on May 12. The deep field includes stellar runners from the USA and Europe. Names include Michael Wardian, Tyler Sigl, Anthony Kunkel, Brian Rusiecki, Stefano Ruzza (Italy), Zac Marion, Marco Sturm (Germany), Jim Sweeney, Cory Logsdon, Cole Crosby, Jeffrey Colt, Zach Merrin, Greg Soutiea, Tim Gruber, Henry Blair and Mark Langham. For the women’s field, returning champion Amanda Basham, Bethany Patterson, Sarah Keyes, Amy Rusiecki, Erin Williams, Sheila Vibert, Leah Ling, Lauren Head, Taryn Olmstead, Samantha Creath and Rachel Long. Also registered but unable to compete, Ian Sharman, Laura Kline and Simona Morbelli from Italy.
The location will again be the mesmerizing Skylark, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and welcoming runners with 360-degrees uninterrupted views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With one of the most scenic courses in the country and offering a cash-purse of over $21,000, UROC promises an exciting day of competition and grit: alongside the elite field, over 270 runners will toe the line testing their endurance and will. Since temperatures are expected to be warmer than 2017, the course records (8:56:39 by Chris Mocko and 11:09:14 by Amanda Basham) might remain unbroken. However, given the deep field, the competition might push the runners to some fast times.
The competitors are looking forward to the race and to measuring themselves against some of the best in the sport. Given the inclusive nature of ultrarunning and of the event, UROC allows every runner to measure themselves and find their inner champion. About the race, Michael Wardian says: "I have been a fan of the Ultra Race of Champions since the start, and I am so very pleased to have the chance to be a part of UROC again. I love the concept of one race on mixed terrain with one winner and fierce competition. We also get the opportunity to race on the East Coast, and I want to support my home state and local running community”. For some, UROC has been on their radar for some time. Cole Crosby says: "Having the chance to race UROC has been a dream of mine since I heard about the race in 2013. It is one of those big stages in ultrarunning where having a great day here can be a real defining moment in your career. With the course in Virginia at Skylark, I am thrilled to race some true Blue Ridge mountain trails and see how I stack up with the course and with my fellow competitors”. All runners will be treated to a great experience in a beautiful place.
The 2018 event is also possible thanks to the support of the race sponsors, including Hoka One One, Camelbak and Spike-Free (SFUELS).
The Ultra Race of Champions is produced by Bad to the Bone Sports. More information and live coverage of the 2018 event can be found at www.ultraroc.com. On social media, UROC can be found on Facebook and Twitter (@UROCUltraRace). For more information and for press inquiries, please contact Dr. Francesca Conte at (434) 218-0402 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
About Bad to the Bone Sports™
By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Sports™ strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 13 years, Bad to the Bone Sports™ events have reflected owners James Russell Gill III and Dr. Francesca Conte decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About the Ultra Race of Champions
UROC is open to all runners. The mission of UROC is to create the Super Bowl for the sport of ultra-distance running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendation of the UROC Elite Advisory Council and their performances at key events in the sport all over the World: at UROC, elite runners and weekend warriors race side by side. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultrarunners from around the World: Ian Sharman, Dave Mackey, Michael Wardian, Kaci Lickteig, Devon Yanko, and Anna Frost. UROC also relies on the support of several Ambassadors, who are vital to the success of the championship. UROC Ambassadors Catra Corbett and Ken Michal are the backbone of ultra-distance running and some of the most active and influential runners in the sport. Best of the Best, One Course, One Day. For more information, visit http://www.ultraroc.com/ or find it on social media on Facebook at “Ultra Race of Champions” or on Twitter #UROCUltraRace, #BeAChampion.