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Recent press
February 18th, 2013
Ultimate Direction to sponsor the Ultra Race of Champions
February 15th, Vail, CO and Boulder, CO- J. Russell Gill, race director for the Ultra Race of Champions (UROC), announces today that Ultimate Direction will sponsor the 2013 UROC and function as the UROC official hydration product. Ultimate Direction will have a strong presence at the race and at the Champions Expo. In addition, several of Ultimate Direction’s sponsored athletes, including Anton Krupicka, will compete at UROC for the cash purse. The iconic standing of Ultimate Direction in the ultra running market is a perfect match for UROC.
“Ultimate Direction is always at the forefront of the sport, innovating their products every year through athletes’ feedback,” says Gill. “Their mission to reengineer, reinvent, and redefine high performance hydration for everyday athletes is a perfect fit for the Ultra Race of Champions”.
“I have been using Ultimate Direction products since my first ultra race,” says Dr. Francesca Conte, Bad to the Bone president and UROC Marketing Director. “Their BPA-free bottles, along with their lightweight packs and hand held bottles, have always been my favorite. I am very excited to be working more closely with Ultimate Direction and Buzz Burrell this year!”
"This is going to be the pre-eminent ultra race in the world,” says Buzz Burrell, Ultimate Direction Brand Manager. “A lot of factors came together, the course is great, and all the top US runners, along with many European runners, will be there. This is what Ultimate Direction is about – we're really happy to be supporting this super-cool event."
Ultimate Direction has a long history of catering to runners of all backgrounds, and to help everyone complete their journey, making this partnership with UROC a perfect match.
With the race taking place at altitude, hydration will be a key factor for every runner
“Thanks to this partnership, I feel confident that we, as a race, will be able to provide the best type of advice and support to every runner on the course,” says Gill. “I want to see everyone finish and have a great time by hydrating the smart way. I know the Ultimate Directions products will help every runner on the course achieve this goal.”
The three-event race, which includes the Ultra Race of Champions 100K, the Über Rock 50K, and Cruxy Half Marathon, will take place in Vail, Colorado on September 28th, 2013. The Ultra Race of Champions course will start on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado and cross several high mountain passes before finishing in Vail Village. The 50K and Half Marathon courses will take place on and around Vail Mountain. The race will also serve as the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, and is presented by Competitor Magazine. The UROC point-to-point course is dependent upon US Forest Service approval.
Registration for the Ultra Race of Champions is now open at ultraroc.com. Sponsors should contact Francesca Conte at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
About the Ultra Race of Champions
The Ultra Race of Champions is the Championship Event for the sport of Ultra Distance Running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendation of the Ultra Race of Champions Elite Advisory Council and their performances at key events in the sport all over the world. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultra runners from around the World: Geoff Roes, Dave Mackey, Ellie Greenwood, Michael Wardian, Devon Yanko and Ian Sharman. www.ultraroc.com
About Ultimate Direction
Fueling the ambitions of ultra-marathoners, runners, and recreational walkers, Ultimate Direction designs and creates the next generation of hydration solutions to maximize performance wherever your two feet take you. The Signature Series and soon to be released Jurek Collection join a complete line of innovative hand-helds, water belts, waist packs, and backpack hydration all designed to keep you moving forward with comfort, ease and superior functionality. www.UltimateDirection.com
About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 11 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About the International Skyrunning Federation
Skyrunning, or high altitude running, is defined as the discipline of mountain running up to or exceeding 2,000m where the incline exceeds 30% and the climbing difficulty does not exceed II° grade. The governing body is the International Skyrunning Federation. The sport comprises a number of different disciplines from the short, steep Vertical Kilometer® to the more popular SkyRace® and Ultra SkyMarathon®.
The principal aims of the International Skyrunning Federation are the direction, regulation, promotion, development and furtherance of skyrunning and similar multisport activities on a worldwide basis. The International Skyrunning Federation is also the organizer of the Skyrunner® World Series. www.skyrunning.com
International Skyrunning Federation
Competitor Magazine Photo Essay
January 18th, 2013
La Sportiva partners with the Ultra Race of Champions
January 18th, Vail, CO and Boulder, CO- The Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) and La Sportiva have entered into a partnership for 2013. By signing on as a major sponsor, La Sportiva will support the Ultra Race of Champions’ mission as The Ultra Running Championship and bring together the best of the best, on one course, on one day. The Ultra Race of Champions is presented by Competitor Magazine.
The Ultra Race of Champions was recently selected as the 2013 Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final: this is the first time that any Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final has been held in the USA. “It’s a match made in heaven” says J. Russell Gill III, UROC’s Event Director and CEO of Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports. “With the Ultra Race of Champions as the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, La Sportiva’s mountain heritage is a perfect fit for the race”.
“La Sportiva is headquartered in the Dolomites, Italy which is also where the International Skyrunning® Federation was born ” says Dr. Francesca Conte, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports’ President and native of northern Italy. “La Sportiva’s history and experience with mountain running and World championship events makes it the perfect partner for UROC”.
The race, which includes three events, the Ultra Race of Champions 100K, the Über Rock 50K and Cruxy Half Marathon, will take place in Vail, Colorado on September 28th, 2013. The courses for all three events are perfectly suited for the La Sportiva brand, and the three distances will challenge runners of all backgrounds. The Ultra Race of Champions course will start on Main Street in Breckenridge, Colorado and finish in Vail Village, crossing several high mountain passes. The 50K and Half Marathon courses will take place on and around Vail Mountain.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the 2013 Ultra Race of Champions and Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final! We have a great history of working with Francesca and Gill and know they will put together a fantastic event. This is going to generate excellent exposure for the elite field of athletes here in the States as they’re pitted against the toughest of the international competitors and is a huge success for the Mountain Running community as a whole” says Ian Achey, Events and Promotions Manager for La Sportiva. La Sportiva will be an exhibitor at the Champions Village, the UROC Expo in Vail.
About the Ultra Race of Champions
The Ultra Race of Champions is the Championship Event for the sport of Ultra Distance Running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendation of the Ultra Race of Champions Elite Advisory Council and their performances at key events in the sport all over the world. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultra runners from around the World: Geoff Roes, Dave Mackey, Ellie Greenwood, Michael Wardian, Devon Yanko and Ian Sharman. www.ultraroc.com
About La Sportiva
La Sportiva's mission is to bring you the best technical footwear to explore the outdoors. For 80 years La Sportiva has produced innovative footwear. Produced and designed in a small mountain town at the foot of the Dolomites, La Sportiva supports 140 families in a unique and enviable environment. Everyday the mountains surround the people who handcraft La Sportiva's shoes. Being mountain based and family run allows La Sportiva to draw on eight decades of experience handed down through the generations. With this heritage, La Sportiva can focus on the future and meld new technologies, ideas and innovation with their rich knowledge of shoe making to produce the most amazing products on the market. Products that let you go where you dream to go, do what you dream to do and live how you want to live.
About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 11 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About the International Skyrunning Federation
Skyrunning, or high altitude running, is defined as the discipline of mountain running up to or exceeding 2,000m where the incline exceeds 30% and the climbing difficulty does not exceed II° grade. The governing body is the International Skyrunning Federation. The sport comprises a number of different disciplines from the short, steep Vertical Kilometer® to the more popular SkyRace® and Ultra SkyMarathon®.
The idea of creating a sports discipline was the brainchild of Italian mountaineer Marino Giacometti. Thanks to Giacometti, skyrunning races have taken place across the world’s mountain ranges reaching from the Alps to the Himalayas and to Mount Kenya to the Rocky Mountains. The principal aims of the International Skyrunning Federation are the direction, regulation, promotion, development and furtherance of skyrunning and similar multisport activities on a worldwide basis. The International Skyrunning Federation is also the organizer of the Skyrunner® World Series. www.skyrunning.com
About Competitor Magazine
Celebrating 25 years, Competitor magazine is the world’s leading voice of endurance athletics. Competitor engages active people from runners to cyclists and outdoors adventurers to fulfill one simple mission: to inspire a healthy, active lifestyle. Competitor empowers readers across the country, with world-class journalism and photography, to become community leaders through their adventurous lifestyle and courageous spirit. For more information about Competitor, including advertising rate cards and editorial calendar, visit CompetitorMediaKit.com. For the latest running news, training advice and more, visit Competitor.com.
Sponsors should contact Francesca Conte at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
January 14th, 2013
Registration for the Ultra Race of Champions set to open on January 15th, 2013
Vail, Colorado, January 14th, 2013- Registration for the Ultra Race of Champions, the Championship for the sport of ultra distance running is set to open tomorrow, January 15th 2013 at 12 noon mountain standard time (MST), or 2pm eastern standard time (EST) at www.ultraroc.com. The date for the 2013 Ultra Race of Champions will be September 28th.
“We are very excited,” says J. Russell Gill III, Ultra Race of Champions Event Director and Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports CEO. “A lot of work goes into making this event possible, and it will be thrilling to see it all come together on race day. With UROC as the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, I cannot wait to see how to field shapes up this year. We have already been getting inquiries from several top runners, whose names are right now top secret. After we open registration and as we confirm some of the elite athletes, we will be posting them regularly on the race website and on Facebook.”
“UROC is open to everyone,” says Francesca Conte, Ultra Race of Champions President, “and I am very excited to see what kind of response we get from the international audience, particularly from Europe. The International Skyrunning® Federation has been promoting the event as the Series final for months, and a lot of our Facebook Likes have been from Europe”.
Several factors contribute to the appeal of the race. As the ultra running championship, the race attracts most of the elite runners from the USA. As the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, the race will now attract an even larger international field, and many of the best European athletes. The spectacular backdrop of the Colorado Rockies and the point to point course from Breckenridge to Frisco, to Copper Mountain, to Minturn and to finish in Vail Village is a big draw for runners of all backgrounds passionate about running in the mountains. Lastly, the Vail name is nationally and internationally recognized as a summer destination location. The point to point course is contingent upon US Forest Service permit approval.
Runners will be able to register beginning on January 15th, 2013 at www.ultraroc.com.
About the Ultra Race of Champions
The Ultra Race of Champions is the Championship Event for the sport of Ultra Distance Running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendation of the Ultra Race of Champions Elite Advisory Council and their performances at key events in the sport all over the world. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultra runners from around the World: Geoff Roes, Dave Mackey, Ellie Greenwood, Michael Wardian, Devon Crosby-Helms and Ian Sharman. www.ultraroc.com
About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 11 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About the International Skyrunning Federation
Skyrunning, or high altitude running, is defined as the discipline of mountain running up to or exceeding 2,000m where the incline exceeds 30% and the climbing difficulty does not exceed II° grade. The governing body is the International Skyrunning Federation. The sport comprises a number of different disciplines from the short, steep Vertical Kilometer® to the more popular SkyRace® and Ultra SkyMarathon®. The principal aims of the International Skyrunning Federation are the direction, regulation, promotion, development and furtherance of skyrunning and similar multisport activities on a worldwide basis. The International Skyrunning Federation is also the organizer of the Skyrunner® World Series. www.skyrunning.com
About Competitor Magazine
Celebrating 25 years, Competitor magazine is the world’s leading voice of endurance athletics. Competitor engages active people from runners to cyclists and outdoors adventurers to fulfill one simple mission: to inspire a healthy, active lifestyle. Competitor empowers readers across the country, with world-class journalism and photography, to become community leaders through their adventurous lifestyle and courageous spirit. For more information about Competitor, including advertising rate cards and editorial calendar, visit CompetitorMediaKit.com. For the latest running news, training advice and more, visit Competitor.com.
Sponsors should contact Francesca Conte at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
December 1, 2012
Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) selected as the Skyrunner World Series Ultra Final
Vail, Colorado and Biella, Italy, December 1st, 2012 - J Russell Gill III and Dr. Francesca Conte of Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports, the organizers of the Ultra Race of Champions®, UROC®, the Championship event for the sport of Ultra Distance Running, announce today that UROC has been selected as the 2013 Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final. This announcement is made in conjunction with Marino Giacometti and Lauri van Houten, President and Executive Director of the International
Skyrunning Federation, ISF. The date for the 2013 Ultra Race of Champions will be September 28th. Registration will open on January 15th, 2013.
“This is a huge honor,” says Gill, Ultra Race of Champions race director. “Choosing Vail as the 2013 venue for the Ultra Race of Champions was the right move. Vail is an iconic location and a name recognized around the globe for hosting World Championship events. We are ecstatic about hosting the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, and to work more closely with Marino and Lauri during the planning process.”
“For me, this is perfect fit,” says Conte, Ultra Race of Champions President and native of Italy. “I was born and raised in the Italian Alps and UROC being named the 2013 Skyrunner World Ultra Final® is a true homecoming. The point to point course from Breckenridge, to Frisco, to Copper Mountain, to Minturn to Vail has all the qualifying elements of a skyrunning event, including scenic beauty, dramatic mountain passes, elevation gain and loss and an iconic finish location in Vail Village. “More sky - less cloud”®, the tagline of the International Skyrunning Federation, is certainly true for Vail.”
For the International Skyrunning Federation, this is also a homecoming. "We look forward to returning to Vail after 15 years, a perfect location for Skyrunning!,” says Marino Giacometti , ISF President. “We're pleased to be working with professionals like Gill and Francesca and excited to hold the final of our World Ultra Series there with the participation of the world's best runners."
To the race, this means wide international exposure, and a guaranteed international field. “The Ultra Race of Champions already attracts the best runners from the USA and the World,” says Gill. “With UROC as the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final, the field lining up at the starting line will be unprecedented.”
The field will, without a doubt, also attract much media and sponsors attention. "Having the 2013 Ultra Race of Champions serve as the Skyrunner® World Series Ultra Final will be a momentous event," says Brian Metzler, editor in chief of Competitor Magazine and Competitor.com., the presenting sponsor for the Ultra Race of Champions. "Having a competitive field of top-level U.S. and international runners competing on a unique and challenging course in the Rocky Mountains will be a significant event for the sport and great for the continued growth of trail running and ultrarunning in the U.S.A."
This is the first time that any Skyrunner® World Series final has taken place in the USA, bringing together all the best European and American runners.
About the Ultra Race of Champions
The Ultra Race of Champions is the Championship Event for the sport of Ultra Distance Running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendation of the Ultra Race of Champions Elite Advisory Council and their performances at key events in the sport all over the world. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultra runners from around the World: Geoff Roes, Dave Mackey, Ellie Greenwood, Michael Wardian, Devon Crosby-Helms and Ian Sharman. www.ultraroc.com
About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
By directing premiere road and trail events all over the United States, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 11 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About the International Skyrunning Federation
Skyrunning, or high altitude running, is defined as the discipline of mountain running up to or exceeding 2,000m where the incline exceeds 30% and the climbing difficulty does not exceed II° grade. The governing body is the International Skyrunning Federation. The sport comprises a number of different disciplines from the short, steep Vertical Kilometer® to the more popular SkyRace® and Ultra SkyMarathon®.
The idea of creating a sports discipline was the brainchild of Italian mountaineer Marino Giacometti. Thanks to Giacometti, skyrunning races have taken place across the world’s mountain ranges reaching from the Alps to the Himalayas and to Mount Kenya to the Rocky Mountains. The principal aims of the International Skyrunning Federation are the direction, regulation, promotion, development and furtherance of skyrunning and similar multisport activities on a worldwide basis. The International Skyrunning Federation is also the organizer of the Skyrunner® World Series. www.skyrunning.com
About Competitor Magazine
Celebrating 25 years, Competitor magazine is the world’s leading voice of endurance athletics. Competitor engages active people from runners to cyclists and outdoors adventurers to fulfill one simple mission: to inspire a healthy, active lifestyle. Competitor empowers readers across the country, with world-class journalism and photography, to become community leaders through their adventurous lifestyle and courageous spirit. For more information about Competitor, including advertising rate cards and editorial calendar, visit CompetitorMediaKit.com. For the latest running news, training advice and more, visit Competitor.com.
Sponsors should contact Francesca Conte at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
August 23, 2012
Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) Announces 2012 Corporate Challenge
August 24, 2012, Charlottesville, Virginia - When establishing the championship event for the sport of ultra-distance running, the Ultra Race of Champions’ (UROC) founders focused their vision on promoting the sport and those elite athletes who help to make it great. With this in mind, the Ultra Race of Champions presented by Competitor magazine will acknowledge and recognize the corporations that provide the needed support to allow these amazing athletes to compete.
The 2012 Ultra Race of Champions presented by Competitor is proud to announce the establishment of the Ultra ROC Corporate Challenge. “Creating the Ultra ROC Corporate Challenge,” according to UROC founder J. Russell Gill “will generate some friendly competition between the companies supporting the UROC athletes in addition to the existing world-class competition between the athletes themselves.”
Footwear companies sending at least two of their sponsored athletes to the Ultra Race of Champions beginning in 2012 will be eligible to participate in the inaugural Ultra ROC Corporate Challenge. The company whose athletes have the shortest combined times, regardless of age and gender (yes, ultra women are just that fast) will be awarded the “Corporate Challenge Cup.” The two athletes from the winning company will receive a $250.00 bonus each and a special award. The winning company will be awarded the “Ultra ROC Corporate Challenge Cup” and an artisan-commissioned perpetual Cup will be displayed annually at the Ultra Race of Champions.
While Montrail will be sending the most athletes to the Ultra Race of Champions this year, other road and trail shoe brands will be well-represented, such as The North Face, Salomon, Scott, Inov-8, HOKA, and Pearl Izumi, just to name a few. Companies interested in sending their athletes to compete in the 2012 Ultra Race of Champions should contact J. Russell Gill: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Dr. Francesca Conte: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
“Pearl Izumi is proud to send two of our top Ultra Athletes to one of the most competitive races in the country,” says Run Marketing Manager Cassie King. “We are happy to be a part of this distinguished event as we continue to help grow and support the sport of Ultra Running. We encourage everyone at 2012 UROC to Run Like an Animal!”
The winner of the 2012 Ultra Roc Corporate Challenge will be decided on September 29th and announced on October 1st.
About the Ultra Race of Champions
The goal of the Ultra Race of Champions is to create the Championship Event for the sport of Ultra Distance Running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendations of a UROC advisory panel and their performances at key events in the sport all over the world. Elite runners are also invited based on the recommendations of the Ultra Race of Champions Elite Advisory Council. The UROC Elite Advisory Council includes some of the best ultra runners from around the World: Geoff Roes, Dave Mackey, Ellie Greenwood, Michael Wardian, Devon Crosby-Helms and Ian Sharman.
About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
By directing premiere road and trail events Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 10 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About Competitor Magazine
Celebrating 25 years, Competitor magazine is the world’s leading voice of endurance athletics. Competitor engages active people from runners to cyclists and outdoors adventurers to fulfill one simple mission: to inspire a healthy, active lifestyle. Competitor empowers readers across the country, with world-class journalism and photography, to become community leaders through their adventurous lifestyle and courageous spirit. For more information about Competitor, including advertising rate cards and editorial calendar, visit CompetitorMediaKit.com. For the latest running news, training advice and more, visit Competitor.com.
August 13, 2012
Competitor Magazine and Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports Announce Multi-Year Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) Partnership
August 13, 2012, San Diego, CA, and Charlottesville, VA—Competitor Magazine and Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports have joined forces to promote and grow the sport of ultra-distance running through its annual championship event: The Ultra Race of Champions (UROC).
This new alliance with Competitor magazine reflects the race's mission to increase the sport's visibility in both the road and trail running market. While being open to all runners, the Ultra Race of Champions highlights the best athletes in the sport of ultra-distance running, offering up a 100K championship course comprised of smooth pavement, rocky trails and singletrack dirt.
“Competitor magazine is the ideal partner to present this competition to our desired readership; It represents a dream audience of on and off-road runners,” says UROC co-founder and race director Dr. Francesca Conte.
UROC co-founder and race director J. Russell Gill III echoes Conte’s sentiment. “By providing wide-reaching media exposure to a national network of athletes, Competitor will bring the sport into the limelight and showcase the Ultra Race of Champions in new and exciting ways. We are the very fortunate beneficiaries of the foresight shown by Competitor Group’s executive team who recognize that the Ultra Race of Champions is leading the charge to bring ultra running mainstream.”
"Ultra running represents a key growth area in recreational running" says Doug Kaplan, Senior Vice President of Competitor magazine, "and this event is right in the crosshairs of where the sport is going. UROC has quickly emerged as the top-tier event in the ultra running world, one poised to set new standards for competitiveness, prize money and overall exposure."
No one knows this better than former Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run record holder Geoff Roes, also the Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) Elite Athlete Liaison and last year’s UROC’s men’s champion. “Until the Ultra Race of Champions, there had been no definitive ultra championship race . . . There is growing demand for an ultra running event that celebrates and encourages as many top level runners as possible to come together on the same course, on the same day, to compete in a true Championship race. In UROC, we finally have that event."
That event returns to Wintergreen Resort, a premier four-season mountain-top resort on 11,000 acres in the heart of the Blue Ridge southwest of Charlottesville, Virginia. Wintergreen Resort caters to a diverse group of outdoor enthusiasts year-round and will this fall host elite runners from around the world as they battle for the $20,000 UROC 2012 cash purse. Todd Clarke, Director of Mountain Operations has this to say: “UROC is clearly one of North America’s most elite running events and Wintergreen Resort is excited to be the host venue for a second year. We truly look forward to showcasing the surrounding beauty and challenging terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains where our staff live, work, and play.”
The Ultra Race of Champions will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2012. UROC 100K is open to runners of all abilities with registration through www.ultraroc.com. Elite runners should email J. Russell Gill at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Geoff Roes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information. Additional event information and race updates can be found at www.ultraroc.com and www.running.competitor.com/uroc2012.
About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
By directing premiere road and trail events Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For over 10 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
About Competitor Group, Inc.
Competitor Group, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, CA, is the leading media and event entertainment company dedicated to the endurance sports industry of running, cycling and triathlons. As the world’s largest endurance sports platform, CGI delivers iconic brands, premium content, world-class events and superior marketing solutions, delivering passionate consumers committed to achieving their personal best. At their core are 45 national events including the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, Kids Rock Series, Columbia Muddy Buddy Ride and Run Series and Competitor Triathlon Series. Combined with multi-platform media offerings including national print properties Competitor Magazine, Women’s Running, Triathlete Magazine, Velo and Inside Triathlon and their respective digital properties on Competitor.com, Competitor delivers 360 degrees of impact marketing. Further information about Competitor and its media properties can be found at www.competitor.com.
October 17, 2011
UROC Doubles Cash Purse to $20,000 for 2012
The Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) doubles cash purse to $20,000 for 2012
October 10th, 2011, Charlottesville, VA—With the tremendous success of the 2011 Ultra Race of Champions (UROC), race directors J. Russell Gill and Dr. Francesca Conte from Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports have announced the doubling of the cash purse to $20,000 for 2012. For 2012, the cash purse breakdown will be the following: Male/Female UROC Champions- $5000 each. Male/Female Runner Up- $2000 each. Male/Female Third Place- $1500. Male/Female Fourth Place- $1000. Male/Female Fifth Place- $500 each.
The date for the 2012 Ultra Race of Champions is September 29, 2012 to be held for the second year at Wintergreen Resort, Virginia.
“Our goal of creating the single “Championship” for the sport of ultra distance running is quickly coming to fruition" says Gill. "The sport of ultra distance running has grown dramatically in the past decade, with many great events with long traditions, but the sport has lacked its big day, its “Superbowl”, the one race which will determine the best ultra distance runners for that calendar year." " We were ecstatic with the support we received for UROC from all the elite athletes, those who could and could not make it this year." says Conte. "We want to extend the same support to the sport and to the athletes who move it forward. Doubling the cash purse for 2012 will not only go a long way to keep the elites "in business", but also attract several international names".
In order to deeper the field and attract several international athletes, Gill and Conte have recruited the help of several elite athletes who are now part of the Ultra Race of Champions Elite Advisory Committee. In addition to Geoff Roes who, says Gill "was instrumental to the success of UROC in 2011", Gill and Francesca have recruited Dave Mackey, Ian Sharman and Devon Crosby-Helms. All three competed UROC this year. Dave Mackey has a very long list of incredible accomplishments, including wins at the Miwok 100K and American River 50 Miler. "I hope my experience in dozens of events can help UROC become the top notch ultra mountain event that it strives to become, for citizens and elite runners alike" says Makey. Ian Sharman, originally from Great Britain, recently destroyed the Rocky Raccoon 100 Miler with a record time of 12:44. "After racing at UROC's inaugural race this year" says Sharman, "I was really impressed by the quality of the organization and with everything to do with the event. We all had an amazing time and a competitive race on a course that did not favor anyone: being on the Elite Advisory Committee should be fun. I'll be aiming to expand the quality of the field further and to attract the best runners from all over the world. I would love to see runners like Lizzy Hawker, Ellie Greenwood or Jez Bragg race the top Americans". Devon Cosby-Helms is currently one of the most accomplished female ultra runners. "The UROC 100k is a great race, because it favors no runner, except the well rounded one." says Cosby-Helms. "I highly endorse this race".
"Because of their knowledge about and connection to the sport, Dave, Ian and Devon will assure the presence of an even deeper field at the 2012 UROC" says Conte. "Devon knows many female athletes, and Ian has several international connections. All three of them fully embraced the concept of UROC from the beginning, and we are all very excited to have them on board".
Geoff Roes - Ultra Race of Champions Board Member and Elite Athlete Liaison
Dave Mackey - Elite Advisory Council
Ian Sharman - Elite Advisory Council
Devon Crosby-Helms - Elite Advisory Council
Neal Gorman - Elite Advisory Council
"I believe 2012 will be an even bigger success, attracting more elites and citizens alike" says Gill. "UROC is about the competition and Championship, but it is also about the true spirit of ultra running. UROC is a celebration of this great sport of ours".
Registration for the 2012 Ultra Race of Champions opens today, October 14th, 2011. Runners may register at www.ultraroc.com
About UROC
The goal of the Ultra Race of Champions is to create the Championship Event for the sport of Ultra Distance Running. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendations of a UROC advisory panel and their performances at events such as: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, the four Grand Slam 100-mile events (Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, Vermont 100-Mile Endurance Run, Leadville Trail 100-Mile Run and Wasatch Front 100-Mile Endurance Run) and other select ultra races around the world.
About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
By directing premiere trail and road events in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For almost 10 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz
Inaugural Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) Finishes Strong
September 27th, 2011. The first annual Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) 100K was a smashing success. As the first Championship event for the sport of ultra distance running, UROC attracted some of the best long distance runners in the world, showcased a deep and impressive field, while remaining open to everyone. Experienced race organization from Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports lead to one of the most stand-out events in the sport, featuring an impressive venue, course, competitor roster, and video coverage. 173 runners registered, 140 started, 83 finished (scroll to end for results).
Everything about the day stood out as outstanding and unforgettable. Runners and spectators were greeted by a rosy, hilltop sunrise. The weather was clear and cool at the mountaintop start/finish location at Wintergreen Resort when Trail Runner editor Michael Benge called out the start. Later, the clouds and fog would drift in and out, keeping the weather perfectly cool and misty--not only for UROC competitors, but for the runners of sister races: Uber Rock 50K and Cruxy Half Marathon. Aid stations were fully stocked and accessible by car to spectators and media. Family, friends, and reporters followed runners throughout the day as they traversed road and trails.
The UROC course was designed, from distance to mixed terrain, to fit the purpose of an ultra distance running Championship. The women's second place finisher and winner of the UROC Ortovox Queen of the Mountain and Leader of the Pack competitions, Devon Cosby-Helms put it best: "UROC 100k is a great race. It favors no runner, except the well rounded one. There are huge climbs and descents, there is gnarly terrain, slippery rocks and sweet single track. There is rolling and unrelenting road. 12,000 feet of ascent and the same of descent seems like the perfect challenge. I highly endorse this race. I would run it again. It was a lot of fun. And not to mention this was a first year race and there was not much that showed that to be the case."
Over 150 volunteers, many of them ultra distance runners themselves, made the race possible and contributed to its success. These included Geoff Roes, UROC's elite athlete liaison and ultimately the 2011 Trail Runner UROC Champion, Andy Jones-Wilkins, a seven-time top ten finisher at the Western States 100 Miler and Neal Gorman, the current Grand Slam Record Holder. While other volunteers remain too numerous to mention here, sponsors can not go recognized. This list of industry leaders included CLIF Bar, Injinji, Amphipod, Ortovox, Ortholite, and GreenLayer Sports. Three footwear brands stepped up to sponsor specific sections of the 100K course and make the $10,000 cash purse possible. Grateful acknowledgement goes to: INOV-8, SCOTT Running, and ALTRA Footwear. And to key partners Wintergreen Resort and Trail Runner magazine.
No post-race follow-up would be complete without recognizing UROC's amazing competitors. Race organizers J. Russell Gill and Dr. Francesca Conte are inspired and humbled by the widespread support they received (and continue to receive) from elite runners for this event. Special thanks go to Geoff Roes, Andy Jones-Wilkins, Michael Wardian, Dave Mackey, Ian Sharman, and Dave James for their insightful suggestions/comments leading up to and following the event. Gill and Conte tapped into the racing community from the beginning, looking for advice and suggestions on how to create the best Ultra Distance Running Championship race possible. And that open door policy will continue into 2012 planning.
As will their ambition to continually raise the bar on race day video coverage--perhaps the most lasting feature of the the inaugural Trail Runner UROC. Emulating bigger sporting events, Bad to the Bone Media and Amoeba Films put together a video broadcast schedule where spectators were able to watch the race unfold online. Starting at 10am, the first video went live, showing footage from the start to the first aid station. Various other segments followed throughout the day, from the first runner (Geoff Roes with a winning time of 8 hours, 58 mins) to the last finisher to cross the line: Matt Nelson, Lake Worth, FL. All race day video segments, complete with step-by-step commentary can still be viewed online at www.ultraroc.com along with pre-race athlete videos and Friday night's elite athlete Q & A session. Jonathan Allen, UROC fifth place finisher had this to say after the race: "' Gill and Francesca' did a great job with all aspects of the race- the course, aid stations, all the swag for elites and non-elites, all the pre-race festivities, the lasagna and mac and cheese at the finish line. Great, great, great. My family loved the almost-live videos, and I spent most of the next day watching them once I returned home--very unique and well-done."
For those with less time, head to the UROC homepage to view the 5-min race summary video. And cheers to ALL 2011 UROC runners, the men and women who, with their dedication, humility, and sportsmanship, reflect the true spirit of ultra distance running.
2011 Trail Runner UROC CHAMPIONS
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***** TOP FIVE MEN *****
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Place Name Nettime Guntime Pace S Age City St
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1 Geoff Roes 8:58:04 8:58:04 8:37 M 35 Nederland CO
2 Michael Wardian 9:20:01 9:20:01 8:58 M 37 Arlington VA
3 Matt Flaherty 9:22:42 9:22:42 9:01 M 26 Chicago IL
4 Ian Sharman 9:23:46 9:23:46 9:02 M 31 Bend OR
5 Jonathan Allen 9:26:33 9:26:33 9:04 M 32 Simpsonville SC
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***** TOP FIVE WOMEN *****
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1 Ragan Petrie 10:11:05 10:11:05 9:47 F 45 Arlington VA
2 Devon Crosby-Helms 10:25:50 10:25:50 10:01 F 29 San Francisco CA
3 Anne Riddle Lundbla 11:01:44 11:01:44 10:36 F 41 Swannanoa NC
4 Stephanie Case 13:04:08 13:04:08 12:33 F 29 New York NY
5 Krystle Martinez 14:02:43 14:02:46 13:30 F 25 West Palm Beach FL
September 22, 2011
ORTOVOX Provides Cash Prize Primes to Spur UROC Racers
September 19, 2011
UROC and Bad to the Bone Media Change the Rules for Race Day Coverage
As the leading publication for one of North America's fastest growing sports, Trail Runner features in-depth editorial and compelling photography that informs, entertains and inspires readers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors and improve their health and fitness through trail running. www.trailrunnmag.comAbout Trail Runner magazine
By directing premiere trail- and road-running events in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For almost 10 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.bizAbout Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
Andy Jones-Wilkins is an elite ultra runner. He began running ultra marathons in 1996 and 100-mile ultras in 2000, and became known for frequently finishing among the top, just shy of winning. He came in 2nd overall in the 2005 Western States, Angeles Crest 100 Mile, and the Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile, though he won the Where's Waldo 100k. This changed in 2007, when he took first place in both the Vermont 100 Mile and the Grand Teton 100 Mile (setting a course record). Recently, he repeated these same first place wins in both events in 2011. For current wins and accomplishments, see Andy’s personal blogsite. http://ajwsblog.blogspot.com/About Andy Jones-Wilkins
Amoeba Art & Media (AKA Amoeba Films) is an award-winning production company and film studio with three features under its belt, as well as over one hundred shorts, commercials, industrials documentaries and music videos. Amoeba frequently collaborates on projects with The Filmmaker’s Republic, a collective of film-centric artists in Central Virginia who pool their considerable talents and resources to create and complete film projects of significant commercial or artistic merit (ideally both). Their ranks include writers, directors, actors, visual artists, musicians, technicians, and Sanskrit chanters. www.amoebafilms.tv
Brian Wimer studied drama at Yale. After an extended segue into the ad world (where he gave voice to Taco Bell chihuahuas), he returned to his roots in the entertainment industry with the low-budget cult film Eat Me: The Musical. He has since won over thirty independent film awards, and been invited to more festivals than he currently cares to count. Wimer is now negotiating nine feature film projects in 2011.About Brian Wimer and Amoeba Films
*2:00 PM - Includes video coverage of the Ortovox “Leader of the Pack, First to the Dragon’s Back” competition*9:30 AM - Includes video coverage of the Ortovox “King/Queen of the Mountain” competition
7:00 PM “LIVE” Award Ceremony - Ultra Race of Champions3:00 PM Post Race Interviews5:00 PM White Rock Trail to the Finish at Wintergreen - Miles 53.4 to 62.54:00 PM Whetstone Ridge to Bald Mountain - Miles 33.1 to 48.5*2:00 PM Bald MT to Whetstone Ridge (Dragon’s Back) - Miles 25.9 to 33.112:30 PM Sherando Lake Recreation Area loop - Miles 16 to 2010:30 AM Reeds Gap to entrance of White Rock Trail - Miles 9.3 to 14.1* 9:30 AM Start of UROC to Reeds Gap - Miles 0 to 9.3All day Saturday (EST) Live Webcam at the start9/24 RACE DAY Race Day Video Coverage (See UROC LIVE)
Starting Friday at 9 PM EST Meet the Elites Panel Discussion/Q & AStarting Friday at 2 PM EST Red Carpet Interviews with Athletes Starting Friday at 2 PM EST Candid Videos (behind the scenes of UROC)9/23 Pre-Race Broadcast Schedule Type of Coverage
2011 Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) Video Broadcast Schedule:
Enlisting veteran runner and 7-time top ten Western States 100 Mile finisher Andy Jones-Wilkins as commentator will ensure UROC achieves its media objectives. He will be “The Voice” of the 2011 Ultra Race of Champions, providing commentary for the video broadcast as well as the “Red Carpet Interviews” conducted in conjunction with Trail Runner magazine. “I am really excited to be part of UROC" says Andy. "And, since I can't run due to injury I am thrilled to be involved as "the voice" of the race. A gathering of superstars does not happen that much in our sport these days and the UROC organizers have done just that. It will be a really exciting day out there on the trail and I, for one, can't wait to have a front row seat for the fun and share my comments with the viewers."
“As an ultra runner and race director, I know what the sport has been missing.” says Francesca Conte, co-race director. “Being able to watch live footage from the course will make the race come alive not only for the runners, but for all the web spectators. Our goal is to raise the bar, while still maintaining the core authenticity of the sport and capturing what makes ultra races so special.”
And that day will be chronicled according to Gill, “unlike any ultra race in history.” Spectators from around the world will be able to tune in for pre-race video coverage and athlete interviews, race day scheduled video broadcast, real-time race splits from major course check points and tweets throughout the race from spectators as well as competitors.
Which is also how race director Gill likes it. He makes no bones about the fact that his main goal in launching the Ultra Race of Champions is to create the “Superbowl” of ultra distance running. He notes the sport has grown dramatically in the past decade and many followers of the sport have longed for a true annual “championship event” that would determine the sport’s best ultra distance runners for that calendar year. Now, that day has come. “Every major sport has a single day competition to determine that year’s Champion” says Gill “Now, ultra distance runners will have their day.”
Sufficient to say, the film crew and techno hounds will be hopping. Award-winning movie studio Amoeba Films founder Brian Wimer describes it this way: "We're going to be running almost as fast as the athletes," says director Wimer, whose camera teams will be relentlessly criss-crossing the race route and uploading footage on the fly. "The scale of the project is challenging. But we ultra-film folks like it that way."
To them, this means hiring an experienced and professional film crew, enlisting an authentic voice/champion runner to provide video commentary, and posting UROC race footage same day with a small delay (estimated two-hours) before spectators are able to watch online. Bad to the Bone Media will provide an advance schedule indicating times to tune into the UROC video broadcast as well as stream the UROC start and finish live via webcam for on demand, up-to-the-minute viewing.
September 19, 2011, Charlottesville, VA—Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) will host its inaugural championship 100K race this weekend, September 24th at Wintergreen Resort, outside of Charlottesville, VA. The current roster of elite athletes isn’t the only thing that sets this race apart—and indeed above any other single day ultra running competition to date. Race directors J. Russell Gill and Francesca Conte from Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports have created a media arm (Bad to the Bone Media) just to cover the event. As ultra runners themselves, they know spectators want to see more, and want to change the rules by setting new standards, starting with UROC. UROC and Bad to the Bone Media Change the Rules for Race Day Coverage
September 16, 2011
Ultra Race of Champions Recruits 2011 Sponsors from Retail Partners
Injinji® is the innovator of the patented five-toe-sleeve Performance Toesock™ for sport, outdoor and casual use. Injinji (In-gin-ji), which means to reach one’s peak performance, is dedicated to helping athletes attain their personal best by offering a seamless, anti-friction interface that allows the foot to perform naturally from the heel to the five toes. A recipient of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance, Injinji’s Performance Series is recognized for its ability to provide superior moisture management and healthy digital alignment. www.injinji.comAbout Injinji
Greenlayer Sports, a performance apparel company based in Portland, OR, is the first running apparel brand to offer a high performance apparel line where 100% of the products are made from environmentally conscious materials. Greenlayer is committed to providing athletes of all levels with environmentally responsible products that do not sacrifice performance, style comfort, or value. The Greenlayer technology brings a luxuriously soft hand feel to its performance materials, along with durability, style, and a bold, impactful range of color options. The race inspired product line of over 40 styles are perfect for endurance athletes, whether it be running, gym training, or outdoor pursuits. www.greenlayer.comAbout Greenlayer
Based in Seattle, Amphipod specializes in minimalist ergonomic hydration, race and training gear engineered specifically for runners. www.amphipod.comAbout Amphipod, Inc. The Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) will take place on September 24th, 2011 at the Wintergreen Resort in Virginia and boasts a $10,000 prize purse. It will host some of the most talented ultra runners in the world. For more info on this world class ultra championship race go to www.ultraroc.comfran
Bilancio recaps: "By partnering with Francesca and Gil, we met a pair of runners who were truly authentic in the sport as top tier ultra runners themselves. Their passion for the sport carries over into the races they own and manage. The championship style race format of UROC will offer the excitement of some of the best ultra runners in the country, while the diverse distances will help provide an opportunity for all levels participation: these two aspects combined are essential to grow the sport.” Francesca Conte is ecstatic about having Greenlayer as the "official race day t-shirt: "The shirts, combined with our great design, look absolutely amazing. The runners will sport them at other races and back in their hometowns for years to come."
Greenlayer Sports co-founder and marketing director Kim Bilancio can. She is no stranger to the urban running scene. Based out of Portland, OR and traveling the planet to attend races, expos, and festivals, she's met every kind of runner imaginable. And is happy to tell the green tale behind Greenlayer's start-up and impressive growth. That was how she met the UROC race directors in Vail, CO this summer. And negotiated for Greenlayer Sports "official race day t-shirt" status for UROC and same day sister races Über Rock 50K and Cruxy Half Marathon.
One such experienced staffer that looms large on the UROC scene is former Notre Dame football player and Charlottesville Running Running Store manager Marty Roddy. At 6' 8" and 340 pounds, he's no stranger to competitive sports and has been the backbone of Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports race management. "It's my job" says Roddy "to source the very best products for the store and meet the needs of our active, environmentally conscious clientele. Being so close to the University of Virginia main campus and The Historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, we see a range of customers, from fit 20-somethings to equally fit silver-haired department chairs. Not to mention the urban crowd. Can you say hippie and yuppie in the same breath?"
The Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions is a huge hook for June Angus of Amphipod. "These inspiring athletes fuel our continued passion to push the envelope of innovation in ultra-lightweight, minimalist, fully-customizable and ergonomic product design. Amphipod is proud to support, with specialty-only distribution, the amazing local specialty running stores nationwide and their experienced staff that are responsible for such a positive impact on the lives and well being of so many runners – from elite to recreational."
The same instinctive process came into play when UROC race directors wanted a hydration pack sponsor. "We wanted to support our vendors" said Francesca Conte "and work with a company with whom we already had a strong business relationship. In addition, we use and enjoy the product ourselves." Trail Runner's associate editor gets this logic. "When Francesca told me she had booked Amphipod for UROC and that all runners were getting a 20 ounce handheld, I was psyched" comments Cynthia Bruggeman. "They sponsor the Trail Runner Trophy Series as well; it's been great to see so many Trail Runner Magazine partners step up to support UROC and align with what is truly a championship race."
Injinji marketing director Deidre Mahoney didn't hesitate when she got the call. "We are honored to be a part of this exciting inaugural event that showcases the Best of the Best in ultra distance running. Injinji, through its core product and ambassador program has long been supportive of this ever growing and exciting sport. We immediately teamed with the Ultra Race of Champions to show our corporate allegiance and commitment to the growth of ultra-distance running."
As professional endurance athletes, UROC race directors and running retailers J. Russell Gill and Francesca Conte know the companies very well. "We've been sponsored by Injinji as athletes for years and we maintain a full stock of toesocks in our store. We really enjoy being able to supply experienced runners with a product they've long relied on and introduce novice runners to the toesock experience. Injinji was our first stop when seeking a UROC sock sponsor."
September 16, 2011, Carbondale, CO, and Charlottesville, VA- With so much choice in today's market for running apparel and gear, the runner can pick and choose among top brands and hardly make a bad purchase. But if innovation, commitment to specialty running, and green manufacturing rank as important factors, then there are companies that quickly rise to the top. Injinji, Greenlayer Sports and Amphipod are three such companies. Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) Recruits Key Sponsors from Retail Partners
August 22, 2011
UROC Draws Top Field To Mountain-Top Resort for the Annual Ultra Running Championship!
By directing premiere trail- and road-running events in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For almost 10 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca's decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports As the leading publication for one of North America's fastest growing sports, Trail Runner features in-depth editorial and compelling photography that informs, entertains and inspires readers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors and improve their health and fitness through trail running. www.trailrunnemag.com.About Trail Runner magazine
cbruggeman@bigstonepub.comIf you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Trail Runner UROC, please email J. Russell Gill at
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or Cynthia Bruggeman at Registration is now open at www.ultraroc.com. If you are an elite runner, email J. Russell Gill at
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or Geoff Roes at
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for more information. Visit www.trailrunnermag.com for race updates. Visit www.trailrunnermag.com and take our Trail Runner UROC poll and let us know if you're planning to be a part of the First Annual Trail Runner UROC. About UROC
The goal of Trail Runner UROC is to gather a deep elite field of ultrarunners and runners of all abilities for a championship-style event. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendations of a Trail Runner UROC advisory panel and their performances at events such as: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, the four Grand Slam 100-mile events (Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, Vermont 100-Mile Endurance Run, Leadville Trail 100-Mile Run and Wasatch Front 100-Mile Endurance Run) and other select ultra races around the world. "Between a top-level field, great first-year prize money and a fantastic course, the Trail Runner UROC promises to be an exciting event," says Trail Runner Editor, Michael Benge. "And the Wintergreen Resort facilities and setting make the race an appealing option for recreational runners looking for trail-running vacation." The Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions will start and finish at beautiful Wintergreen Resort, Virginia. The course will consist of a combination of single track trails, gravel/jeep roads and the paved Blue Ridge Parkway, and feature nearly 13,000 feet of vertical gain. The UROC diverse course will test runners of all abilities. As a reminder, UROC is open to all runners. Runners can also participate in the UROC sister events taking place on the same day, the Uber Rock 50K and Cruxy Half Marathon.
The UROC Board continues to invite and confirm new athletes every day. As of August 1, 2011, the list of committed athletes includes: Geoff Roes, Dave Mackey, Karl Meltzer, Michael Wardian, Ian Sharman, Dave James, Andy Jones-Wilkins, Devon Crosby-Helms, Joelle Vaught, Anita Ortiz, Anne Riddle-Lundblad, Duncan Callahan, Andi Felton, Chris Reed, Sabrina Moran, Jason Bryant, Andrew Henshaw, Jonathan Allen, Michael Owen, Jordan Whitlock, Scott Gall, Matt Flaherty, Jake Reed, Matt Wilson, Michael Oliva, Eric Buckley and Alison Bryant. August 1, 2011, Carbondale, CO, and Charlottesville, VA- Trail Runner magazine and Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports are proud to announce the updated list of elite runners confirmed to run the Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) so far. UROC, which will take place on September 24th, 2011 at the Wintergreen Resort in Virginia, will host some of the most talented ultra runners in the World for the official ultra championship race. The prize purse will total $10,000. The diverse group of runners, from Olympic Trials Marathon participants to USATF Trail Champions, the ever changing course and the 100K distance will establish the most versatile ultra runner of 2011.www.ultraroc.comWorld Class Talent at the Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions
August 15, 2011
CLIF Recognized as the Official Nutrition Sponsor of the Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions "UROC"
August 8th, 2011
World Class Talent at the Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions "UROC"
June 8th, 2011
Wintergreen Resort Named Location for the Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions "UROC"
By directing premiere trail- and road-running events in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports strives to motivate runners of all backgrounds to challenge themselves. For almost 10 years, Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports events have reflected owners Gill and Francesca’s decades-long knowledge and passion for running. www.badtothebone.biz About Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports
As the leading publication for one of North America's fastest growing sports, Trail Runner features in-depth editorial and compelling photography that informs, entertains and inspires readers of all ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors and improve their health and fitness through trail running. www.trailrunnmag.com.About Trail Runner magazine
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Trail Runner UROC, please email J. Russell Gill at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Registration is now open at www.ultraroc.com. If you are an elite runner, email J. Russell Gill at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
or Geoff Roes at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
for more information. Visit www.trailrunnermag.com for race updates.
Visit www.trailrunnermag.com and take our Trail Runner UROC poll and let us know if you’re planning to be a part of the First Annual Trail Runner UROC.
The goal of Trail Runner UROC is to gather a deep elite field of ultrarunners and runners of all abilities for a championship-style event. Elite runners are invited based on the recommendations of a Trail Runner UROC advisory panel and their performances at events such as: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, the four Grand Slam 100-mile events (Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, Vermont 100-Mile Endurance Run, Leadville Trail 100-Mile Run and Wasatch Front 100-Mile Endurance Run) and other select ultra races around the world. The following elites have so far been confirmed: Geoff Roes, Karl Meltzer, Andy Jones-Wilkins, Duncan Callahan, Neal Gorman, Andy Henshaw, Anita Ortiz, Joelle Vaught and Sabrina Moran.About UROC
“Between a top-level field, great first-year prize money and a fantastic course, the Trail Runner UROC promises to be an exciting event,” says Trail Runner Editor, Michael Benge. “And the Wintergreen Resort facilities and setting make the race an appealing option for recreational runners looking for trail-running vacation.”
The course will consist of approximately 35 miles of singletrack trails and 26 miles of gravel/jeep roads and the paved Blue Ridge Parkway, and feature nearly 13,000 feet of vertical gain.
“At 4000 feet above sea level, Wintergreen Resort’s mountaintop location is perfect,” says Gill. “The Trail Runner UROC Race Committee is thrilled about the venue as it will provide convenient access to spectators and media.”
The Trail Runner UROC course will encompass several portions of the scenic Wintergreen Resort trail system out of the gate. Then, runners will exit the resort and follow the Blue Ridge Parkway to singletrack trails in the Sherando Lake Recreation Area. Here, runners will crest the Blue Ridge Mountains after ascending the challenging Dragon's Back Trail (officially, the Whetstone Ridge Trail).
"We are excited to host the first annual Trail Runner UROC,” says Dana E. Quillen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Wintergreen Resort. “We believe the athletes will enjoy the resort's offerings, surroundings and easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains.” Wintergreen Resort offers comfortable mountain-top lodging, a resort spa, several restaurants and miles of trails, making it an ideal location, not only to race, but to vacation in the Shenandoah.
The creation of J. Russell Gill and Francesca Conte, founders of Charlottesville Running Company and Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports, the Trail Runner UROC will bring together the best ultrarunners around the world and runners of all abilities for an 100K ultrarunning championship event with a $10,000 prize purse. Runners may also choose from 50K and Half Marathon options on the same day, sharing portions of the same course.
June 6, 2011, Carbondale, CO, and Charlottesville, VA— Trail Runner magazine and Bad to the Bone Endurance Sports are proud to announce that the first annual Trail Runner Ultra Race of Champions (UROC), taking place on September 24, 2011, will start and finish at the Wintergreen Resort, an 11,000-acre, four-season resort nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, southwest of Charlottesville.
