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.