Run Rabbit Run

Run Rabbit Run recently announced that they will be adding a 100 mile trail race in addition to their traditional 50 mile trail race. Fred Abramowitz, aka Harvey from the Hutch, is the race director for RRR. Prior to last year's 50 mile race Fred hinted at the fact that they were trying to create a race that would attract some of the world's best ultra-runners. With lotteries and lack of prize money it has been a challenge to have a true championship field. In order to accomplish this, his goal is to build a $100k purse. As of February 2nd, $12,500 have been raised.

Colorado Runner Magazine reports a strong field is building with the early entrants. Geoff Roes, Mike Wolfe, Timothy Olson, Dave Mackey and Karl Meltzer lead the current entrants. Kilian Jornet is reportedly considering the race as well.

This race has a bit of a twist to it. The amatuer runners will be given a 5 hour head start. The elite runners will have to run through the field. A typical race has all runners leaving at the same time with the elite runners leading the way. The lead runners have a clear path ahead. This race will allow the amatuers an opportunity to witness first hand the race unfold in front of them. This is pretty cool but I wonder how the elite runners feel about having to work through the masses.


The 50 mile course will follow the same route from the base of the Steamboat Springs ski area to the Rabbit Ears and back. The 100 mile course will have a vertical gain of over 22,000 feet. Terrain will consist of 7 miles of road running, some dirt roads and a lot of single track that makes RRR a very appealing race. The mixture of road and trail may draw from the idea that a chamionship race should test varied skill sets. Although the race is primarily a trail race, I can't help but notice some similarities to the Ultra Race of Champions course in Virginia. UROC put a lot more emphasis on the road with 46.4% of the course consisting of pavement. Maybe Fred is just giving a much deserved nod to the city of Steamboat Springs by having the course run through the city's streets.

Geoff Roes won UROC in 2011 and has to be considered the early favorite. Kilian could challenge for the favorite with his strength in attacking vertical. This could be a very fun spectator race with several spots to view the runners.

Last year's RRR was a very well run race with great volunteers. I have no doubt that Fred will put on a world class event. The 50 mile race was voted 2010 Colorado Ultra Martahon of the year. I would be willing to bet that this year's 100 mile race will receive similar national recognition.


The map is not available yet but the website does have a brief description.
http://runrabbitrunsteamboat.com/100-mile-course