Welcome to TransRockies Run 2018; we are so excited to welcome you to this SOLD OUT race. 350 runners from 30 different countries will toe the start line in beautiful Buena Vista tomorrow. This week will be unlike any you have ever experienced and we can't wait to share these trails with you.
Stage 1 Know Before You Go:
- The first aid station is at mile 7.3. Please bring adequate fluids.
- Thunderstorms are in the forecast for the late morning/early afternoon. Pack a hat/light rain jacket.
- Miles 2-5 of the trail are quite beautiful at sunrise and very Instagram-worthy. Friendly reminder to step off the trail and to the side when taking photos.
- Be sure to tag them with #TRR2018 and keep an eye on @transrockiesrun_official.
Eureka Stage 1 Preview:
20.8 miles/33.5 kilometers - 2,500 ft/760 m elevation gain
3 Checkpoints- 7.3 miles, 13.9 miles, 16.9 miles
Stage 1 has proven to be one of the toughest stages over the years since it is often quite hot and dry. While it starts at a lower elevation and lacks big climbs, the variety of terrain makes for a great experience. The running surface varies from gravel and rock to sand on a mix of trails, four-wheel drive roads and Forest Service Roads- if you have gaiters, now is the time to use them.
From the start, you climb steadily to the high point at Checkpoint 1 at mile 7.3, and from there it's mostly downhill to Checkpoint 2 at mile 13.9. You will hit Checkpoint 3 at mile 16.9 and be ready for the last 4 miles, which is a gruelling false flat on County Road into the finish at Railroad Bridge.
Weather Forecast:
Expect partial clouds early, with a high of 77°/ 25° and scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. There is a 40% chance of rain after 12:00 pm. Winds will be out of the ESE at 10-15 mph and overnight lows will be 46°/ 7°
WTF: Who Is That Face: Kyle Roubidoux
Running trails can be challenging in the best of conditions. Rocks, roots and other hazards can trip up even the most seasoned runner. Now imagine doing this with vision that most closely resembles looking down a toilet paper tube.
This is how veteran ultrarunner and visually impaired athlete Kyle Roubidoux sees the world.
As an active child, Kyle skied and enjoyed the outdoors in his native Maine. He was diagnosed at age 11 with a degenerative condition that has slowly eroded his sight. His activity levels dropped and by his early 30's convinced that Kyle was convinced could no longer be active.
The birth of his daughter brought inspiration for change and he started a walk/run program that slowly turned into a running plan. Kyle loved the rekindled feelings of independence that running brought and pushed his goals further and further, completing over a dozen ultramarathons in just a few years.
Kyle's love of community and local politics dovetailed nicely with his newfound love of running. A resident of the Boston area, he became involved with Team with a Vision, which runs the Boston Marathon and in 2017, he completed the the challenging double Boston, by running from Copley Square to the START of the race and then running the race itself. This was just a warm up for his ultimate goal, completing the Vermont 100 that July.
As dawn broke on July 15, 2017, Kyle and his pacers crossed the grassy finish line of the Vermont 100 in 28:11:53.
We are very excited to welcome Kyle to TRR 2018, where he will be running the Run 6 event and serving as our Grand Marshal for the Beer Mile.
Mountain Hero of the Day:
The Mountain Hero of the Day award is a special recognition of a TRR athlete who has contributed to the TRR community in positive way. Runners and crew alike may nominate a Mountain Hero. Congrats to Rob
and
Kelly for being recognized as the Stage 0 Mountain Heroes of the Day!
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Rob Sanchez and
Kelly Berg-Powell
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