Running a marathon is no easy feat. Now multiply that by 6 and you’ve got the distance of the Grand to Grand Ultra, the first and only self supported stage footrace in North America. If the lure of covering 160 miles in 6 stages over 7 days isn’t enough, consider the terrain that this insane race covers. It’s all in the name: the G2G course runs from the north rim of the Grand Canyon to the base of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. This description is straight from the race’s home page:
“The course takes you through a desert landscape of sand dunes, red rock canyons, buttes, mesas and hoodoos. You will navigate compelling slot canyons and cross a tributary of the Virgin River. Experience the remotest part of continental America in the way of the earliest settlers, Navajo and Paiute Indian tribes. This is where Montezuma’s gold is still reputed to be buried.”
Hot damn! So far, the race has over 70 registered participants ranging in age from 26 to 69 years old. These brave souls will travel from countries all over the world to get a taste of the red rocks that not many people ever will.
The race dates are September 23rd-29th, but you’ll have to wait until next year’s edition to take part. Registration for the 2012 G2G Ultra is closed, but if you are one of the first 50 Early Bird entrants, you’ll get 30% off the fees. If you want to sign up, or simply find out more about this awesome endeavor, check out the G2G home page at g2gultra.com.