Ultimate XC (Moab, UT)

The inaugural Ultimate XC races were a huge success. Filling to capacity is not an easy thing for a first year event to do, but that is exactly what happened as 250 brave souls toed the line for this 10M, 20M and 50K trail race in the desert outside Moab, UT. The courses, designed by Danelle Ballengee, took runners to the far reaches of the Moab trail system, covering parts of the desert that not many humans see. During the race, runners encountered brutal climbs and gnarly descents. There was even a ladder and a rope section along the course because the terrain was too steep!

The 50K was won by Eric Schliemann in 5:24:10. Keri Nelson was the first female, running 5:28:11.

Bernie Boettcher was the winner of the 20M in 3:09:08, while Heidi Rentz was the first female in 4:10:03.

Johanna Heay was the first female in the 10M, running 2:00:30.

Runners finish the 50K in the twilight hours.

Runner's negotiate the rope section of the course.

There was also a ladder section on course!

Keri Nelson was the first female in the 50K, and second overall in 5:28:11.

Eric Schliemann wins the 50K in 5:24:10.

Runners gather at the start line.