Rough Canyon Trail Runs
October 8, 2022
50 Mile| 50K | Half Marathon | 10K | 5K
Grand Junction, CO
Saturday, October 8
6:00 AM – 50 Mile Start
7:00 AM – 50K Start
8:00 AM – Half Marathon Start
9:00 AM – 10K Start
9:30 AM – 5K Start
RACE INFORMATION
Location
Start and finish at Las Colonias Park– Grand Junction, CO
Course Summary
All distances start and finish along the Colorado River on Grand Junction’s Riverfront Trail. Looking for a fast and flat (or first) 5K or 10K? Look no further! Both distances stay on the riverfront trail for a smooth and scenic race experience. Fall colors are at their peak in October, with stunning views of the river and Colorado National Monument’s red rock canyons accompanying you the entire way. Strollers are allowed for the 5K and 10K, so bring the whole family!
The 50 Mile, 50K, and Half Marathon distances cross the river and hop onto the Tabeguache trail network (AKA Lunch Loops) for some technical twists and turns. Half Marathon runners hit the halfway point on trail before heading back (on an out-and-back route), while 50K and 50 Mile runners will continue onto BLM land where the landscape really opens up. There’s a reason a bike race in this area is called “Tour of the Moon.” Surround yourself with rocky canyons and ancient juniper. Soak in expansive views of the canyons overlooking the Colorado and Gunnison rivers.
Weather
Average weather in October calls for highs in the mid 60s and lows in the low 40s. Storms are possible. This is Colorado after all! Please check the forecast ahead of race day. Race organizers will be keeping an eye on weather and may stop or turn runners around at any point if deemed unsafe to continue.
Bib Pickup
Friday, October 7 4:00PM-7:00PM Summit Canyon Mountaineering – 461 Main St, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Saturday, October 8 5:00AM-9:30AM Las Colonias Park (near the butterfly pond) – 725 Struthers Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Aid Stations
Aid stations every 1.6 to 11.9 miles including water, electrolyte drink, sweet snacks, salty snacks, and fruit. Please plan to run with at least one bottle of water, particularly for the longer distance options where aid stations are spread out up to 11.9 miles apart.
Aid station distance chart:
| Aid Station Name | Mileage | Distance to Next | Cutoff |
| 50 Mile: | |||
| Miramonte | 3.6 | 5 | |
| Good Vibes* | 8.6 | 9.7 | 10:00am (4hours) |
| Butterknife | 18.3 | 11.2 | |
| Windmill^ | 29.5 | 11.8 | |
| Good Vibes* | 41.3 | 5.1 | 6:00pm (12hours) |
| Miramonte | 46.4 | 3.6 | |
| Finish | 50 | 9:00pm (15 hours) | |
| 50K: | |||
| Miramonte | 3.6 | 5 | |
| Good Vibes* | 8.6 | 9.7 | 11:00am (4hours) |
| Butterknife | 18.3 | 5.6 | |
| Good Vibes* | 23.9 | 4.5 | 4:00pm (9hours) |
| Miramonte | 28.4 | 3.6 | |
| Finish | 32 | 8:00pm (13 hours) | |
| Half Marathon: | |||
| Miramonte | 3.6 | 6 | |
| Miramonte | 9.6 | 3.6 | |
| Finish | 13.1 | ||
| 10K: | |||
| Riverside | 1.6 | 3 | |
| Riverside | 4.6 | 1.6 | |
| Finish | 6.2 | ||
| 5K: | |||
| Riverside | 1.6 | 1.5 | |
| Finish | 3.1 |
Race Perks
Gender-specific race shirt, chip-timed race results displayed at finish line, scenic and well-marked challenging courses. Well-stocked aid stations every 1.6 to 11.9 miles, post-race food, beer garden and socializing!
Every finisher receives a custom Aravaipa Artworx finisher medal!
Crews, Pacers and Drop Bags
Crews are welcome to support their 50K and 50 Mile runners at the start/finish. All runners can store a drop bag at the finish if needed. We will also allow drop bags at Windmill Aid Station (50 mile runners only); these drop bags must be dropped off at the start/finish area by 5:30am on Saturday in order to be transported to Windmill.
Crews are allowed at the Good Vibes Aid Station (a 20-minute drive from the Start/Finish) but parking is limited so please time your presence there to allow for others to access parking.
No pacers allowed for any distances.
Awards
Awards to the top three male & female finishers at each distance.
All finishers will receive a finisher award.
Volunteers
We cannot produce these events without the help of our amazing volunteer team! There is potential for you to both volunteer AND run on race day (or stick around and volunteer for our rides on Sunday!).
We are looking for help with event setup, aid stations (captains and helpers), timing, photography, videography, social media, course sweep, and event breakdown. Volunteer perks include your choice of Aravaipa merchandise or Aravaipa Race Credits. Volunteer sign-up is coming soon so check back!
Registration
Entry Fees
| Until 8/8 | Until 9/9 | Until 10/2 | Race Week | |
| 50 Mile | $170 | $185 | $200 | $220 |
| 50K | $130 | $145 | $160 | $190 |
| Half Marathon | $75 | $85 | $95 | $110 |
| 10K | $55 | $65 | $75 | $90 |
| 5K | $40 | $50 | $60 | $75 |
Entrant Limit
300 Runners
Registration Options
Online via UltraSignup
Mail-in entry– must be received by 10/2
Online registration closes 10/2 at 11:59pm MT.
Registration will still be available after online registration closes at all packet pickup locations and race day as long as we have not reached our capacity. However, to receive race day swag, you must be registered by 9/9/2022.
Cut-Offs
See aid station mileage chart above for all cutoff information.
Course Maps:
View an interactive CalTopo map of all routes here: https://caltopo.com/m/DR1P0
Race Day Information
COMING SOON!
Lodging
We have lodging deals set-up at a few different properties in downtown Grand Junction! Valid for October 7-9, 2022. Enter code under “Group Code”. Discount codes valid until September 7, 2022.
Springhill Suites by Marriott– www.marriott.com/GJTSH
Two Queen- $189/night
Code: RCARCAA
TRU by Hilton– www.grandjunctiondowntown.trubyhilton.com
Two Queen- $179/night
Code: RCA
Fairfield Inn & Suites– www.marriott.com/GJTFI
Two Queen- $169/night
Code: RCARCAA
Hampton Inn– www.grandjunction.hamptoninn.com
Two Queen- $169/night
Code: RCA
Trail Etiquette
Please be sure to yield to other trail users and vehicular traffic when appropriate. Runners should use caution and run on the side of the road, especially around turns. Please be respectful of all trail users. Please stay on the trail and travel through snowy/muddy sections of the trail to avoid trail widening.
Course Markings
The race courses will be well marked using orange plastic ribbons with black polka dots. Trail junctions and turns will be well marked with colored laminated signs that correspond with your race’s color. Please pay attention to these signs at each junction as there are multiple race distances and race courses! In addition, blue & white checkerboard plastic flagging will be hung to designate non-race or “WRONG WAY” trails. All runners are responsible for understanding the layout of the courses. Please familiarize yourself with the course maps on our website prior to race day and/or print a map to bring along with you.
Race Timing
We will be utilizing a chip timing system at this event to record your time at the finish. You will be provided with a timing chip embedded in your race bib. It is important to not crease, or fold the timing chip to ensure your finish time is read.
Double-Down!
Enjoy mountain biking just as much as trail running? Or maybe you’re looking to try something new?
Join us for the Rough Canyon Trail Rides the day after your run. 50 mile, 32 mile and 18 mile solo options are available! See the trails whip past at a slightly faster pace and increase your stoke!.
Participate in both the ride and run in the same weekend and earn a unique award, Plus a 15% discount on both events! Email morgan@aravaiparunning.com for a discount code.
Check out the Aravaipa Rides website for more information about these events and our registration links.
Questions? Contact the race director at morgan@aravaiparunning.com.