Crystal Springs Ultra Races
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Event Overview
The Crystal Springs Ultra Races take place in the Crystal Springs Recreation Area near Wytheville, Virginia. The course uses trails such as the High Rocks Spur Trail and Boundary Trail loop, which are described as technical in some areas. The event is noted as being useful preparation for other local races like the Iron Mountain Trail Races, Hokie Half Marathon, Rim to River 100, or Mountain Masochist.
Distances
The event is run on a loop course with four timed options:
- 12 hour
- 6 hour
- 3 hour (Crystal Light)
- The Leftovers Option
For the 12-hour and 6-hour options, one loop is 12.8 miles with 2,008 ft of elevation gain. The 3-hour "Crystal Light" option is a shorter loop of 2.1 miles with 351 ft of elevation gain, which features a waterfall when there has been enough rain.
Practical Information
Parking is not available at the start line. A shuttle from a designated parking area at 180 Pump Hollow Road is required for all participants on race day. The shuttle begins at 5:00 AM.
The event is a cupless race. Participants are required to carry their own collapsible cup or bottle, as no cups are provided at aid stations. Aid stations will offer food including PB&J sandwiches, bananas, pretzels, Oreos, hard candy, and a limited number of gels, with hot foods available at select stations.
Packet pickup is scheduled for the day before the race at Seven Sisters Brewery in Downtown Wytheville. Registration for the race closes on the Friday before the event.
A special "Leftovers Option" is available for a limited number of runners. This lower-cost entry includes a race bib and a medal from a past event but does not include a race shirt or swag bag. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
