Ponderosa Polar Challenge
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Ponderosa Polar Challenge
The Ponderosa Polar Challenge is an endurance race held at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, just outside Zion National Park. The event offers a range of distances from short runs to multiday ultra distances, all with a 52 hour time limit and scheduled for November 7-9, 2026.
Distances available include:
- 150 miles
- 100 miles
- 100k
- 50 miles
- 50k
- Marathon
- Half marathon
- 10k
- 5k
- 12 and 24 hour races
The course is built from looped trails that begin and end at a central aid station located at a cabin. There are 1 mile, 2 mile, and 3 mile loops; loops may be run in either direction but each loop must be completed in the same direction it was started. The 1 mile loop is mostly gravel and road, the 3 mile loops are mostly single track with about 100 feet of elevation gain per mile, and the 2 mile loop passes through campground and lodging areas. The site elevation is about 6,500 feet and expected temperatures at this time of year range from roughly 32 degrees at night to 60 degrees during the day.
All participants receive a campsite for three nights and access to on site amenities such as bathrooms, showers, a hot tub, and courts. The entry fee includes use of the aid station food and a finisher medal for every distance; additional awards and items are provided for longer distances. Shorter distances use a rubber band lap counting method, while longer distances use a clothespin counting system that is reviewed on video if disputes occur. There are no routine medical checks; on site crew members have CPR and basic first aid training and participants are responsible for monitoring their own condition. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
