ECO SERIES DESERT
Run through the second largest desert in North America
at Big Bend National Park
5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, 50k, and 50mi
February 23, 2019
The Race
5k, 10k, Half & Full Marathons, 50k, and 50mi
Eco Region: Desert
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Everything is bigger in Big Bend. This is more than just a race. This is an experience. Come take in the vastness of towering mountains, sprawling desert, and deep majestic canyons.
Volunteer
Call for Volunteers
Join the Fun
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As a Volunteer, you are the person that gives the runner the support and motivation to continue. We know how important each of you are to the entire day and promise you a fun and rewarding experience!
Sponsor
Multiple Packages
Great Opportunity
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This is a great opportunity to share your company, brand and services with a large and targeted group. As a sponsor of one or more events, you can select from the multiple sponsorship levels available.
The Race
The Course
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Flanked on one side by the Sierra Maderas del Carmen of Mexico and on the other side by the Chisos Mountains of Texas, lies the weather beaten Chihuahuan Desert. The grandeur of the second largest desert in North America lives up to its reputation within Big Bend National Park.
Experience the uniqueness of the desert wildlife and flora and be awe inspired by the sweeping views of big open country as you traverse this out and back course over technical single-track trail and backcountry jeep roads. If your distance goes into the night, gaze into the cosmos underneath one of the most star lit skies in the entire United States.
This is a bucket list event that you don’t want to miss.
Note: You DO NOT need a passport for this race. However, if you would like to visit Boquillas, Mexico via the border crossing in Big Bend National park you will need a valid passport (we highly recommend visiting and yes, it's safe).
Start and Finish Times
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The Start and Finish for all distances will be at Rio Grande Village.
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6:00 am - 50 mile Start
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7:00 am - Marathon and 50k Start
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7:30 am - Half Marathon Start
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8:00 am - 5k and 10k Start
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NOTE: All races start at the scheduled time. Late starts will not be accommodated.
CUTOFFS
The cutoff for all distances are as follows:
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SATURDAY – February 23, 2019
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4:00 pm - 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and 50k
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9:00 pm - 50 mile
Results
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Course Markings
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The race will be marked with in ground flagging and color coordinated directional signage for each race distance.​
MAPS AND GUIDES
View park maps and explore the trails via the interactive map.
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COURSE MAP
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Course Difficulty
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4 = Moderate to Strenuous course with some technical terrain and steep climbing. Approximately, 10% of the course is technical single track and 90% dirt jeep road.
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Aid Stations
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Well stocked Aid Stations manned by passionate volunteers and unmanned aid stations, provide:
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First Aid: Band-Aids, Vaseline, and other basic first aid supplies
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Food/Drink: Water, electrolyte drinks, and various salty, sweet and savory snacks
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LOCATIONS
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Aid stations will be conveniently located every 3-8 miles on the out and back course.​
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Cupless Race
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This is an environmentally friendly race and it is our goal to keep the trails litter free to preserve their beauty.
Cups won't be supplied during this racing event. Please bring your refillable water bottles and we will refill them at the aid stations.
Training / Coaching
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At every level, proper training can help you prepare for success. Ultra Expeditions has certified coaches and offers individual and group training packages. Contact us for more information.
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Race Shirts, Medals and Awards
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Everyone registered will receive a Border to Badlands Ultra Race Shirt if they register by January 24, 2018.
Finishers of the 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, 50k, and 50mi will receive beautiful, custom designed medals.
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Winner Awards
Top Male and Top Female for each race. Awards will be presented after first male and female finish for each distance.
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PLEASE NOTE: You must be present to win a prize. Prizes will not be mailed.
Pictures and Video
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Itinerary
FRIDAY – February 22, 2019
2 - 6 pm Packet Pick Up and Registration at
the store in Rio Grande Village
6 - 7 pm Race Briefing at the Rio Grande Village Amphitheater
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SATURDAY – February 23, 2019
6:00 am 50 mile Race Start in Rio Grande Village
7:00 am Marathon and 50k Start in Rio Grande
Village
7:30 am Half Marathon Start in Rio Grande
Village
8:00 am 5k and 10k Start in Rio Grande Village
4:00 pm 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, and 50k cutoff
9:00 pm 50 mile cutoff
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NOTE: Race briefings begin promptly, 20 minutes prior to race start time, at the start line. If they choose to drop during the race they will receive a DNF.
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Giving Back
COMING SOON
Registration
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Online registration is quick and easy.
REGISTRATION OPENS
Registration is open
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Friday, February 22, 2019
6:00 pm - Registration will remain open until packet pickup is over on Friday at the Rio Grande Village
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Early Registration Discounts
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Sign up early to get the best pricing.
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Best Discount - Before September 1, 2018
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Good Discount - Before December 1, 2018
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Standard Pricing - After December1, 2018
Volunteer
Be part of the fun and volunteer. We promise you a great time.
All of our volunteers receive discounts toward future races and enjoy free food, beverages and parking.
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There are opportunities to man aid stations, registration and help at the start and finish lines.
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Contact us for more information. Or sign up now.
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Parking, Lodging and Travel
Park Entrance and Parking
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Big Bend National Park
P.O. Box 129
Big Bend National Park, TX 79834
PLEASE NOTE: The park may collect fees for entrance and/or parking that are not covered in race registration. The park will be open for racers to arrive and leave. Please pay at the Visitors Center if arriving after scheduled hours. Contact Big Bend National Park for more information.
Hotels
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The closest hotels are in downtown Terlingua and Study Butte, Texas.
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Big Bend Resort and Adventures
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Camping
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Camping is available at Big Bend National Park. For reservations or further information, please contact Big Bend National Park at 432.477.2251.
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PLEASE NOTE: Ultra Expeditions is not responsible for any missing or damaged property, or any accidents.
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ALSO NOTE: The park may collect fees for entrance and/or parking that are not covered in race registration. Contact Big Bend National Park for more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities
There are multiple sponsorship levels available.
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Title Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze
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Get all the Sponsorship Package Details.
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Contact us with questions.
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Sponsors
