The Ultimate Direction Dirty 30

Miles and Miles of AMAZING SINGLE-TRACK TRAILS

Ultimate Direction Dirty 30

Imagine yourself running on single-track trails through aspen groves, lush green meadows, and thick pine forests. After navigating up steep rocky ridges your reward is a majestic view of snow-capped mountains as the Continental Divide is practically within reach. No need to imagine: The Ultimate Direction Dirty 30—and all the sweat, grit, and dirt—can be yours for the taking.

Held in beautiful Golden Gate State Park on June 3, Ultimate Direction Dirty 30 has two distances to tantalize and challenge any trail runner. The 50K course has over 7,250 feet of climbing and 7,250 feet of descent between 7,500 feet and 9,500 feet of elevation. The 12-mile route includes 2,500 feet of climbing and descending with stunning views.

Race Director, Megan Finnesy, makes sure runners are taken care of from start to finishline; no detail is missed in the planning and organizing of the Ultimate Direction Dirty 30. A sample of what runners can expect:

* Course: Well-marked and maintained with fun, energetic course marshals.

* Volunteers: Top-notch support and encouragement by all race personnel.

* Aid Stations: Stocked with runners’ favorite endurance foods and beverages.

* After Party: Held in a beautiful mountain park setting with a stream to soak weary legs. A hot meal off the grill, beer, live music, and massage make it a perfect end to a well-earned day.

Dirty 30 is in its 9th year and fills up quickly with runners from overall Colorado and across the United States, as well as attracting international entrants. Brian Metzler, founding editor of Trail Runner Magazine and former editor of Competitor Magazine gives the popular race high praise:

“The Dirty 30 50K has emerged as one of the best trail races in Colorado. It is an authentic mountain ultra that’s known for a challenging course, superb aid station support, high-quality tech shirts and a great post-race party. Megan has proven herself as a race director with a conscience, always looking out for the runners’ best interests while delivering consistent quality in everything she does.”

Dirty 30 offers $4,800 in cash prizes for the top five male and female overall finishers. Fun awards are also given out to the “bloodiest” finisher, the runner “who traveled the furthest,” and the “lowlander” (those coming from below 2,000 feet elevation). Special attention is given to SISU’s (those running Dirty 30 as their first ultra) and 360 Club members ( those finishing under 360 minutes).

Finnesy’s goal has always been to create a top-notch experience for the runners, while giving back to the race community—and she has certainly delivered. The Ultimate Direction Dirty 30 has raised an impressive $40,000 for local nonprofits. Gilpin County High School Athletics has been the beneficiary for the last five years and has helped pay for athlete uniforms, equipment, and scholarships for students to attend sport camps. Attending Ultimate Direction Dirty 30’s happy hours at Runners High in Golden (or joining via Facebook Live if you can’t make it) provides a great opportunity to learn more about the race, get helpful tips from race veterans, and connect with the Ultimate Direction Dirty 30 community. The informative panel discussions make it an evening not to be missed. Save the date for the upcoming happy hours:

* February 22: Running your first Ultra – hear directly from SISUs

* March 29: Nutrition for Ultrarunning – sports nutrition specialist

* May 10: Running your Best Dirty 30 – meet the elites and 5+ year D30 finishers

Kick off your summer with Ultimate Direction Dirty 30 — the experience will provide you with momentum that should last throughout your 2017 racing season. Registration is now open.

Ultimate Direction Dirty 30 Race Details:

* Date: June 3, 2017, 50k – 6 and 7 a.m., 12-miler, 10:00 a.m. * Location: – Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Black Hawk, CO – 1 hour west of downtown Denver, CO * Race Details: www.dirty30.org