Red Rock Relay Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Mike M.
Syracuse, UT

  (09-10-2009)

"This was the first year for the relay, and so most, if not all of the problems will likely be ironed out for next year - and hopefully I'll be there to report.

The race starts at the Brian Head ski resort, and teams are started, based on projected times. I ran Leg 1, so I got to ride the ski lift up, and then run 4 miles down the mountain. It sounded like an easy leg and since I like trail running and downhill I figured it would be a good leg. I forgot to factor in 11,000 ft of elevation. The views were stunning, but I was trying so hard to breathe and get my legs going, that I really didn't notice much.

My next 2 legs (#13 and #25) were great though and I got to enjoy the scenery a lot more.

Overall, it's a tough course, there are some wicked climbs and hairy downhills. The scenery is amazing, and my only regret was that some of the scenery was covered by nightfall, and despite the full moon, there was cloud cover.

The course was well marked, especially when you consider how long it was, and as far as I know there weren't any incidents.

As for improvements... Volunteer coordination left a lot to be desired, but we were pretty self sufficient, and the finish line was pretty mild - I expected more of a party."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009