For runners looking for a unique challenge and the chance to peak behind the curtain at one of Tooele County’s military installations, the Dugway Trail and Ultra Run might just be the perfect fit.
On Oct. 24, runners from the county and beyond will descend on Dugway Proving Ground for the trail race, which comes in five different distances, from the newly added 5K race up to a grueling 50K run.
Race director Curt Fortie said the race, now in its third edition, has been growing and adding a shorter distance run could attract a broader group of runners.
“Each year we’ve increased in numbers pretty well and this is the first year of the three that we’ve introduced the 5K,” he said. “We’re just hoping to get more families and people started in trail running.”
The course are centered around Five Mile Hill, which is located halfway between the main part of the Dugway campus and the remote test areas.
“It is on the active test range of the Dugway Proving Ground,” Fortie said.
The races have a traditional early morning start, with the 50K going off the line at 7 a.m., the 30K following at 8 a.m. and the 5K, 10K and 20K races beginning at 9 a.m.
There will also be a four-person, 10K military team competition. Each runner on the team will complete the course and be ranked by their total finish times.
Cortie said the course is built around three distinct loop courses. The 5K course is separate and is generally flatter and easier, while the 10K is one six-mile loop featuring about 1,400 feet of elevation; the 20K covers the same course twice.
The longer races deviate from the 10K course with a four-mile extension, with two of the approximately 10-mile loops in the 30K course and three loops for the 50K course.
In addition to tackling singletrack trails in the exposed Dugway expanses, the courses will challenge runners with some considerable elevation changes. The 10K course includes 1,475 feet of climbing, with the 50K course peaking at more than 6,000 feet of elevation gain.
Due to the remote location of the run, racers will have some opportunities to see wildlife, including two golden eagle nests along the course. Fortie said wild mustangs, pronghorn and other wildlife have been seen in the area of Five Mile Hill in recent weeks.
Since the run takes place on a military base, runners should plan to get to Dugway Proving Ground about a half-hour earlier than usual. Online sign-ups, available at ultrasignup.com, will request identification material to smooth the process of getting through the front gate and are available through Oct. 21.
“If they’re preregistered, they’ll still need to show their ID and they’ll need a pass, but the process is cut down in time, so that’s very helpful,” Fortie said.
There will be race day registration but anyone coming will need their license, registration and proof of insurance. Anyone coming to watch or spectate over the age of 16 should bring photo identification, Fortie said.
Runners will need to pay $25 for the 5K, $30 for the 10K, $35 for the 20K. $40 for the 30K and $50 for the 50K. The military team competition is only $60 total for the four runners.
The entry fee in each race includes a long-sleeve athletic shirt, a finisher’s medal and a quality good bag, according to Fortie.
“It’s not typical of a lot of these bigger races that all you get is a few coupons and advertisements for other races,” he said. “We’ve actually got some goodies in our bag.”
There will be awards for the top three finishers in each competition, including the military team competition. There will also be a raffle for race entrants that includes prizes like backpacks, a hydration vest, tented hammock, water bottles, knives and more.