Big Brad Ultras – Trail Monster Running

NOTICE: We will be taking proper COVID precautions to protect our runners and volunteers with a minimal impact on your race experience. BIG BRAD ULTRAS’ COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS Big Brad Ultras loves our running community. We ask the cooperation of all involved in this year’s race: runners, family and volunteers. Hopefully, everyone understands how important being respectful and following some simple rules will allow races to go forward. We think everyone is tired of virtual! Let’s make it obvious that we can do this as safely as possible. Just to name a few of the things we will be doing: Aid Stations: We will allow drop bags at all aid stations so that runners can self-support if that makes them more comfortable. We relocated one aid station that had runners entering from two directions so now there is only ever one-way traffic. That aid station will now be unmanned to also reduce contact. All food will be in individual waxed paper baggies at all aid stations. Volunteers involved with any food prep will be gloved and masked. Distancing: We ask that runners maintain physical distancing rules during the entire event: before, during and after the race. If you approach an aid station that has runners, please mask up if distancing isn’t an option. While it is a state park and we can’t tell family and friends they can’t attend, we ask that you please come solo if you feel comfortable (50 milers are welcome to have a pacer for their last lap). The start area is a large field. We expect runners to space themselves out to allow at least six feet between runners. This is an ultra, not a sprint 😉 These are weird times. Everyone needs to decide their comfort/risk level. We think this will be a safe race or we wouldn’t hold it, but the virus situation is fluid. For this reason, we will have refunds/deferrals (see ultrasignup for details) should we need to cancel. We hope this information helps you make your decision. Runners and volunteers will be getting very detailed emails as we get closer to race day. Please read it so you will understand what is expected. Maine’s got some BIG BAD ULTRAMARATHONS: races with single-track trails, big hills, and gnarly terrain. Trail Monster Running is proud to present the nineth annual Big Brad Ultras on October 11, 2020 on the trails of Bradbury Mountain State Park and the surrounding area. – Get ready for a beautiful challenge. Runners tackle a 16.2 mile loop that’s a gauntlet of great Maine singletrack, journeying through Bradbury Mountain State Park, over Tryon Mountain, Chandler Brook, and back into Bradbury Mountain State Park. The course has tough hills, rocks, roots, and very little flat including a 1/2 mile of paved road and 1/4 mile of dirt road. With the fall foliage at it’s peak, there are sure to be many fantastic vistas along the route. Not ready to run an ultra yet? Have someone running? Come find out what it’s all about, while helping! Volunteer!!! 2019 RESULTS ARE POSTED HERE 2018 RESULTS ARE POSTED HERE 2017 RESULTS ARE POSTED HERE 2016 RESULTS ARE POSTED HERE 2015 RESULTS ARE POSTED HERE 2014 RESULTS ARE POSTED HERE 2013 RESULTS ARE POSTED HERE 2012 RESULTS ARE POSTED HERE

Start: 6:00 AM Cut-off: 12.5 hours $77.50 before 6/1/20 $87.50 after 5/31/20	Start: 9:00 AM Cut-off: 9 hours $67.50 before 6/1/20 $77.50 after 5/31/20	Download GPX file here

Each race is capped at 100 participants.

50k runners will complete 2 laps of the 16.2 mile course, 50 mile runners will complete a 1.2 mile lap of Bradbury Mountain followed by 3 laps of the 16.2 mile course. (Please note that some parts of the race course as detailed above are provisional and are pending review from the State of Maine, any required changes are likely to be minimal.) – 50 mile elevation: 7,500′ gain (equal loss) 50 km elevation: 4,500′ gain (equal loss)
The race course is primarily single-track trails over hilly, technical terrain. There is approximately 1/2 mile of paved road and 1/4 mile of dirt road on the 16.2 mile course. – 50 mile runners will be starting before sunrise and will be required to run with a headlamp or flashlight for at least the initial 1.2 mile loop before returning to the start area. – Well-stocked aid stations, manned by experienced ultra runners, will tend to runners with the longest distance between aid of about six miles. Drop bags may be left at the start/finish area.We’ve raised the prices by $2.50 in order to raise awareness and funds for the Royal River Conservation Trust. Please take a look at their website to see all the great work they are doing to ensure there are trails to enjoy. Remember to think of them on some of the sweet new trails on the course!
Slideshow of pictures from the race course:		Video of the course: BBU Course Video from Trail Monster on Vimeo.

ACCOMMODATION: Camping is available at Bradbury Mountain State Park Hotels, Motels, B&B’s, etc. are available in nearby Freeport. Visit VisitMaine.net for a list. Mid-October is a popular time of year for leaf-peeping tourists, so make your travel and accommodation plans early.		RULES: Stay on trails. Do not cut corners. If you go off course backtrack to where you went wrong and continue on course. No littering. Dispose of all trash at the aid stations. No headphones. These are single-track trails that are shared with other users of the park including hikers and bikers. It is important that every runner is aware of his/her surroundings. No muling. Pacers will be permitted for 50 mile runners on their last 15.5 mile lap, but are not permitted to carry any supplies for their runner. No wimps. These races are for tough trail runners only.