Ray’s Ramble

The 2020 Ray’s Trail Race was cancelled due to COVID-19.  In fact, COVID inspired us to offer a new race format for 2021. The Ramble!

What was the inspiration for the Ramble?  

    During the 2020 COVID season we had six 100-milers, four 50-milers, and a bunch of 50ks out at the farm. These were not part of a formal race, it was just friends who wanted to do something awesome while everything was shut down. A few key features of these runs are what inspired the Ramble:

• These runs were self-supported.  The runners brought all their own stuff because, obviously, the runners know what they want. 
• These runs allowed the runners to choose their own challenge.  Some did big elevation, some focused on speed, and some went for both. Some came to support others and ended up doing more than they ever had before.
• These runs were incredibly fun to host. 
• These runs allowed dumb ideas to become reality.
  • Words of Wisdom from Juston Wickham

What is a Ramble?

• 12-hour race time.
  • A 24-hour option is available to runners chasing a belt buckle (100k+)
  • 12-hour option is $25. 24-hour option is $35.
• Runners do NOT have a set course.
  • Our large arrow signs will always point the shortest distance back to the start (it will be hard to get hopelessly lost).
  • There are ~13.1 miles of trail loops marked but runners can run where they choose (runners must stay on a trail).
  • One of the loops is 4.167 miles (AKA: A Backyard Ultra loop).
• Orienteering checkpoints will be used to determine the winner of the race.
  • This is a light version of an orienteering race (you must stay on the trails, no bushwhacking).
  • 13 different checkpoints will be on the course.
  • Terrible at reading maps? That is OK, if you run the marked loops you will pass by each orienteering checkpoint. So as long as you can follow lines on the ground you can compete for the overall awards.
• Runners can tap out at any time by ringing the bell.
  • Once you tap out your race is over.
  • Runners MUST check in at least once every two hours. Tapping out means you no longer have to check in.
• We will provide the basics (water, restrooms, trails, and Coke) but runners will need to be self-supported.
  • Q: “What the heck? I paid for a race! Where are the aid stations?!”
    • A: The race fees will barely cover the porta-john rentals. If this is a huge issue go do a different $25 12-hour race.
  • Reasoning: Why make people pay money for food they don’t want?
• Runners will run when they want to run.
  • Rest when they want to rest.
  • Hike when they want to hike.
  • You have 12-hours (or 24) to do your thing.
  • Most orienteering checkpoints at the end of 12 hours win.

Why a Ramble?

• Want to:
  • run a fast 5k? Go for the fastest time on a loop.
  • run a fast trail half marathon? Run all the loops in one direction.
  • run a fast trail marathon? Run all the loops both ways.
  • do a practice Backyard Ultra? Run the BYU loop. Repeat.
  • go for a 50k, 50-miler, 100k, or a 100-miler? Do it!
  • just run. No better format than this.
  • hike? Best way to appreciate the woods.
• Tired of dropping $100+ on a race? We are too.
  • Yes, many races are worth their race fees. That money adds up quickly though.
• Rambles are basically COVID proof.
• The only people that will sign up for this are true trail lovers. They tend to be good folks.