The Ultra Race of Champions (UROC)- May 13, 2017
Vesuvius, VA – November 15, 2016. The Ultra Race of Champions (UROC) is set for its seventh edition on a new date and at a new location. The race will take place on May 13, 2017 and will be hosted by Skylark Nature Preserve and Lodge, located on 500 acres along the Blue Ridge Parkway by mile marker 25. Skylark, a jewel in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a stunning property offering 360-degrees views of the surrounding mountains and valley below.
“We are ecstatic about the new date and new location”, says James Russell Gill III, UROC’s Race Director and CEO of Bad to the Bone Sports. “Skylark Nature Preserve and Lodge is a true gem and an incredible place: the runners are in for a real treat, not only because of the incredible course, but also because the finish line, with 360-degrees views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, will be one of the most beautiful they have ever seen.
We are grateful to Craig and Anne Colberg for opening the property and sharing its beauty with all the competitors. In addition, moving the date to May 13 will allow many runners to make UROC their focus event at the beginning of the racing season. I can’t think of a better location and better course for the 2017 event!”
“The point-to-point course is an ultrarunner dream” says Dr. Francesca Conte, President of Bad to the Bone Sports. “It runs through some of the most beautiful single track trails in the area, like the Whetstone and White Rock trails. In addition, the views are unparalleled. Competitors will run through the Skylark property on their way to the second half of the course, giving everyone an opportunity to appreciate its beauty.
The lodging opportunities are also conducive to the outdoor and community culture of ultrarunning. With the start at Camp Blue Ridge, competitors will be able to choose between a wide array of full service cabin options. Skylark Nature Preserve and Lodge can also sleep 28, allowing 28 very lucky people to sleep right by the finish with incredible views of the mountains and of the UROC finish, experiencing Craig and Anne Colberg’s hospitality. In my book, this is the perfect situation.”
“At an elevation of 3,300 feet, Skylark offers a panoramic view of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains as well as the Shenandoah valley below” says Craig Colberg, owner of Skylark. “The cooler temperatures provide a wonderful environment for the runners and the mountains provide a magnificent backdrop for all. In choosing Skylark as the location, I believe a world class location has met a world class race!”
UROC will offer three options to runners, the 100k, 50k and a 25k, offering a $21,400 cash purse in the 100k race. UROC’s mission is attract the best competitors in the sport alongside runners of all abilities and backgrounds, celebrating the inclusive nature of the sport. The point-to-point course, comprised of mostly single track trails with some gravel roads and a few miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, will challenge fairly all athletes without favoring one particular specialization.
Registration will open on November 21 at www.ultraroc.com. Runners can follow UROC on social media on Facebook and Twitter (@UROCUltraRace). For more information, please contact Dr. Francesca Conte at (434) 218-0402 or francesca@badtothebone.biz
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