About This Race
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort just outside Zion National Park, the Ponderosa Polar Challenge redefines the concept of a trail race. This November event emphasizes movement, adventure, and community over pure speed, offering runners the freedom to choose their own distance—from a manageable 5K all the way to an extraordinary 150 miles—all within a generous 52-hour time window. The race's unique format centers on three loop options: 1-mile, 2-mile, and 3-mile circuits that runners can combine in any configuration to reach their desired distance. This flexible approach allows participants to tailor their experience, whether seeking a quick autumn run or embarking on a multi-day endurance journey. The November timing brings cooler temperatures to southern Utah, making it an appealing alternative to traditional summer ultramarathons in the region. With up to 100 participants spread across nine different distance categories, the event maintains an intimate, supportive atmosphere where runners can adjust their goals as conditions and motivation dictate. The proximity to Zion National Park adds natural grandeur to the setting, though specific course details and terrain characteristics are not fully detailed in available information.
The course consists of three interconnected loops of 1, 2, and 3 miles that runners can combine in any sequence to achieve their target distance. Based on the terrain classification showing 100% paths, the course appears to follow established trail systems around the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort property. The loop format allows for flexible pacing strategies and easy crew access throughout the event, though specific terrain features and technical difficulty remain unclear from available data.
Location
Practical Info
November in southern Utah typically brings cool, dry conditions with daytime temperatures in the 50s-60s°F and nighttime lows in the 30s-40s°F.
LAS - McCarran International Airport, Las Vegas
The race takes place at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, which likely offers on-site lodging options. Additional accommodations available in nearby Springdale and Hurricane, Utah.
Best For
Notable Features
The race's most distinctive feature is its choose-your-own-adventure format, where runners select from nine different distances using the same loop system. This flexibility, combined with the 52-hour time limit, creates an unusually supportive environment for both ambitious distance goals and more conservative approaches. The setting near Zion National Park provides stunning natural beauty without the typical technical challenges of mountain ultras.