REXBURG— Trail runners will get to know Kelly Canyon very well this weekend. They will compete in a race that lasts 24 hours. The race is unique from other trail runs because it is not about distance or time, but who can complete the most laps.
The race is 24 hours starting this Friday at 10 a.m. to Saturday at 10 a.m.
The course is a 4-mile loop. However, this race is made especially for adventurous trail runners. The race intends to live up to its name. Already more than 70 runners are signed up individually or in teams.
“During each of these laps, even though the loop itself will stay fixed, runners will be subject to some wild surprises,” says race director Mia Fort. “So, it could be some water obstacles, mandatory jumping jacks, you name it, but they're going to have some surprises.”
In this wild race, team runners can bring camaraderie. While running on a team, only one person’s lap will count toward the score, but team members can still run together to support each other.
“We'll have music and food, and it'll just be really an exciting environment all night,” Fort says.
Trail running is different than your typical running race. Runners will not always run because a trail can provide different challenges.
“Sometimes you're walking up the uphills or crawling, trying at least to make it up. You're usually getting all your speed on those downhills trail running,” Fort says.
On Kelly Canyon’s course, runners will be able to be part of nature and see the stars at night.
For the safety of runners, stations will be placed along the course to hydrate runners as well as required headlamps after 8:30 p.m. Fort says off-road vehicles will do laps every so often to double-check on the runners as well.
All skill levels are welcome to participate, whether a trail runner expert or a beginner. Even a walker can get a decent number of laps into the 24-hour period, Fort says.
Awards will be given in men’s individual runner, women’s individual runner, and a team category for the highest number of laps completed in the 24-hour period.
Runners are welcome to run the course ahead of the race to prepare. Fort encourages community members to give the race a try.
There is a $35 fee to run in the race. Sign up by May 14 to run in the race at kellycanyonresort.com/wild24/
“It's just a great opportunity to gather as a community and just do something incredible,” Fort says.
The Kelly Canyon Wild 24 may soon be a semiannual tradition, Fort says, with the Kelly Canyon Wild 24 Fall edition coming later this year.