Not all races are created equal, and that’s our belief at The VUE (Vortex Ultra Experience) which takes place in Sedona, Arizona. So, when we set out to host our ultrarunning event on April 20, we created an “experience”: The Vortex Ultra Experience. Vortex vibes included, of course.
Runners who arrived early had the opportunity to join our community-based “beer run” at the Sedona Beer Company Basecamp on the Thursday before the race. Bib pickup on Friday was followed by a shakeout run and opening ceremony including yoga stretches and a moment of intention to align runners’ bodies with their minds in preparation for race day. It’s an “experience” sought after by many who travel to Sedona, so we brought it to our VUE runners.
Photo: Let’s Wander Photography
Race day came early for our 50-milers. There were 63 runners who toed the line with perfect temps and anxious enthusiasm. With 12.5 hours to complete their journey, a calculated run was necessary on our stunning, yet technical trails. Singletrack, slickrock and back country trails were all included on the course and ice was a necessary favorite. Temperatures rose as the miles passed, but with five fully stocked aid stations hosted by local Sedonians, the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund and the Wild Women Running ladies from Phoenix, our runners were well-fueled.
As the day progressed, many of our 50-milers dropped down to join the 34-milers in their quest for a finish. It’s a veteran decision to make that call when it’s not your day and save what you’ve got. The 50-milers and 34-mile runners traversed the first 15.5 miles to aid station 3. If 50-milers missed the cutoff or were not feeling it, they had the option to drop down and continue down the 34-mile course. A total of 27 runners finished the 50-miler, while 73 finished the 34-miler.
Photo: Let’s Wander Photography
Photo: Let’s Wander Photography
Our 50-mile male winner, Craig Gillis, of Portland, Oregon, set a course record of 8:12:35 and was celebrating his mom’s birthday with both his mom and dad joining him at the finish line. In second place was Gerardo Moceri, a Sedona local, and Sam Kemper from Huntington Beach, CA rounded out the podium. Our top female, Alyson Kirk, of Morrison, Colorado, set a course record of 10:22:56, while Sedona local Emma Brant took second and Yury Park from Los Angeles, California, snagged third.
Congratulations to all our runners in the 4-mile, 12-mile, 21-mile and ultra-distances, who joined us on April 20, 2024 for the Vortex Ultra Experience. We will host our “experience” each year on the third weekend in April.