The SLO Ultra, produced by the Central Coast’s endurance sports leader Race SLO, has announced its new home in partnership with San Luis Obispo County Parks. Relocating from Avila Beach and Wild Cherry Canyon, the annual Fall trail race will now start and finish at El Chorro Regional Park.
The third annual SLO Ultra Trail Race, scheduled Labor Day Weekend September 1, 2018, will be held in conjunction with the sixth annual US Trail Running Conference, sponsored by the City of San Luis Obispo, August 29-31. The first two days of the conference focus on industry professionals, with a full expo featuring education and brands specifically for race directors. On Friday, August 31, the content is dedicated to trail runners and coaches by offering clinics with professional athletes Ian Torrence, Emily Harrison Torrence, Krissy Moehl and more.
“Due to the fast growing popularity of off road running and hiking, our SLO Ultra quickly became one of the largest trail races in the nation, hosting 1,500 athletes in 2017. After being named the Road Runners Club of America State Championship Trail Marathon Race, we realized it was time for us to move from Avila Beach to a larger venue. Building off of Race SLO’s deep love and respect for our County, we found the ideal partnership with San Luis Obispo County Parks and are now working together to raise funds to implement new programs and facilities for public use at El Chorro Regional Park. We are thrilled to continue to give our participants exclusive access to trails not otherwise open to public, with spectacular views of the iconic Seven Sisters, and to add camping to our Dirt Festival offerings,” said Samantha Pruitt, Race SLO Founder and CEO.
“The SLO Ultra and Race SLO are perfect park partners to help SLO County Parks meet the community’s recreation needs and help make the changes the public approved for El Chorro Regional Park,” said Nick Franco, County Parks Director. “In partnership with Cal Poly, we will be developing new golf practice facilities at Dairy Creek Golf Course to include a longer range, evening lighting, and Top Tracer Range – a new way for non-golfers and low handicappers to enjoy an interactive golf experience. We will also be adding bocce ball, miniature golf and go karts over the next year. We are excited to have the SLO Ultra come to El Chorro Regional Park and we hope people come out to the race and also play golf at Dairy Creek, enjoy the Pipeline restaurant, visit the Botanical Gardens, enjoy camping and have a great time at the park.”
The SLO Ultra offers a 50-mile ultra race, a cross country marathon, cross country half marathon and a 5K run. All levels are welcome to run or hike these private trails made of pristine hills, tree covered canyons and epic ocean view mountain tops. A new kids race will also take place within Dairy Creek Golf Course. At the life changing finish line, participants and spectators will enjoy a live music, athlete recovery lounge, hot BBQ and cold Lagunitas brew. The festival is open to the public and free, parking is $5 in the park or at Cuesta College. Also available is camping inside El Chorro Regional Park on a first-come-first-serve basis through SLO County Parks by calling (805) 781-5930 and selecting Option 4.
The 3rd annual SLO Ultra benefits the Land Conservancy of SLO County and now SLO County Parks. Both organizations work tirelessly to secure and maintain open spaces in SLO County. Funds raised specifically for the County Parks Department will be used to implement the El Chorro Regional Park Programming Plan for public use, including new outdoor athletic spaces for trail runners, hikers and mountain bikers.
For more information and to register, please visit sloultra.com.
ABOUT RACE SLO
Established in 2008 to bring world class sporting events to the beautiful California Central Coast, the Race SLO endurance event portfolio includes the inaugural California Warrior Experience (Spring 2018), 7th SLO Marathon + Half, Relays and 5K plus Kids Races (Spring 2018), 3rd SLO Ultra trail races (late Summer 2018) and the recently added US Trail Running Conference (late Summer 2018).
The Race SLO Team produces both fun & competitive running events year-round to create human connection through fitness and raise funds for local nonprofits: Jack’s Helping Hand, The Land Conservancy of SLO, Team Red, White & Blue, Grizzly Youth Academy and SLO County Parks.
Our mission: Through human experiences, we create social & economic impact to share our legacy.
Visit RaceSLO.com for more information.