RESULTS

long tough technical

You Got Grit!

Mountain

The True Grit Epic is one of the toughest cross-county mountain bike races you will encounter.

The course traverses 4 different desert trail systems, from steep rock drops and punchy technical climbs, to fast flowing single track.

The race starts at the Santa Clara Town Hall, with a 1 mile escorted neutral start through the historic town.

You will encounter steep climbs the moment you hit the dirt. Look for features like “Barrel Trail Water Fall”, ” Zen Wall”, the “Three Finger’s of Death”, and “the Notch”.

When you have finished, you will know you have GRIT!

Series Season Opener

join the series – win travel awards and prizes

The NUE Series feature two tracks, Epic 100 and Marathon 50 k/50 Mile. Race 3 events during the season to qualify for cash and travel prizes..

True Grit -LONG, TOUGH, & TECHNICAL -Mountain Stage.

This race takes physical and metal toughness to conquer the day. Be prepared!

Choose your challenge

  • NUE EPIC 100
  • NUE EPIC 50
  • Relay ( 50 Mile)
  • Challenge 15
50 Mile Course
100 Mile Course
Finish Route Detail

You return to the finish line, located behind town hall using neighborhood streets. DO NOT ride down Santa Clara Drive.

Check Points

Checkpoints keep racers honest and help us track you on the course. There are 4 checkpoints on the course. When you pass these timing points, they will record your bib number which will show as a split-time LIVE at the results tent.

  1. Start Wave Time. Your number plate will be coded to match your category. This is programmed into the timing chip. If you jump the gun your race will not be recorded. You may however start any time after your start wave and receive an accurate total time.
  2. Zen Trail. You will be recorded at the beginning and end of the loop.
  3. Stuki Spring Junction. You will be recorded as you make the turn from Stucki Springs Road to the Rim Runner Trail.
  4. Barrel Roll Lap.  You will be recorded at the beginning and end of this loop. (if you need to access the feed zone after your lap you should do so after exiting the check station).
  5. Finish Time. You must cross the map to finish your race.

100 Mile racers will receive a total of 6 checkmarks, 3 for each lap.

Any racer who crosses the finish line without check point in the system will be assumed to be a DNF.

Cut-Off Times

Checkpoints keep racers honest and help us track you on the course. There are 4 checkpoints on the course. When you pass these timing points, they will record your bib number which will show as a split-time LIVE at the results tent.

  1. Start Wave Time. Your number plate will be coded to match your category. This is programmed into the timing chip. If you jump the gun your race will not be recorded. You may however start any time after your start wave and receive an accurate total time.
  2. Zen Trail. You will be recorded at the beginning and end of the loop.
  3. Stuki Spring Junction. You will be recorded as you make the turn from Stucki Springs Road to the Rim Runner Trail.
  4. Barrel Roll Lap.  You will be recorded at the beginning and end of this loop. (if you need to access the feed zone after your lap you should do so after exiting the check station).
  5. Finish Time. You must cross the map to finish your race.

100 Mile racers will receive a total of 6 checkmarks, 3 for each lap.

Any racer who crosses the finish line without check point in the system will be assumed to be a DNF.

Feed Zones

There will be 2 aid stations with food, water, first aid, and repair services

ZEN FEED ZONE accessed at miles 13.7, 19.6, 55.5, 62,

BAREEL FEED ZONE is accessed at 36.5, 41, 79, and 85 .

You will find real food ( potatoes, bacon, sandwiches), fruit, CarboRocket hydration, and water. We stock a minimal amount of gels and bars. So plan accordingly.

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Bad Weather Plan

In the case of bad weather, and a change to the race plan you will be notified via email, FB, IG, and on our Front Page Blog. Here are some actions we may take.

  1. In case of mud, the course will be rerouted around Cove Wash Trail.
  2. We may delay the start or cut the event short if there is dangerous weather.
  3. We may delay the race by 1 day. ( Sunday Alternative)
  4. We may cancel the race.

Finisher Awards

All racers, regardless of distance will receive a finisher mug. Finisher mugs can be claimed at the registration tent after your ride. You must have your bib number.

We will not ship unclaimed mugs.

15 Mile Course
15 Mile Course Differences

The course starts the same as the True Grit 50. You will travel down Gates lane in the last wave of riders and head out to the desert via Stucki Springs Road. VERY IMPORTANT !!! at mile 2.4 you will head straight, drop into the wash and climb back out of the basin to the west ( do not follow the 50-mile course markings).  At the top of the rocky ridge ( mile 2.6), you will rejoin the 50/100-mile course and head toward the Rim Runner Loops.

You will Have an opportunity to access the Barrel Feed Zone at Mile 6.5 and 13.5

Drop Bags

You will be able to drop bags for 1 or both of the aid stations. Look for the bag drop area near the start line before the race.  These will be transported for you at the start of the race and returned to the venue just after the aid station closes. The bags will be dropped exactly where you placed them at the start of the day.

Only Zip Lock or drawstring bags will be accepted. Small coolers ( 12 ” or less) are also acceptable. NO open plastic or paper grocery store-type bags are accepted. The white paper bag given at Packet Pick-up is not acceptable. These will not be transported and will be placed directly in Lost and Found.

  • Return from  Feed 1  is between 2 pm -3 pm
  • Return from GRAVEL Drop between 3pm -4pm
  • Return From Feed 2 is between 5 or 6 pm

We recommend only 100 Mile racers drop to Feed 2. Any bags left will be placed under the Merch tent at Town Hall and can be picked up there anytime Sunday. Bags not claimed will be disposed of.

We recommend only 100 Mile racers drop to Feed 2. Any bags left will be placed under the Merch tent at Town Hall and can be picked up there anytime Sunday. Bags not claimed will be disposed of.

Live Timing and Results

Timing is provided via Race Results. https://my.raceresult.com/ .  Each person will have a RFID chip attached to their number plate. Do not bend the plate or get it wet prior to the event or the tag could be deactivated. Live tracking and results links will be made available in the Race Bible and on QR Code signs around the venue race day.

Spectator Access

Our permits require us to have a closed course . The public is not allowed to ride, drive, or spectate on the course.

This being said there are a couple of places that friends, family and support staff can reach you while you are racing.

Only numbered racers and course marshals are allowed on the course with bikes.

• The Miles 4 -23 miles can be viewed from the top of Canyon View drive in Green Valley. You will be looking across the valley. You will not be up close to the riders.

  • Feed Zone 1 in Green Valley: Dixie Drive to Canyon View Dr. Go West past the Spa. You can park on the dirt at the top and walk down the hill or take the dirt road and pack near the feed zone.
  • Feed Zone 2 in Santa Clara:  Support can access racers at the bottom of Stucki Springs Road in Santa Clara. You can park at the small parking area and walk up the road ( not trail) to the feed zone.

•In case of an emergency contact event staff to reach a participant on the course.

Lost and Found
  • During Race : Items returned from the course will be stored at the finisher award tent race day.
  • Post Race:  Any items not claimed by the end of the race will be available at the venue beginning at 8:30 am Sunday till 5 pm Sunday after the race. The items will be outside in the area of packet pick-up. Please keep them neatly inside the bins.
  • Very Post Race: All items will be brought back to GRO headquarters. The water bottles are emptied and placed in the washer for support at the next event. Un-opened packaged nutritional and tube items also go to support future event support. Clothing and very personal items will be kept for an additional week can be shipped at your cost. After 1 week these items will be donated to HS mtn bike teams or Goodwill.

Cash Purse and Awards
  • There is a $5000 Cash purse paid out to the top 5 males and females in the Open 100 and Open 50 Categories
  • In addition to a cash prize, the 1st Place Finisher in each 100 category,  and the 1st place finisher in the 50 Open Categories will receive an entry and guaranteed spot to the next years race.
  • 100 Race:  Awards and Prizes 5 Deep
  • 50 Mile Open: Awards and Prizes 5 Deep
  • 50 Miles Ages + SS : Awards and Prizes 3 Deep
  • 15 Mile Race: 1 Place winner is awarded , 3 deep stand call ups
  • Relay: No Podium or Awards

other FAQ’s

What bike should I use?

The most popular bike for this race seems to be a hard tail 29ner. Full suspension will help you get through the Barrel Cacti and Zen trails easier, but a hard trail may be more efficient when pedaling the Poppy trail and Stucki Springs trail. NUE rules say there is no switching bikes, so choose wisely. As always we suggest pre-riding.

What is the weather like?

This is a spring race, and like any place in the spring the weather can vary greatly. The average high is 68 degrees, low 38 degrees and precipitation .93 “. But we have seen temps as high as 85 and as low as 32 and snowing,  so come prepared for anything.

Tell me about the post race meal?

You will receive a voucher for your meal at Packet Pick-up. If you are racing the 100 Mile or Stage , you will receive 2 vouchers. They are good for a meal from any food truck, before or after your race. Food trucks will also have food for purchase by the public.

Tell me about the Alternative Lines?

There is No short-cutting the course. You will be disqualified if it is reported that you cut the course or used a short cut .

There are alternative line exceptions.


Alternative line sections are marked clearly with a sign that says   “ALTERNATIVE LINES OK HERE” .

Stucki has 2 sections that are alternative. The Rattle Snake point drop and the Wall ( after Stuki point) The Wall is a climb you can either go straight up or around.

Barrel Trail & Zen where you can take a less technical route to get around an obstacle. We always mark the most direct route.

Bear Claw Poppy the trail signs have Green and Blue lines. You can take any line that is marked on the Bear Claw Poppy trail.

RULES

GENERAL RULES

1. Race Age

With the exception of the youth restrictions, your race age is the age you will be turning in the present year by 12/31. ie. if you are 49 on race day, but will turn 50 in May, you will race in the 50 + category.

2. Starting Procedure

Starting times will be staggered according to your race, category, and est. finish time.  A colored dot on the front of your number plate designates your waive. You must line up and race with your start wave. We use a programmed chip time. If you jump the gun you will be given a DNS.   Jumping the gun is cheating. You may start in a later wave and your actual start time will be your official start time. 

3.Special Passing Zones

No-Passing Zones:  There is a 1 mile no passing zone through the Bear-Claw Poppy habitat. Racers’ tires must remain on the trail tread at all times. There are several pull-outs where a front racer may pull over to allow a racer by. These sections will be strictly enforced so that we can maintain a permit to race this section.  Markers will indicate “NO PASS ZONE”

Safety Passing Zones: These are zones where passing a racer could cause injury to one or both racers due to technical conditions. There are about 5 of these sections on the course and they will be marked with “SAFETY ZONE”. A racer must make sure a front rider is clear of the obstacle before proceeding. If a racer must dismount they must be safely to the side to allow racers to proceed.

Alternative Lines: There are several areas where alternative lines are OK. These are short spurs in the trail that avoid challenging lines. They are marked with ” ALT LINES OK”. On the Bearclaw Poppy trail, there are alt lines built into the system. They are marked with Green Circle or Blue Square.  Any line marked with official BLM markers are OK. On Stucki Springs there is a big hill that you can go straight up or around.

Going off trail or short-cutting the course is never OK and will be grounds for disqualification.

4. Finish

The race starts are staggered by category by wave based on your category and estimated finish time.

The race ends at 7 PM. All racers must be off course by 7 pm or receive a DNF on official results.

We reserve the right to cancel or shorten the race as needed due to weather or other trail conditions for the safety of all racers and the longevity of the event.

All results will be available online and live during the race. It is the racers’ responsibility to check that their finish time was recorded.

Only podium disputes will be accepted during the event. All other disputes or timing errors must be submitted in writing, with proof, to Info@groraces.com. Disputes will be accepted up to 5 days from the end of the event;  at which time all results will become final.

5. Rules & Etiquette
  1. All backcountry bicycle event participants are required to wear eye protection and a helmet that complies with U.S. CPSC safety standards for bicycle helmets.

2. Each rider is expected to complete the entire course. If they do not the participant is considered a Did Not Finish (DNF). If a rider is a DNF they should not cross the finish line. They should report to an Official they are no longer on the course and did not complete the ride.

3. The nature of mountain biking requires a mountain biker to be self-supported. Endurance events are a mild deviation from the solo backcountry experience. Participants are allowed to accept support from other registered event participants, official event aid stations, or crew support stationed at aid stations on the course.

4. The course is closed. Non-registered riders are prohibited from entering the course during the race.

5. Be responsible for your belongings and don’t throw trash on the trail.

6. Be nice to your fellow racers, always announce when you are passing and make sure they have a safe place to pull over, especially in the technical parts.

7.Remember the desert is a fragile place, try to only pass when there is room, try to wait for a wide spot in the trail, and try not to create an unnecessary widening of the single track.

8.If you need to stop and take a break make sure you are well off course in a hardened area.

6. No Ebikes

True Grit Epic is a bicycle marathon event along the BLM managed single track trails and dirt roads of rural Washington County UT. For the purpose of this event, “bicycle” is defined as “a vehicle consisting of a frame mounted on two wheels one behind the other, and having a seat, handlebars for steering, two hand-operated brakes, and propelled solely by the operator via two pedals connected to the rear wheel by chain or belt. “E-Bikes” are not permitted by the BLM and will NOT be allowed under any circumstances.

7. Environmental Protection

St George Utah is on the edge of 3 eco-tones and therefore is home to many rare plants and animals that may not be found in other parts of the world. The race course travels through habitat for the bear-claw poppy , desert tortoise, and lands with cryptobiotic soils.

We are able to obtain a permit every year to host this event because of many special protection measure that we take to avoid harming any adjacent habitat. First and foremost research has shown that in general mountain bike racers are more aware and concerned for their outdoor environment. Please take a moment to learn about the local St George area and the sensitive habitat you will be traveling through.

IF YOU SEE A TORTOISE, YOU MUST REPORT THE SITING TO THE NEAREST OFFICIAL .

8. Camping Rules

All camping spots are by reservation and you must display a permit in your car window.

Alcohol is not allowed on city property. If you bring beer to the event, be discrete about where you drink it. Do not dispose of beer bottles or cans in city trash receptacles.

All dogs must be on a leash

Please Clean -up any trash.

CATEGORY RULES

– NUE RULES

The True Grit Epic is the season opener for the NUE Series.

The National Ultra Endurance Series Rules apply to all racers who enter a NUE EPIC or MARATHON CATEGORY.

All riders in the True Grit 50 will also be ranked in the appropriate NUE category and awarded points.

True Grit 100 Open Male, Female, Single Speed, or Masters Male, Master Female

True Grit 50 Open Male, Female, Single Speed or Masters Male, Master Female

These rules apply in addition to the rules below. For a complete list of the rules visit NUEMTB.com

– 50 Mile Relay Rules

Always wanted to try the True Grit but your not quite ready?  Then race with a friend. Each teammate will do approximately half the course.

You may enter the DUO/Relay category as a single or mixed gender team. The minimum age of 14 for a Duo team is the same as the 50 mile. A JR racer must still qualify and submit the waiver documents. The qualifying distance is 1/2 however.

The team will be given a baton  and number plates with the same number. The baton will transfer from one racer to the next. You must show the baton to the check point official and at the finish line. You may only  transition at the Zen Feed Zone.

The transitioning person must park at the top of Green Valley Drive and ride down the hill to the transition zone.

-Junior 50 Rules

To qualify you demonstrate endurance and technical ability by submitting a race resume

COMPLETE APPLICATION NOW
  1. No one under the age of 14 may race
  2. Age is determined by the racers’ age on race day for anyone under 18.
  3. Fill out the online Application
    • Application MUST be filled out by EVERY JR racer under 18 and fully completed by the deadline.
    • Guidelines for acceptance vary by age. In most cases a pre-ride is required. See exceptions on application instructions.
    • No JR late entries will be accepted.
    • Email waivers and applications WILL NOT be accepted. You must submit it online.
  4. All racers under 18 must have a chaperon on site watching out for their racing progress. The race starts are staggered by category by wave based on your category and estimated finish time.

note: NICA races alone do not qualify a minor to do this race regardless of standings.

-15 Mile Challenge Rules
  1. The Challenge Ride has a minimum age of 12. No exceptions. Rider must be the minimum age on the day of the race.
  2. All Jr Riders under 14 must be riding with a parent but riders do not need to qualify to ride this category.
  3. All riders under 18 must submit the JR waiver prior to being moved from the waitlist into the event. 
  4. A pre-ride is not required for the Challenge category.
  5. Riders will get the same experience by riding the same course as the 100 & 50-mile riders, only shorter.  So be aware there are steep drop-offs and ledges to navigate.
  6. There are no Cut-Off points
  7. All other rules apply

Submit Application Waiver Now

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