The GBP Trail Series will help keep you outdoors and active during the winter months while exposing you to some of the most beautiful (and runnable) trails in New Mexico. Races are held every third Saturday for the months of December through February with a post series social/celebration after the February race.
There is also a noncompetitive virtual option if you still want to get out but not in the crowds. The virtual option will now not require you to run/hike the course at the preserve, just complete the distance to earn you a finishers award.
One of the greatest benefits of participating in this event (other than keeping yourself fit) is that your entry fee is essentially a donation to Commonweal Conservancy who has protected and continues to steward the over 41 miles of trails and 10,000 acres of land in the Galisteo Basin Preserve that we all enjoy. That is right, 100% of the profits go to Commonweal Conservancy and the series has raised $21,279.83 in the past 4 years.
THE HARE
3.5 mile and 7 mile
12/16/2023 – In-Person
12/1 – 12/31 – Virtual
THE GOAT
4.25 mile and 8.5 mile
1/20/2024 – In-Person
1/1 – 1/31 – Virtual
THE COYOTE
6.6 mile and 13.1 mile
2/17/2024 – In Person
2/1-2/29 – Virtual
REGISTRATION
Sign up for the in-person series before December 1st for a discounted rate and guaranteed shirt. There WILL NOT be race day registration. Registration will open August 1st, 2023!
Race Options:
- In-Person Race Series Long/Short (closes December 15th @ noon MST) $65.00 before December 1, $75.00 after.
- In-Person individual race Long/Short (closes the Friday @ noon MST before each respective event) $25.00.
- Virtual Series Long/Short (non-competitive event and does not have to be ran in the preserve) $75.00 before December 1, $85.00 after (closes December 15th @ noon MST)
- Virtual/In-Person Series Doggie Division Long/Short (competitive event must be run in the preserve). $85.00 before December 1, $85.00 after (closes December 15th @ noon MST)
We will still offer a series discount to school teams, charity teams, law enforcement/first responder teams and military teams of 4 or more persons. Please email the race director for inquiries.
COURSE AND RACE INFO
Start time:
All in-person races will start at 0900 am (Doggie Division will start at 0915 am) on the third Saturday of the month. Please arrive early enough to check in, use the restroom, stretch, etc. There will be a safety/course brief at 0845 am for each race.
Course Info:
We will provide a detailed map as well as a online map via the All Trails APP. If you desire to do the longer distance you will repeat the loop, just in the reverse direction (fondly referred to as washing machine style). The course (in-person races only) will be well marked with flagging throughout and arrows will mark major turns.
Cutoff Times: (For in-person races only)
Each race in the series will have a cut-off time for the first loop for those planning on completing the long course distance. You must complete the first loop before the cut-off time to be allowed to continue onto the second loop. The Hare – 10:00 am (1 hour or a 17 min per mile pace) — The Goat – 10:15 am (1 hour and 15 minutes or a 17:40 per mile pace) — The Coyote – 10:52 am (1 hour and 52 minutes or a 17 min per mile pace). If you fail to meet the cut-off you will be considered a short distance finisher.
Water/Restrooms:
We will have multiple porty-pottys at the Cowboy Shack trailhead as well as water and electrolytes for the in-person races only. There is no potable water at the preserve however they do have a porty-potty for virtual options.
Race Village: (For in-person races only)
We will have hot coffee and cocoa, fruit, snacks and pastries. There will also be music, a fire pit and first-aid warming tent if needed. Stay and cheer and keep warm while waiting for your friends to finish.
Post Series Celebration:
We will end this seasons series with a post race celebration in the Race Village at the preserve the last race in the series, The Coyote. Here we will award the top racers of each division, present Commonweal Conservancy with a big check and give away some sweet door prizes. We will have also hot food for donations (going back to the preserve). More details are to come as the date gets closer.
TIMING
Race timing for the in-person races only are gun timed and is provided by Core Crew.
AWARDS AND SWAG
Individuals who complete all three races virtual or in-person (regardless of distance) will receive a series finisher award. All racers signing up for the series will receive a custom tech shirt. (Virtual racers will receive their tech shirt and finisher awards via mail in March.)
Virtual Doggie Division:
Racers who complete all three races in the series will receive two finisher awards (one for them and one for the pooch). All racers signing up for the series will receive a custom tech shirt. (These will be mailed out in March at the end of the series.)
Top finisher awards:
There will be top finisher awards for the top female and male of each of the following race divisions:
- Long Course: Top 3 Females and Top 3 Males overall
- Short Course: Top 3 Females and Top 3 Males overall
- Doggie Division Short Course: Top Human
- Doggie Division Long Course: Top Human
Point system:
Points will be calculated similar to cross country scoring and each runner is their own “team” for the series. You will receive points based on your place when crossing the finish line for your division (divisions are male and female for both the long and short courses). The runners with the total lowest points for the series in their divisions will place in at the top.
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING
All races will start at the Cowboy Shack Trailhead and a map can be found using this Google map link. Old school directions – from I-25 take 285 south for 5.5 miles, after you cross the train tracks take the second road on the right. Pass the first intersection (New Moon Overlook) staying straight on Astral Valley Rd. Keep right at the next 3 intersections. Please respect the posted speed limit. Car pooling is strongly encouraged.
CANCELLATIONS/REFUNDS/TRANSFERS
We cannot offer any refunds or transfers.
In the event the in-person race will need to be cancelled due to weather or public safety, the race director will send an email as well as post on the Facebook page the cancellation as soon as the determination has been made.
All profits of the race series will support Commonweal Conservancy in its stewardship activities of the GBP. In the past four years we have raised over $21,279.83 , so a BIG THANK YOU to everyone that has participated!
SUPPORTERS
If you are interested in supporting the series you can inquire using the button below. Thank you!
FAQs
Am I eligible for the top finisher prize if I mix the race distance? No, you must complete all 3 races in either the long or short courses to be eligible. Meaning, you are ineligible if you run The Hare 4 miler, The Goat 8 miler and then The Coyote 6 Miler. You will still however be eligible for the series finisher award.
Can I race with my dog? Yes, but you must be registered for the Doggie Division and they must be well behaved and on leash at all times. Doggie Division will start at 0915 but you must still be at the 0845 race safety brief.
Can I sign up for the Virtual race and run the in-person races? No, we need a count of all in person racers for field size limits and safety reasons. Please complete your run/hike on your own given the resource guides emailed to each virtual participant one week prior to the race month (also provided in the “Virtual Race Links” at the top of the page. Dogs are not allowed to participate in the in-person races.
Can I sign up for the In-person race series but then run the races virtually? Yes, but you will need to switch your registration and pay the extra charge (for shipping). Email the race director for more information.
Will I be receive a tech shirt if I sign up for the individual races? No, you must sign-up for one of the series options by December 1st, 2023 to receive a tech shirt.
