Dirty 30 Race Details
NO SPECTATORS, FAMILIES, FRIENDS, OR CREW AT THE 2023 DIRTY 30. Due to a 60% increase in park visitors at Golden Gate Canyon State Park we are not allowed to have spectators at this event, but if they would like to volunteer, this is a great way to be a part of the race and we very much appreciate the help.
To both spread out the start line and give all participants the time they need to complete this race, the 50K has multiple start times or waves. See below.
- Your start time is contingent upon your estimated finish time. Please review the start/finish/aid station time data on Open Split Time to gain knowledge and perspective of the time it takes a front, middle, and back of the packer to get to each aid station and to the finish. Picking your start time is not an exact science, but you need to start where you belong. If you start at 6 a.m. and you should be starting at 7 or 8 a.m., the aid stations and course marshals will not be in place. So if you are a front-of-the-pack runner, you must start at 8 a.m. If you are going for a 7-8:30 hr finish, then the 7:00 a.m. start is for you. If you are worried about finishing this race on time and plan to hike a good deal of the course and walk or run the downhills slowly, you should start at 6:00 a.m. Your experience will be more enjoyable if you start at the correct time. You will be running at the same relative pace as those you start with, avoiding the need to pass and be passed a lot. This start structure is for your enjoyment as much as it is for the logistics of this race. We will have additional 5 minute waves at each of the start times.
- 6:00 a.m. - Back of the pack - 8:30 to 11:30 hour finishers
- 7:00 a.m. - Middle of the pack - 7:00 to 8:30 hour finishers
- 8:00 a.m. - Front of the pack - 4:30 to 7:00 hour finishers
- * All Elite runners must start at 8:00 a.m.
- Please enter your name and who you are carpooling with on the 2022 Dirty 30 Start Times/Carpool Google Sheet . There are three separate tabs located at the bottom of the sheet, one for each start time. Enter your info on the correct start time.
50K Cut-off's - Not making one of these cut-off's will result in a "DNF" (did not finish) on your results.
Aid 2: Mile 12.14 - 11:00 a.m. - racers not making this cut-off will be shuttled back to the start/finish by race staff.
Aid 3: Mile 17.5 - 12:30 p.m. - racers not making this cut-off will be shuttled back to the start/finish by race staff.
Lion / Burro Junction - 2:50 p.m.All racers must be through the Lion/Burro Junction at mile 25.9 no later than 3:00 p.m. in order to turn down Burro and climb Windy Peak. If you are not here by 3:00 p.m. you will be directed straight down Lion for 1.5 more mile to the finish line.
Aid 5 - 4:45 p.m.All racers must be through Aid 5 by 4:45 p.m. in order to be allow to finish the race course. If not, you will be directed down the service road and a half mile to the finish line. Please do not cross the finish line, but please check in with the timer at the finish line.
Finish Line - Closes at 5:30 p.m.
Race Day Schedule.pdf The awards ceremony is a time for celebration, connection and acknowledgement. The awards at the Dirty 30 are for EVERYONE, so plan on staying. The awards ceremony will go from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. ALL PRIZE WINNERS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN AND OBTAIN THEIR AWARD.
This is not a relay. Each team member runs the entire 50K course. Each runner will get their individual time. Then each team receives a “Team Time” based on the 3 fastest individual finish times added together.
Joining or creating a team will make this ardous journey more fun and increase the chances of you reaching the finish line. Nearly every person who crosses the finish line says, "that was so much harder than I thought it would be". This course was created with the intention of being hard because we know if it were easy, it wouldn't be worth it. Joining a team is one way to surround yourself with others who have the same goal as you and your team will hold you accountable to your training plan and goal of reaching the finish line. Showing up with your team on race day will surround yourself with people who are there to support you and champion your success. When the going gets tough, you will fight harder to stay in the game for your team. The friends you make on this journey will be life long friends. We are stronger together.
Follow these guidelines to CREATE your own team or JOIN one of the teams below:If you don't have your own team and would like to join a team, choose one of the following teams below. When registering for the race, you can choose any of the following team categories by entering it into the "Teams" questions at registration. You may log back into your Ultra Sign Up account and add any of these or your own team name after you register.
When registering in Ultra Sign Up, one of the registration questions asks you to enter your team name. Make sure each team member enters the team name exactly the same. You can easily add yourself to a team after you register by following these simple steps:
2022 Dirty 30 Packet Pick-Up
It will be chilly at the 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. starts. Our coat collection will allow you to wear your coat at the start line. On a piece of duct tape, write your name and bib # on your coat legibly. Wear it at the Start line. Drop it in the collection boxes right before the race starts. We will have the coats organized with your finish line drop bags in numerical order when you finish. Please do not forget to pick up your coats at the post-race festivities. If you do forget to pick up your coat, they will be taken with the rest of the lost and found items to Runners Roost Boulder. Perhaps it would be best to not wear your favorite, or most expensive coat just incase you forget it.
- Aid 3 - Mile 17.3 - suggested items.
- Any dietary special requirements that are not provided at the aid stations.
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Hiking poles for Windy Peak if you would like. Not common but some do use poles
- Take your Aid 3 drop bags to the blue tarp at the water pump which is between the Red Barn and the parking lot no later than 7:30 a.m.
- Aid 3 drop bags will be returned around 1:30 p.m. to this same location. Please pick them up before you leave.
- Keep it simple and light. Pack your drop bag frugally. Do not put anything in your drop bag that you will be upset if you lose it. Volunteers transport 500 drop bags to Aid 3 and back to the Start/Finish area.
- Finish Line
- Pack a reusable plate, fork, and napkin for the post-race meal. This is our attempt to reduce waste. Can you visualize 800 plates, forks, and napkins in the dumpster? Do not bring disposable plates and forks.
- Pack a change of clothes, rain jacket, flip flops, recovery drink of your choice, and perhaps anti-nauseau medicine. Anything that will make you feel comfortable so you can relax and enjoy the post-race festivities.
- Pack a credit card/money for purchasing Dirty 30 swag (SISU and Lowlander hats, sweatshirts, Dirty 30 transition towels, and hats) as well as great deals from our sponsors and post-race massage from professional massage therapists.
- Please clearly mark drop bags with your name and bib number.
- We will not mail drop bags that have been left behind. They will be taken to Runners Roost, Boulder by Monday following the race and will be there for 2 weeks and then taken to Good Will.
Aid Station Locations
Absolutley NO Spectators, familes, or friends at this race, including all aid stations and the Start/Finish lines. The Golden Gate Canyon State Park Manager has placed this rule on this race due to the lack of parking and the 60% increase in park visitors.
Aid #1 — mile 5.0 - Forgotten Valley
Aid #2 — mile 12.3 - Bootleg Bottom
Aid #3 — mile 17.3 - Horseshoe TH (Your drop bag will be waiting for you. See instructions under Drop Bags.)
Aid #4 — mile 24.4 - Forgotten Valley
Aid #5 — mile 29.4 - Burro Trail at the base of Windy Peak (only water, Tailwind, Coke, Ginger Ale, and VFuel gels at this aid station)
Aid Station Fuel & Food
Our goal is a 100% finish rate for the Dirty 30, so we supply the following fuel and provisions at each aid station. For tips on how to fuel your ultra, Check out Registered Dietitian and Certified Sports Dietitian, Dina Griffin's fueling for Dirty 30 presentation on our YouTube Channel
* Consider implementing Tailwind Nutrition electrolyte drink and VFuel gels in your Dirty 30 training as well as the other foods listed so you know how your body will respond to these items on race day.
** Please feel free to suggests any foods you find helpful that you do not see listed below and we will look into it. Thank you!
Tailwind Electrolyte Drink - 200 calories per 20 oz.
VFuel Gels
Coke, Ginger Ale, Eldorado Springs Natural Spring Water
Ice
Chocolate Chip Cookies (Aid 2 & 3)
Oreos (Aid 1/4 & 2)
M&M (Aid 1/4, 2, 3)
Peanut Butter Pretzels, Potato Chips, Pickles
Boiled Potatoes (Aid 3 & 4)
Broth
Avocados (Aid 1/4 & 3)
PBJ's
Turkey and Cheddar Wraps - (Aid 3)
Perogies (Aid 4)
Oranges, bananas, and watermelon
No salt tabs, please bring your own

Course Support
We Are Cupless
As a Green move, this is a cupless race, so there will not be any cups at aid stations. Runners are required to carry their own hydration system!
Aid Station Supplies
Each aid station will also be supplied with the following items:
Vaseline
Sunscreen
Tampons
Basic First Aid
Track Your Runner
Timing mats will be located at Aid 1, 2, 3, & 4 so that your family and friends receive Track Your Runner text updates of your progress as you enter each of these aid stations. Racers can be tracked at OpenSplitTime.org
To receive Track Your Runner text message alerts, sign up here.
Course Support
Aid Stations are staffed with experienced, knowledgeable, supportive, friendly volunteers who all go way out of their way to assure you have a fun and successful race.
Emergency medical support is on call from each aid station. Basic First Aid is available at each aid station.
There will be 15+ course marshals strategically placed out on the course to help you from getting lost and assist you if you get injured.
Please thank the volunteers. The Golden Gate Dirty 30 would not be possible without their help!
Dirty 30 Shuttle Parking Lot
"Gilpin County Fairgrounds Parking Lot
101 Norton Drive, Black Hawk 80422
The Start/Finish is at the Red Barn/Nott Creek TH Rd., which is 3.5 miles NE of the Golden Gate Canyon State Park Visitor Center on Cawford Gulch Rd. The Visitor Center is 13 miles West of Hwy 93 in Golden on Hwy 46. It is 8 Miles West of the first Crawford Gulch Rd at the Grange/Community Center. On race day do not take this lower Crawford Gulch Rd to the start. You will be directed to the shuttle parking lot which is a 15 min. drive from the Start/Finish.
Google Map Pin Location of the Start/Finish Line
2022 Shuttle Bus Details
Due to the limited parking in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, shuttle buses are needed to transport racers to the start of the race. Gilpin County School Buses will shuttle racers for a 15-minute ride from the Gilpin County Fairgrounds parking lots to the race start. Due to the lower number of entrants in 2022, 7 and 8 a.m. starters who have at least four racers in their car may drive to the Start/Finish area.
Shuttle Bus Parking Lot Location - Gilpin County Fairgrounds parking lot. 101 Norton Drive, Black Hawk, 80422. This is 4-mile west of the Golden Gate Canyon State Park Visitor Center off of hwy 46. It is also right across Hwy 46 from the KOA Base Camp Campground.
Shuttle Bus Schedule - Will be posted at the beginning of May
6 a.m. Starters- Must carpool with at least four racers in the car. There will not be a shuttle bus for the 6 a.m. starters.
7 and 8 a.m. race starters - There will be a shuttle bus for 7 and 8 a.m. starters. Due to lower entrant numbers in 2022, 7 and 8 a.m. starts who have four racers in their car may park at the Start/Finish area.
7 a.m. starters – Arrive at the shuttle parking lot no later than 5:30 a.m. This allows you 15 min. to get parked and organized before loading on the bus.
8 a.m. starters – Arrive at the shuttle parking lot no later than 6:30 a.m. This allows you 15 min. to get parked and organized before loading on the bus. The bus will leave at 6:45 a.m.
Shuttles buses will begin return trip to the shuttle parking lot at approximately 3:30 p.m. and will depart when the bus is full.
No pets or strollers on the bus.
We have partnered with RickyRides to help you arrange a carpool. Here's how it works:
- RickyRides is a bit like a forum. A runner creates a "ride post" which is displayed on the map. The map will show a van if they are offering a ride from their location, or a man if they need a ride.
CREATE / FIND YOUR CARPOOL HERE
Only parking pass holders may park at the Start/Finish. Parking passes are issued to to those who are 6 - 6:20 a.m. starters who have at least FOUR 6 a.m. starters in their cars. These passes are assigned to entrants who request a pass and who meet these requirements. All others must take the shuttle bus from the Gilpin County Fairgrounds Parking Lot on Norton Drive off Hwy 46, 4 miles west of the park visitor center. The shuttle buses are meant for the 7 and 8 a.m. starters. They will not arrive in time for the 6 a .m. starters. Parking pass holders minimum of FOUR(4), 6 a.m. starters will be directed by parking marshals, at the Visitor Center, to park at the start/finish/Nott Creek TH. It might be helpful to look at a map to understand this. The Visitor Center is the junction where cars are identified as either "Carpool" or Volunteers. 50K racers must arrive no earlier than 4:45 a.m. at the Visitor Center where a marshal will be directing traffic. Allow 25 min to get to the visitor center from the junction of Hwy 93 and Golden Gate Canyon Rd, Hwy 46. No dogs or strollers on the shuttle buses.
The remainder of the 50K cars will be parked at the shuttle bus parking lot. The buses will leave the parking lot one right after the other starting at 5:45 a.m. Everyone, please plan to be ready to load on the first shuttle bus. It is imperative that each bus is completely filled with runners in order for every runner to get to the start in time. This will give runners time to pick up packets, eliminate your coffee, get your Aid 3 and finish line drop bags dropped off.
No Crews, families, or Spectators are allowed for the 2022 Race. Due to the significant increase in park visitors the park manager is not allowing spectators at this event.
- Expo! Enjoy mingling, learning about the great new, innovative products and services and shopping from our sponsors at the post-race expo! Bring your credit card and or cash. to purchase great Dirty 30 SWAG.
- Food! A hearty post-race meal for racers and volunteers will be provided and served by Sherpa's Adventurers Restaurant & Bar. Bring your reusable plate and fork in your FINISH LINE DROP BAG so you have it when it is time to eat after your race. In an effort to reduce trash, we ask that you bring your own reusable plate and silverware.
- Massage! Bring cash or credit cards to receive a professional post-race massage. This is a great was to take care of your body and help you speed up your recovery.
- Awards Ceremony! Prizes and awards will be presented at 4:00 p.m. You must be present at the ceremony to win (unless you are still out running); Awards will not be mailed or given out after the awards ceremony. This years competitive field will add extra energy to the event and awards ceremony. Beautiful hand made plaques made by John Hall for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Men's and Womens's, Master's and Open categories will presented. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place age group prizes are awarded, Bloodiest Finisher, Peppy Plugger, 360 Club (finish under 6 hours), SISU's (those completing the D30 under 11.5 hours as your first ultra running race), and teams will be acknowledged and some will share their stories. Please help support your fellow runners and our sponsors by attending the awards ceremony! The post-race party is planned and intended to keep you mingling, relaxing and enjoying this amazing place with good friends until the awards ceremony. Pack a change of clothes and jacket in your finish line drop bag and plan on spending the entire day with us!
All runners are asked to abide by these simple rules so we can continue to organize this great event in the years to come! Breaking of these rules may result in disqualification, subject to the race director's discretion:
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- FOLLOW THE PARKING AND SHUTTLE RULES. The park officials are watching closely this year for everyone to be cooperative and follow the rules. No parking on Crawford Gulch Rd as racers have done in past years. Please tell your family and friends that spectators are not allowed. If they would like to participate they can sign up to volunteer.
- NO SPECTATORS. Golden Gate Canyon State Park has seen a 60% increase in park visitors. They can no longer accommodate spectators for this race. The unique thing about this race is all the Happy Hour events, course preview runs, and trail work as well as the TEAMs aspect of this race that helps build connections and friendships. You will be surrounded by new friends and receive lots of support throughout this entire race.
- DO NOT LITTER. This applies anywhere on the course, including at aid stations. Please respect the park and other visitors.
- STAY ON THE TRAIL. Do not cut switchbacks. Do not stray from the trail when it funnels down to a single-track. Course cutting causes erosion and violates park policies.
- CARRY YOUR OWN HYDRATION SYSTEM. We do not provide cups at aid stations, therefore we ask that all racers carry at least a water bottle to fill up at aid stations. 50K racers are advised to carry at least 40 oz of fluid. The back of the packers will take up to 3 hours to get from Aid 3 to Aid 4, so plan accordingly. You should have at least 60 oz of water for 3 hours.
- CHECK-IN AT AID STATIONS. All racers must personally check-in at each aid station. Should you decide to drop from the race, you must have the ham operator cut your wrist band off. Runners are liable for any search and rescue expenses!
- ADHERE TO CUT-OFF TIMES. 50K runners must arrive at Aid 2 by 11:00 a.m., Aid 3 by 12:30 p.m. the junction of Lion and Burro trails (mile 25.5) by 2:50 p.m. to begin the Windy Peak loop, and Aid 5 by 4:45 p.m. If you do not make these cut-off times you will not be permitted to continue with the race. No exceptions! The Finish line closes at 5:30 p.m.; any racer crossing the finish line after 5:30 p.m. will not be considered an official finisher. Please respect the volunteers who are working this race and honor these cut-off times. If you do not follow this rule, you will be banned from running any future Dirty 30 race.
- INSURANCE NOT PROVIDED. The race will not cover any incurred emergency, medical, or rescue costs. Racers are advised to have personal insurance should you become injured.
- NO DOGS. Dogs are not permitted on the course, on the buses, at the Start / Finish line, or the post-race festivities. The race cannot cover incidences with your pets. You will be asked to take your dog away from this event, so please leave your four-legged friends at home.
- NO PACERS. Pacers are not permitted.
- HIKING POLES. Although most racers do not use them, feel free to use hiking poles if you want, especially up Windy Peak.
- BRING YOUR OWN PLATE AND FORK. Please help us make this event green by bringing your own plates and forks. Put them in your Finish line drop bag. Crew and spectators should also bring their own plates and forks. We would like to avoid putting 1,000 plates and forks in a landfill.
- MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN. Pack a change of clothes in your Finish line drop bag and plan on staying for the Awards Ceremony, which will start around 4:00 p.m. You must be present to win! More than that, stay for the fun and to be with your fellow runners, friends, and family!
Print out this race day plan diagram and fill it out to help you stay on top of your fueling and hydrating needs to have a successful race.
We all look forward to a return to events, and hopefully, we will see improvements to our current situation by next summer and see you at Dirty 30 events again! To be on the safe side, we are putting the following safeguards in place now. These ensure we have in place what may still be necessary at the time or simply a layer of thoughtful, proactive care of our participants, spectators, and volunteers.
We look forward to better days and celebrating outside and on some of the best trails out there.
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Measures we will carry out as needed include but are not limited to, the following:
- • No spectators, families, friends or crews for the 2022 race.
- • Set up socially distanced packet-pick up, such as a drive-through or other system that keep people safe.
- • Limit the number of racers to 45 on each bus
- • Organize limited-touch aid stations to supply what you need quickly and safely.
- • Stagger the start, using waves of runners every 5 minutes, starting with the fastest runners first.
- • Once you do finish, maintain proper social distance as you get your meal
After two years of navigating this pandemic, participating in races, and volunteering at a race that went off successfully, I am confident that we can put on safe, fun races.
While you are training, we will hold our usual “Happy Hour” events as online virtual events until we can hold live events again. We have a fun schedule starting with David and Megan Roche. We are also planning on hosting the Dirty 30 “Sistaha’s Extravaganza” in April.
My family and or friends want to come watch me on the course and see me finish. Can they drive to the start/finish area?
No spectators for the 2022 Race, family or friends will not be allowed to park at the start/finish area including anywhere along Crawford Gulch Rd. or at any of the aid stations.  Please understand that any deviations from this rule will jeopardize the permits for this event.
How much time should I allow for the shuttle ride to the Start / Finish?
Allow 15 minutes. All 7:00 a.m. racers must arrive at the shuttle parking lot by 5:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. startes must be at the shuttle parking lot by 6:30 a.m. Each bus needs to be filled or there will be runners that will not make it to the start on time. If you miss a bus you will miss your start. Please plan to be early. No dogs on the bus. Dogs are not permitted at this event.
Can I or my family park on Crawford Gulch Rd just south of the start/finish area and walk to the start/finish?
Spectators are not allowed at the 2022 Dirty 30 because the lack of parking and the significant increase in park visitors. 6:00 a.m. starters will be directed to park in designated spots. Due to narrow, windy roads with a shouler, the park manager does not want anyone walking along the road. You will be directed by parking officials at the Visitor Center on Hwy 46 and Crawford Gulch Rd. Please follow this rule. Any deviations from this rule will jeopardize the permits for this event.
Can my family and friends drive to Aid 2 and 3 to crew me, or cheer me on?
No. No spectators, family, or crews for the 2022 race.
How do I find someone to carpool with?
You can find someone to carpool with using Ricky Rides or Dirty 30 Running Private Facebook Group. We encourage everyone to go to these platforms to find a carpool. Reach out, make new friends. This has worked really well in the past. You can easily meet your carpool at the Hwy 93 and Hwy 46 junction. There is a small parking lot on Hwy 46 just west of Hwy 93. You can also park in the Mountain Smith parking lot in the business park just north of Hwy 46 on Hwy 93.
Can I Camp at the Red Barn or Start/ Finish?
No. There is no camping at the Red Barn or the Start/Finish. There are suggestions for where to camp on the Where to Stay page.