A: The SJS starts and ends a few miles north of Durango, CO. Durango is a full service town on the border of the San Juan mountains. Access is possible via road (approximately 3 hours from Albuquerque and 6 hours from Denver) or air through La Plata County Airport.

A: The SJS is approximately 108 miles long. No other distances are currently offered

A: We strongly encourage having completed other mountain ultras before attempting SJS. That said, we will not be gatekeeping this race; if you feel prepared, you are welcome to run.

A: Yes. For your safety, all runners are required to carry a rain jacket, 2 light sources, gloves, and a tracker throughout the race. The race director reserves the right to require rain pants depending on weather forecast; a decision to require rain pants will be communicated to runners at least 5 days before the event. Required gear may be checked at any time by race staff/ volunteers, including at the starting line, aid stations, on the course, or at the finish. Failure to carry all required gear may result in a DQ. In the event of a dispute, the race director has final say.

A: Yes. This can include a runner’s primary headlamp and an emergency keychain/fob light. Light belts, flashlights, etc. are welcome as well. No, a phone doesn’t count.

A: We are working with local races to determine the best approach and will provide additional information on this well before race day.

A: Yes. Poles would be quite helpful.

A: Yes, pacers are allowed starting at mile 46.5 at the Lizard Head aid station. Pacers can join runners at Lizard Head, Lower Ryman, and Hermosa Park, and Elbert Creek aid stations. (These locations are denoted by *Crew on the aid station chart above) Runners are allowed 1 pacer at a time. All pacers must complete a waiver and have a pacer bib before joining their runner.

A: No muling allowed.

A: Race cutoff is 38 hours. Several intermediate cutoffs will be implemented for the safety of runners and our volunteers. Intermediate cutoffs are meant to be generous; you do not want to find yourself chasing cutoffs.

A: Registration is open on Ultrasignup! We have received permitting approval from the Forest Service. Volunteer positions are also open on Ultrasignup!

A: The Softie registration fee is $375 in 2024.

A: Deferrals for pregnancy will be considered. All other reasons, including injury, travel restrictions, or failure to train do not qualify for deferral. If you will not be able to run, please unenroll yourself on Ultrasignup or let the race director know so that we can make space for another runner.

A: Not in 2024. As this is the race’s inaugural year, we will allow runners to register on a first-come, first-served basis until we reach our Forest Service permit cap of 100 runners. This may change in future years.

A: Compared to other 100 mile races in the area (Hardrock, Ouray 100, High 5), this is easy! But make no mistake – this is a challenging mountain ultra with significant vert and exposure above treeline.

A: The 2023 race was cancelled because we could not come to an arrangement for the starting/ending location in time to allow runners ample opportunity to consider and register for the race. This will not be an issue in 2024 as we have already spoken with relevant parties and confirmed a plan for this year.

A: No