Ponderosa Polar Challenge

🏔️ Ponderosa Polar Challenge: Choose Your Own Winter Adventure

This is a unique endurance event set against the stunning backdrop of the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort right outside of Zion National Park. Whether you’re looking for a fun walk/run or an ultra-marathon challenge you've found the right place. This race is about movement, adventure, and community—not just speed. With distances ranging from 1 mile to 150 miles, you decide how far you want to go within a 52-hour time limit. This race will feature two different loops (1-mile and 4-miles) that can be run either direction until you reach the finish for your race distance.

🚶‍♂️ Run Your Own Adventure

• Every Step Counts: At the Ponderosa Polar Challenge, we believe that every step counts, whether you’re chasing a new PR or simply soaking in the beauty of the trails.
• Choose Your Distance: Run, walk, hike, or mix it up—no pressure to be the fastest, only to enjoy the journey.
• Family-Friendly: Bring your family and friends to join in the weekend adventure: the lodge has several activities including a pool, hot tub, tennis courts, and more.
• Campsite Included: For all participants, 3 nights of camping will be included.

🍽️ Fueling the Adventure

• Meals for Ultra Runners: Those tackling 50K and longer distances will enjoy 3 all-you-can-eat race weekend meals and snacks.
• Food Variety: Food will include items such as sandwiches, a taco bar, hamburgers, and hotdogs at the aid station.
• Special Requests: If there is something special that you need, feel free to bring it along: we can keep it in our kitchen.
• Shorter Distances: Runners in shorter distances will have breakfast Saturday morning included and options for additional meals.

🏕️ Lodging Options

• Support Crew: If you’re bringing a pacer or spectators, they’ll need to pay for camping/food or upgrade lodging.
• Cabin Upgrades: You have the option to stay in one of the many cabins on-site through the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort.
• No Meals Included: Meals are not included for upgraded cabins, but meal wristbands can be purchased if desired.
• Camaraderie: Experience the fun of having your support team nearby during the weekend.

❤️ Honoring Adventurers & Supporting Good Causes

This race is held in honor of Lois Krotz and Tom McCabe, two adventurers who embodied the spirit of staying present, forging deep friendships, and embracing the outdoors. Their passion for exploration and human connection is at the heart of this event.

• Dog Rescues: A portion of race proceeds will be donated to dog rescues in honor of Lois, who was very passionate about animals.
• Trail Maintenance: In honor of Tom, a portion of proceeds will be donated to a trail maintenance volunteer group.
• Howling Spirit: Tom was known to howl while out on adventures, and we want to bring that type of energy to our races.

🌟 Why Ponderosa Polar Challenge?

• Choose Your Distance: Run anywhere from 1 mile to 150 miles at your own pace.
• 52-Hour Cutoff: Time is on your side—how far will you choose to go?
• Camping & Community: Everyone gets camping for the full weekend included: ultra runners get meals for the entirety.
• For a Good Cause: Support dog rescues and outdoor trail maintenance programs.

Join us for a winter running experience unlike any other. Sign up, choose your distance, and let the adventure begin! For more information, visit Howling Trails Adventure.