The Idaho Outdoor Association Presents...
Crater Crawl- September 28, 2019 @ 10 AM
10K Hike or Run Around the Rings
2.9 Mile Out-and-Back Hike or Run to the East Crater Viewpoint
Description:
Participants will run or hike a challenging 10K (6.2miles) course that takes them around The Crater Rings, a unique site featuring one of the very few examples of volcanic pit craters in the continental United States, and thus recognized as a National Natural Landmark.
The Crater Rings are adjacent, symmetrical volcanic pit craters, about 8 miles northwest of Mountain Home, Idaho. Situated at the top of a broad shield volcano, the twin craters are thought to have once housed lakes of molten lava that belched violent fire fountain eruptions much like Halemaumau Crater of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii. The eastern of the two craters is about 3000 ft across and 350 ft deep; the western crater is 2500 ft across and 300 ft deep. The volcano is estimated to be less than 2 million years old, making it the youngest shield volcano in the area. Click here to visit a very informative website about a similar volcano, the Erta Ale volcano, which is still active.
The race course will follow a jeep road to the top of the shield volcano, then around the Crater Rings (see the course map below). Be prepared for some strenuous ups and downs (see the elevation profile below.) Adding to the challenge will be the desert heat, which is certain to conjure up images of the craters' ancient lakes of molten lava. Relief will come in the way of 3 hydration stations located along the course, the first at 2.1 miles, 2nd at 3.4 miles, and 3rd at 5.1 miles. Despite the challenges, this event is meant for anyone who might enjoy a supported outing in a very unique volcanic setting, whether they are a competitive trail runner, casual hiker, or anything in between.
New! We have a 2.9 mile out-and-back course that leads to a spectacular view of the east crater. This is a great option for those who would like to experience the craters, but don't really want to travel all the way around them on a rough and challenging course.
Purpose:
The goals of the Crater Crawl are to encourage the values of low-impact non-motorized outdoor recreation and raise funds for Idaho Outdoor Association projects, activities, and educational programs.
Registration:
Register online at Registration. Early registration is $25 through June 1st. From June 2nd through September 8th, the registration fee is $35. Late registration will be available onsite from 9:00AM to 9:45, and is $45. All finishers will receive a race t-shirt (late registrants might receive theirs at a later date.)
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup is on September 14 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Idaho Outdoor Association Hall--3401 Brazil St, Boise. To reach the IOA Hall, turn east off of Vista Avenue onto Sunrise Rim Rd. Travel about a half mile, then turn right on Brazil Street. The IOA Hall will be just to the right and is very obvious. Packets can also be picked up at the race site from 9:00AM to 9:45AM on race day.
Directions to the Crater Crawl:
From Broadway Avenue and I-84 in Boise, head east on I-84 for 20 miles to the Simco Road Exit (#74). After exiting, go left on Simco Road for a half mile to Desert Wind Road. Turn right on Desert Wind and follow it for 5.5 miles to a left-hand curve that leads into Tilli Road (26.5 miles). Proceed on Tilli for 2.5 miles to a right turn onto Ditto Creek Road (29 miles). Travel 5 miles southeast on Ditto Creek Road, crossing a bridge over I-84 along the way, to a right turn onto Main Cinder Butte Road (34 miles). Proceed on this dirt-surfaced road for a short 2 miles to the race starting line. Parallel park alongside Main Cinder Butte Road. From Boise, the drive takes about 40 minutes. Click here for a map.
If approaching Mountain Home from the east, take the Mountain Home exit. Go left on American Legion Boulevard and follow it 2 miles through Mountain Home to N. 2nd St E. Go right on N. 2nd St E., which soon merges with Business Loop I84 (Sunset Strip), and proceed 3.5 miles to Ditto Creek Road (it splits off left just before the bridge over the interstate.) Go left on Ditto Creek Road and follow it 5.5 miles, paralleling the interstate, to a left turn onto Main Cinder Butte Road. Follow Main Cinder Butte Road for 2 miles to the race site.
Awards:
The overall top five female and male Crater Crawl finishers will receive an award. There will also be awards for all youth finishers (12 and under) who complete the Crater Crawl.
Volunteer
:Crater Crawl is an event that depends on the efforts of many volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, sign up here.
Crater Crawl Advertising Packages for Local Businesses
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