Q. What category do I register for?

SPORT

This category is for people that don't have a ton of mountain experience, and wouldn't call themselves strong runners. But are ready to test themselves. Beginner types.

EXPERT

This category is for people with mountain experience, consider themselves strong hikers w competent running skills. Even if you think you’re not an expert ‘racer’, if you’re a strong mountain type with plenty of mountain experience, you’re Expert criteria regardless of race experience.

PRO

This category is for professional & sponsored athletes.

Q. When does my time start ?

Your timing chip will start when you physically cross the starting line.

Q. Can i fold my bib?

Your bib has a timing strip on the back, please do not fold this timing chip to ensure an accurate time.

q. do I need to bring my own water and water bottles?

We ask all runners to have their own water bottles (no cups). Our aid stations will be stocked with water, but please bring your own water in your own water bottles. The goal is to minimize waste.

Q. Are there cutoff times?

Yes, we'll send information in athlete emails with specific information about cutoff times per venue. In our three years of throwing races, we've only had to enforce the cutoff time rule a few times FYI. 

Q. Are pacers allowed?

No pacers please, our races are short.

Q. Can I inspect the course prior to the race?

Yes, we encourage it, please note, at our race in Alyeska, Alaska - you have to inspect the full course to be eligible to compete. 

 

Q. Am I going to get lost? How well marked is the course?

We mark the course exceptionally well, we pride ourselves on our course marking. We will also have Volunteers on course at all critical intersections and turns to ensure athletes stay on course.

 

Q. Can I drop out?

Yes, you must inform an aid station, course marshall, or medical staff, they will help you to an arranged vehicle, chairlift, or tram for escort down the mountain if needed. If transport is not needed and it's not a medical issue, you can turn around at any point, please be mindful of other racers on course.

Q. Where are the aid stations?

Typically, our aid stations are approx mile 2 and mile 5. Please note this year to address the COVID situation, we are planning on having emergency water at aid stations only. Please bring your own water supplies. We will supply each runner with aid station fuel in their registration bib pick-up supplies, please bring the fuel to intake along the course. We will have emergency food at aid stations only.

Q. Are traction devices allowed on my shoes? 

Traction devices such as MicroSpikes are allowed but not required.

Q. Are dogs allowed?

No dogs please. Dogs are not allowed within Little and Big Cottonwood canyons due to protected watershed. Therefore no dogs can be at the venue or within cars at our Alta, Snowbird, and Brighton races.

Q. Can I pick up my friends Bib / Packet for them ?

No, each athlete will need to pick up their own Bib / Packet.

Q. What should I wear ?

Athletic clothes & mountain running shoes. Be prepared for mountain weather & potentially freezing conditions, even if it is a nice day - bring warm layers and light rain layers because conditions can change quickly in the high alpine. 

Q. Can my friends & family come watch?

We encourage it, vendor village is a great place for spectating. As well as spectating along the course, please be sure to stay on marked course, be respectful of day hikers in the area, and be in position in advance of the race to ensure you do not disturb the athletes. 

Q. How many beginners sign up, I'm nervous because I've never done a race before?

Approx 70% of registrations are Sport (beginner/intermediate) category. We have first-timers at every race.  Ages 7-82 have completed our races. Please join us!

Q. Do you have a giveaway?

Yes, our grand prize giveaway at each race is a YETI cooler.  Plus lots of other great giveaways. As a racer your bib number is your giveaway number.

Q. What time do your races start?

A. Our races start at 10AM

Q. Are trekking poles allowed?

Yes. 

Q. Will there be product demos ?

Yes. Most of our sponsors provide demos, visit their tents in our vendor village.

Q. Are headphones allowed?

We suggest no headphones in the high alpine due to areas with rockfall hazards and potential wildlife hazards along the trail.

Q. Are gloves a good idea?

We don’t think gloves are necessary for most races, but we’d say yes for Mt. Millicent ascent at Brighton (big boulder fields). And Alyeska, the technical climb up Center Ridge requires a lot of hand use. 


Q. How can I volunteer?

Please email our volunteer coordinator: justin@cirqueseries.com

Q. Are there any ropes in steep sections of course?

Only race we have installed ropes is Alyeska, Alaska, race organizers will have hand lines installed where needed. With that said, for all venues, please come prepared for a serious run in a mountainous, technical environment.

q. refund policy?

Organizing events the size of Cirque Series, & preparing the best possible experience for every runner requires many of our unrecoverable expenditures to be made months ago.

Because the bulk of our costs come before the event occurs we will not be able to extend refunds to those who wish to cancel their registration. We will assess things appropriately & fairly, to the best of our abilities. We will always treat our community fairly but also ask that you be sympathetic about the realities of putting on a great event. We know it's not a perfect solution, but we hope that you will see this as a fair & reasonable approach. 

Q. Do you allow race transfers?

No, apologies, no race transfers allowed.

Q. Can I sign up for all races at once?

No, apologies, you’ll need to sign up for each race separately, due to waivers.

 

Q. Do you make real-time updates on course conditions, etc, where can I find that info?

Yes, we post course condition updates on our website, instagram, and within racer emails prior to the race.

Q. WHAT IS THE WEBSITE FOR OCTOBER 2023 VIRTUAL CHALLENGE FOR MAX VERT OCTOBER?

For all MAX VERT OCTOBER 2023 details, click here.