25k, 50k
September 28th 2024
only 1/4 spots left
Sky Island (9th annual)
On a fall weekend in west Texas, a little race called Sky Island takes place. We gather to test ourselves on rugged mile-high trail and celebrate under the brightest stars, because at the end of the day…. nothing else matters. This race course boasts views of Fort Davis, McDonald Observatories, Indian Lodge, and a seemingly endless sky. Sky Island was created in 2015 with one goal: to bring trail runners out to play in the mountains. We dreamed it would feel like summer camp, a place to gather every fall, in the middle of the high, west Texas desert.
*We have reserved the entirety of the historic Indian Lodge and Davis Mountains Campsites for racers. You can book with us to stay on-site, or try many of the fine options nearby.
Timing
Each race has a briefing 15 mins before start
5:30a - start 50k
7:30a - start 25k
7:45a - sunrise
1:30p - cutoff 25k
4:30p - cutoff 50k *Extended from previous years
Lunch + awards + brew + festivities happen all afternoon!
Packet Pickup
Fort Davis, TX (start/finish location TBD)
Friday, September 27 from 4-7pm
meet other racers, ask the race directors questions, and get to know more about this beautiful area
8 pm - Sunset
Location
All runners share the (start and finish location TBD) the Davis Mountains. The Davis Mountains form one of only three unique sky islands in Texas—a cooler, wetter landscape surrounded by arid lowland desert.
Pacers and Crew & Drop Bags
Crew, friends, and family are welcome to cheer you on at the start/finish. Your crew can easily access both Skyline Ridge and the Park Entrance aid stations.
Aid Stations
(Remember we are cup-less) please bring a handheld water bottle or collapsible cup to run with. If you forget your cup we have Trail Roots Hydrapak cups on-site for sale. We highly recommend bringing more water than normal as the route is exposed and in the desert.
Food
Skratch energy chews and bars, Salty stuff such as pretzels, chips, PB&J or PB & Nutella, pickles, animal crackers, oranges, chewy candy
Drinks
Skratch Labs electrolyte drink, Coke, Mt Dew, Water, Pickle Juice
Race Plans
We also offer semi-custom and fully customized race plans. All plans have been specially developed by our race director and tailored for the race, distance, and your experience level. Fully customized plans are available with 1:1 virtual coaching.
Race Beneficiary
A portion of the race proceeds benefit the Texas State Parks and Wildlife.
Volunteer
Volunteers are great way to give back or get credit towards your future races. You must be able to take care of your own lodging, transportation, flats etc. and other gear. It sounds tough (and it can be), but volunteers love the work. No matter what your talent or capabilities, if you want to volunteer, we can find a job for you.
All volunteers must be able to read, write and speak English. Spanish fluency is much appreciated since we have runners from Mexico and South America.
More Info
Changing Race Distances (Last Day to Change is 9/1/2024)
You may change your race distance up to 9/1/2024 before the race date. Simply login to your Ultrasignup.com account and go to our race. Here are more details on how to change your race distance.
Transferring Bibs
We are allowing you to transfer your bibs! The deadline to do so is 1 month before race day.
Refunds/Credits New
Request a credit or deferral 120 days + from race day = 100% credit towards another race, 90 days + from race = 75% credit, 45 days + from race = 50% credit. 30 days + from race = 25% credit. less than 30 days = $0 credit. Credit is good for 1 year
We do not offer refunds.
Medical Support
Many of our volunteers have received training in emergency medicine, and we will have EMS techs as well as Park Officers.
Hydration
This is a desert, and humidity is very low. Stay hydrated and stay healthy. Make sure you have planned your water needs based on what you find you need. Water stops will be spaced properly based on decades of experience, so check that you can carry what you need in between.
Gear
Due to the technical terrain and afternoon sun exposure, we strongly suggest that this not be your first ultra. Here’s a list of gear we strongly recommend each runner packs. These items will make your run easier and provide you with maximum protection. Most of you will have an even better list of your own.
Cap – some kind of head cover
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Gloves
Apparel for a 30°F start and a 70°F finish. Tights?
Warm clothing for before start and after finish
Hydration belt, at least 20 ounces for between aid stations hydration (critical)
Technical fiber (moisture wicking) or wool socks. NO COTTON
BodyGlide, or Sport-Shield, anti-friction product.
Hand towel