On April 19th, 2026, Big Bend’s 3rd head will surface from the fiery depths of hell, and it must be stopped. Since 2024, only two battles have occurred but with heavy consequence. Both sides have blood, and now in 2026, the war burns hotter than ever. Our strongest soldiers have been reduced to nothing while new flat-landers emerge by the day. This simply cannot do!
We must climb her ugly neck to banish this monstrosity once again! We will not fear the vert, but embrace it! Many will fall to the challenge, some will go further than any human has gone before, but together, our efforts will conquer!
Its towering elevation is one to be feared, but for an ancient reason. As the warriors whittle this monster down to a mere anthill, they will also absorb its life force and convert its power into improved future race performances.
May the gods be with you, my climbing beasts. Together, let’s put Big Bend to rest for the third year in a row.
Objective:
• Run 50 km (31.07 mi) on Big Bend and achieve 8,500 feet of elevation gain. Both are required.
• If you don’t have the ability to view elevation on your watch, this equates to 97 hill repeats. So, as tradition dictates, we must do 100.
• Many athletes (warriors) may not have the ability (or desire) to do 100 repeats, but do not let that deter you! We would love for you to join for even just 1 hill climb! We need all the reinforcements we can get.
When:
• Sunday, April 19th, 2026 @ 4:00am
Where:
• Big Bend Trailhead in Akron, OH off of Merriman Road
• Apple Maps Address: Link
• Google Maps Address: Link
Course:
• Well-maintained, asphalt-paved, single-entry road.
• The hill is 0.16 mile with 85 feet of elevation gain. 0.32 miles for the entire hill repeat.
• The start of Big Bend hill is signified at the curb across from the lot turn-in. This will be clearly explained on game day.
• The end of Big Bend hill is signified by the white-painted stop line before reaching Merriman Road.
Off Course:
• You may run around the parking lot loop to rest your legs from the constant hill repeats. This will be explained in person.
• Limit these loops to two at a time. (Not a serious rule; just a guideline.) Remember, to complete the full challenge you must finish achieving both 31.07 miles AND 8,500 ft. Parking lot loops will help your distance, but not your elevation.
Parking/Start Area:
• Turn off Merriman Road at the trailhead sign shown on this event page.
• The entire starting area is a large parking lot.
Aid Station:
• One 10x10 canopy tent with a table will be set up at the start/finish.
• Bring your own food and drinks.
• You may bring a war flag or special item to prop near the tent. These are our reinforcements against Big Bend.
• A tally board will be hung to record your hill repeats. Please participate! We love to see your guts and glory on a trophy to showcase for future generations.
Restrooms:
• At the end of the parking lot, the path veers to the right. Travel down the path, with the pond to your left, and you will see the restrooms on the right.
Rules for the Mortals:
• No fireworks.
• Leave no trace. Littering will result in a Big Bend sacrifice. We will leave this place better than we found it.
• In the early morning, keep the volume down. Houses are nearby. These homeowners have been lost to the flatlanders, they’re long gone now.
Awards:
• Saving the world, Big Bend must be stopped. Humanity depends on it.
• An Atta-boy/girl/doggo
Part-time/Casual Warriors:
• Show up whenever you like! We can surely use the reinforcements!
• Feel free to attack this monster as you please. Use the aid station, record your hill repeats, and have fun!
Happy Climbing! ⛰️
Also check out other Contests in Akron, Workshops in Akron, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Akron.
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