Ponderosa Polar Challenge 2026

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 5k to 150 miles, you decide how far you want to go within a 52-hour time limit. This race will feature three different loops (1-mile, 2-miles, and 3-miles) that can be run either direction until you reach the finish for your race distance. Note that the 2 and 3 mile loops can be combined for a longer loop option.

Run Your Own Adventure:

Whether you’re chasing a new PR or simply soaking in the beauty of the trails. Choose your own distance—run, walk, hike, or mix it up. There’s no pressure to be the fastest, only to enjoy the journey. We want everyone to be successful. Bring your family and friends to join in the weekend adventure (the lodge has several other activities including a pool, hot tub, tennis courts, volleyball, pickleball etc. to do if you’re not wanting to race the whole weekend, but want to stick around to cheer on and encourage others.) For all participants 3 nights of camping spots are included in your registration. 

Those tackling 50K and longer distances will enjoy race weekend meals and aid station snacks—because fueling the adventure is part of the fun! We want to make sure you have the energy needed to finish. All food will be found at the home base/aid station at the start/finish of each loop. Sandwiches, a taco bar, hamburgers/hotdogs, and breakfast items are examples of items available throughout the race. We want to make sure that everyone has what they need to be successful. (If there is something special that you need feel free to bring it and we are happy to keep it in our kitchen. We will have a wide variety of food and drinks, but may not have everything like your favorite energy drink so make sure to bring anything with you that is a must have). 

Runners in shorter distances (marathon or less) will have breakfast Saturday morning included in their registration. These shorter distance runners will also have the option to opt in for more food for an additional fee, free to bring food with them, or can use the on-site restaurant at the lodge as another option during their stay.

If you’re bringing a pacer, spectators, or other support they’ll either need to pay for a day pass, camping, or lodging at one of the many cabins on site through the Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort. Options to upgrade for meals for the weekend are also available during registration. 

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.

A portion of race proceeds will be donated to Arctic Rescue in honor of Lois as she was very passionate about animals including her own Fei and Guan. In honor of Tom a portion of proceeds will be donated to a trail maintenance volunteer group as his love for hiking and the outdoors were central to how he lived his life. Tom was also 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 of the event while shorter distances can opt in for more meals. (Feel free to book your own cabin through the Ponderosa Lodge if you're worried about the cold or are not into tent camping.)
• For a Good Cause: Support a local dog rescue and outdoor trail maintenance programs.
• Adventure First: It’s not just a race, it’s a weekend of camaraderie, movement, and memories.

Join us for a winter running experience unlike any other. Sign up, choose your distance, and let the adventure begin!