ring The Bell!
BY THE NUMBERS:
WHERE: Yacolt Recreation Park, Yacolt WA
WHEN: June 30th 2024
DISTANCE: * 50 mile Ultra Marathon
* Purgatory Trail Marathon 26
START TIMES: Both Races will officially start at 6:00am at the Hantwick Trailhead
(Do Not park at Hantwick)
You must check in at Yacolt Rec Park
PRICE: $127 Hellz Bellz Ultra / $97 will keep you in Purgatory
(price increase on 3/1/2024)
Incudes Camping, Shuttle, Post Race Meal, Finisher Award,
Additional Swag Items TBD & much more!
WAVIER: Please take the time to time do print & sign the wavier from
Washington Department of Natural Resources
HELLZ BELLZ ULTRA MARATHON
Race Overview:
50 miles ... Sua Sponte!
"Somewhere inside we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of who we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow." -Pat Tillman
This event has been a dream for the last couple years.. but it's finally come to fruition!
The Hellz Bellz Ultra starts at the Hantwick Road Trailhead. A gradual gravel path will soon turn into an intense and grueling single track climb up the Bells Mountain trail. After passing through multiple clear cuts, stream crossings and stunning views of Mt St Helens... around the ten plus mile mark you'll come to the Yacolt Burn Aid Station>> Upon leaving the Yacolt Burn Aid Station you will embark on a counter clock wise loop on the Tarbell Trail. It will be twenty two plus miles of technical climbs, amazing waterfalls and breath taking views, looping you back around to the same Yacolt Burn AS. >> May want to rest up for a brief moment, get your bearings before
starting the last push back down the Bells Mountain trail ..for the 10 plus miles to the Finish at Moulton Falls Arch Bridge (Pictured Above) .…. where you'll Ring the Bell!
This event is in what we consider our backyard... we love these trails and outdoor places. While your out there soaking in the views and rejoicing in the pain.... please leave no trace.
Aid StationS:
AS1 is Yacolt Burn Trail Head (NE Dole Valley Rd Yacolt Wa 98675) Mile 11
The midday heat should not be a factor but it is approx 11 miles to the first Aid Station stop. Make sure you plan accordingly.
Aid Station 1 will have all your typical snacks. Salty, Sweet, Soda, Electrolyte etc.... along with hot Breakfast food.... Bacon, Sausage, Eggs to order, Breakfast Burrito. All you need to replenish those lost calories along with enough to carry you to the next Aid Station!
AS2 is Grouse Vista Trail Head (L-1200 Camas Wa 98607) Mile 17
Although your journey to Grouse Vista is less than 7 miles, it will include some of the steepest sections on the day. Lots of intersecting trails, so stay alert & look for the course markers.
Aid Station 2 will have your standard snacks ... with maybe some surprises mixed in!
AS3 is Tarbell Trail Head (33601-33699 NE Dnr 1100 Rd Yacolt Wa 98675) Mile 27
After leaving Grouse with a smile & a pocket full of snacks you will have approx 10 miles to Tarbell. This will be the most scenic section of the day. With stunning views and epic waterfalls that will take your mind off that pesky midday sun!
Aid Station 3 will have plenty of water & electrolytes. So fuel up, cause now you're heading into Ultra territory.
AS4 is located at the Yacolt Burn Trail Head (Same as AS 1) Mile 32
Leaving Tarbell knowing you'll only have a short 5 miles will be motivation enough to keep grinding forward. This section is fast, dusty & exposed. So make sure you're continuing to drink fluids, staying hydrated as well as washing the dust off the teeth!
Aid Station 4 Will be the same as AS 1 but we'll have switched over from Breakfast to Lunch. Burgers, Quesadillas, Grilled Cheese etc..... to help propel you down that 9 mile stretch of the same Bells Mtn Trail that you ascended earlier that morning.
AS5 will be located at the Moulton Falls Bridge
Aid Station 5 will have just enough electrolyte, H20 & snacks to propel you the remaining few miles to the Finish!
The Bell will be Rang!!!
RUNNING IN PURGATORY TRAIL MARATHON
RACE OVERVIEW:
For those of you who still have need of purification:(training) to attain the blessing of entering the Hellz Bellz Ultra…
Welcome to Purgatory!
Purgatory is an out & back Trail Marathon , utilizing the Bells Mtn Trail, with roughly 6,000’ of ascent. Yes, you can expect the same on the descent. There will be one heavily stocked aid station located at the Yacolt Burn Trailhead (10+ miles into your venture) from this point you will head out on a three mile loop, that brings you back to the same Aid Station (mile 14). Stock up .. you have around 9 miles back down the Bells Mtn Trail. Upon reaching the Moulton Falls Bridge, there will be a lightly stocked AS, with electrolyte, H2O & a few snacks to help you down the finishing stretch!
The Bell will be Rang!
AID STATIONS
AS at mile 10, mile 14 & mile 23…..
They are few…with many miles in between. (Requirement to have the ability to carry at minimum 32oz of hydration) The Yacolt Burn AS will be epic as usual, hosted by the Possum Lodge! This will be a full grill…. serving breakfast in the morning & burgers, quesadilla etc… If you are craving it, they can probably make it!
You can also throw a small drop bag if needed (name & bib number) if you have some specific nutrition needs.
Everything Else:
Travel Directions: from Battle Ground, Washington https://goo.gl/maps/xhbEYKv9MsbNaupRA
Packet pickup: Noon-Dusk Saturday, July 1st and Sunday, July 2rd 4:00AM-5:00AM at Yacolt Recreation Park.
Drop Bag: Take your drop bag to the start line, morning of the race. Your drop bag will be transported to Yacolt Burn AS1/AS4. Please mark your bag with your bib/name clearly for easy access.
Crew Access: Crew access is allowed at Aid Stations Only. See Pin drops on AS Descriptions above for Aid Station locations.
Pacers: Pacers are allowed at Yacolt Burn - AS4 for your decent to the finish. Pacers are not allowed to mule, but are encouraged to inspire and motivate. Please have your pacer check in with AS4 prior your descent.
Cut-off Times: You must be leaving AS4 by 4:00PM.
Camping: Tent space camping available and included in your registration.
Shuttle: You will traveling in style to your start line of the Hellz Bellz Ultra on the Historic Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Train. Your train ride departs the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Station: https://goo.gl/maps/Nb7yUDqMb8oufVgeA at 5:15AM. Your boarding pass will be your race bib. DON’T MISS the TRAIN! Parking is not available at Hantwick. We do not suggest crew/spectators go to Hantwick, parking lot doesn’t open until 6:00AM.
*(The Train is TBD…due to rising costs & efficiency we may be using buses in 2024)
Parking: You have two parking options: Yacolt Recreation Park or Chelatchie Prairie Railroad Station. There is a short half mile walk from the Rec Park to the Train Station. Park and walk, or coordinate with your crew/family to get you to the train station on time.
Food: Sunday Morning - Coffee/Hydration/Fruit/Quick Grab Breakfast. Sunday after event meal - BBQ - Vegan and Gluten Free options available.
The best way we can give thanks to the folks that keep our trails looking good is to donate to them…. and make sure to leave them better than we found them! $5 of your registration will go to Washington Trail Association.
Hellz Bellz Ultra is part of Yacolt Rendezvous Festival Days. Join us the day before for Bigfoot 5K/10K and Festival activities. You don’t want to miss this!
OTHER USEFUL STUFF:
Race Reviews:
http://hookedontrails.blogspot.com/