Quad Killer VK

Why?

If you find yourself asking why, why in the world would I do something as stupid as this - then consider this... 

• just think of it as another 5k fun run

• take as long as you want, as long as it doesn't exceed 2 weeks (Virtual VK option only)

• you can enter the underground world of trail running where doing stupid things is actually rewarded

• your toe nails are getting too long and you are too lazy to trim them

• and finally, you will never know your limits without challenging yourself.

Mass Start VK - Race Details

This option involves a mass start and will be run like a traditional race.  To avoid significant carnage, this race will be on a looped course that comes down the traditional Quad Killer VK trail, but goes up a parallel trail. This will still involve climbing 5 times and descending 4 times, but everyone will be going the same direction (clockwise).  Just like with the Virtual VK option, you will start at the bottom and finish at the top.

The race will start at 10am and ends at 2pm.  If you need more time than that (or are nervous of the mass start) then please register for the Virtual VK option.  We will try and seed people based on their expected pace, but please be aware that there will be people passing one another during the race.  We ask that you are considerate, announce when you are wanting to pass someone, and yield to those moving quicker than you. The slower person should step to the side of the trail (but not on vegetation) to allow the other person to pass.  PLEASE be nice and no pushing or bumping.  If you are being aggressive to others, then you may receive a time penalty or even be DQ'd.   

Virtual VK - Race Details

The trail selected for this race is very steep and narrow, so in an effort to keep congestion (and collisions) low, the race will be held virtually.  While the course is fixed, participants will have a 2-week window to complete the event. The race window is from 12:00am Monday October 7, 2024 – 11:59pm Sunday October 20, 2024.

Because this event is virtual, participants will be responsible for their own timing and we require that a GPS recording device (watch, phone, etc.) is used so your results can be reviewed and validated to ensure you completed the proper distance/time. 

When you are ready to begin the race, start your GPS at the starting line (bottom of the hill by the rocks) and then make your first 'run' up to the top (intersecting trail) and then come back down to the rocks. Repeat this roundtrip 3 more times and then go back up one final time. When you then reach the top for the 5th time, stop your GPS as you have finished the race.  

Remember, the requirement for this race is that you ascend the trail 5 times and descend it 4 times.  Total elapsed time will be used to rank the results, so once you start your GPS, don't stop it until you’ve done all of the ups and downs! 

Once you have completed the race and are satisfied with your results, you can email your time to deltaendurancellc@gmail.com and provide a link to a GPS file (Garmin, Polar, Strava, etc.) so that we can validate your results. Depending on the GPS device you used, the total distance and elevation climbed may vary slightly.  You are more than welcome to complete this multiple times throughout the 2 weeks and submit your best time.  Who knows, maybe there will be a special prize for whoever does the most.

VK Information

A vertical kilometer (VK) race must have at least 1,000m of vertical climb, over varying terrain with a steep incline, which does not exceed 5,000m in length.  The first VK race took place in Italy in August 1994.  The International Skyrunning Federation is the governing body for VK races.

While there are several hundred VK races worldwide, there are only a handful in the US.  Some currently known races in or around the US include:

• Lone Peak VK - Montana

• Broken Arrow Skyrace VK - California (not quite a VK, but very close)

• Whiteface VK - New York

• Vancouver Vertical KM Race Series - Vancouver BC (not in the US, but close by)

• UTLT VK - California

Location

From the Tri Cities, take Exit 96 off I-82 into Benton City, go left around the roundabout and head under the overpass to get onto Webber Canyon Road.

From Yakima, take Exit 96 off I-82 into Benton City, go right onto Webber Canyon Road.

Drive 0.6 mile and take a right onto McBee Road.

Then drive 0.5 mile to the trailhead parking area on your left.  Please don’t block the roadway or other vehicles.

To get to the starting line, hike southeast from the McBee Trailhead along the upper foothill trail until it makes a fairly sharp turn to your left. There are a number of trails starting at the trailhead, so make sure you look at the maps.  

After hiking about 1/2 mile from the trailhead, you should be at the base of the hill and the course trail will be to your right. 

The starting line is located at the following coordinates: 46.233037, -119.483544.

Schedule

The Mass Start VK will begin at 10am on October 7th.  Please plan for adequate time to get from the parking area to the starting line.   All participants will have until 2pm to finish the distance.

For the Virtual VK, you may complete the race anytime between 12:00am Monday October 7, 2023 – 11:59pm Sunday October 20, 2024.  While most people complete the event during a single effort, you are more than welcome to take as much time during the 2 weeks as you like.  In that case, please record each day's effort and send them all in. I will compute your race time as from the start of the 1st effort to the finish of the last effort, including all of the time in between your recorded efforts.

Course

The course for the Mass Start VK will be added in the near future - please check back for updates.

The trail being used is 0.33 mile long and gains 662 feet of elevation.  While the average grade is just over 37%, there are a few sections that hit 50%.  

The course starting point is at the rocks that cross the trail, and the finish point is 1/3 mile later at the connection with the upper trail.  There are a few trail variations shortly after starting, but they all stay close to one another and converge quickly - any one of them is fine to take.  

Keep in mind that this trail is steep, narrow, and has many sections of loose dirt and rocks.  Trail shoes are a must and gaiters are recommended. 

To complete the race, you must ascend the trail 5 times and descend it 4 times, thus finishing at the top.  For those that use Strava, there are three segments for the course:

Rules

1. In addition to the following, all rules posted under General Rules apply.

2. Virtual VK participants shall avoid the course during the Mass Start VK event (10am - 2pm-ish on Oct 7th)

3. Park only in the trailhead parking area or along the side of McBee Road.  Do not block other vehicles, do not park in the middle of the road, and do not drive offroad or over vegetation.

4. Stay on designated trails.  Use the Upper Foothills Trail when traveling between the parking area and the race course trail.  After completing the race, travel back down the race course trail to the start.  

5. Please do not litter.  Remove and dispose of any garbage you see or generate.  Leave the trail in better shape than how you found it whenever possible.

6. A portable toilet is being provided in the parking lot during the race – please use it rather than going behind a bush. Please let me know if it is not functional.

7. Be mindful of other trail users and give them the right of way.  The trail is not closed and other people do use it occasionally.  

8. Maintain approximately 6 feet of separation from other trail users when possible.  If someone stumbles or trips, you don't want to get knocked over yourself.

9. Step aside to allow other trail users to pass.  BUT, don’t step on or trample vegetation when stepping off trail.

10. If you find prehistoric or historic period artifacts (i.e. old stuff including stacked rocks) or any human remains, do not disturb them and contact the BLM immediately.   

11. No smoking outside of a vehicle.

12. No discharging of firearms and no use of explosions, pyrotechnics, or fireworks.  

13. Keep an eye out for wildlife and give them room (please don't disturb any wildlife) – yes, there are snakes out there.

14. Check the weather ahead of time and be prepared.  It can be cold and rainy or it can be hot and sunny that time of year.  Consider early mornings to avoid the heat, wear multiple layers of clothing that can be removed as needed, wear sunscreen, leave extra clothes at the starting line.

15. Take water and drink plenty.  Feel free to keep a bottle (or two) at the starting line to drink each time you return.

16. As with any trail outing, you should carry a first aid kit with you in case of mishap.

17. Inform someone of your plans, location, and expected time of return.  They can then call for help if you don’t check in with them.

18. Carry a cell phone and a safety whistle during the event in case you need to call for assistance.

19. In case of medical emergency, call 911.  The nearest hospital is either Kadlec Regional Medical Center at 888 Swift Blvd in Richland or Prosser Memorial Hospital at 723 Memorial St in Prosser.

20. Fires, firepits, campstoves, and BBQs are not to be used.  Please check the current fire danger (here) and any associated regulations that may be in effect (here).

21. If you see a fire, please call 911 and report it and then call the BLM Fire Dispatch at 509-685-6900.

22. Wear sturdy shoes – gaiters are recommended.

23. If using hiking poles, practice with them ahead of time. They can be dangerous if you aren't used to using them on a steep trail.

24. Spend some time before the race training on steep hills.  Your achilles tendons, calves, and quads will thank you.  

25. Do not participate if you are sick or injured.  Please use your best judgement as this area is steep and remote.

26. Trim your toenails ahead of time – trust me. 

Sponsors

We want to thank the below companies for their generous support of this race.  These are great companies and you are highly encouraged to check them out.  If your company would like to provide additional sponsorship please reach out to us here.

For anyone that would like to sponsor the Quad Killer VK, please contact us through email.  We would gladly accept items to be used as prizes, or monetary donations to assist in paying the bills and keeping the registration cost low.  

In return for any donations, your company logo will be displayed on this page and recognition will be provided to participants in email updates about the race.