Event Description
This is a call to the #SteepSquad and all those who embrace the #SteepLife: Aravaipa’s next virtual challenge of the year is here, and the name of the game is VERT. Raised By Rams is a 10-day mission to rack up as much vertical gain as possible. Inspired by our founder Jamil Coury’s love of climbing and the Run Steep Get High lifestyle, we’ve created this 10-day virtual expedition to test your grit from the comfort of your home or local trails.
There will be much more to gain than just vert. Along the climb, you’ll have the chance to earn badges as you grind your way to glory. And with the climb comes sweet prizes and limited-edition swag. No matter where you call homebase, or what your method of uphill annihilation is, this challenge is your chance to connect with your fellow runners and propel yourself to new heights so you can answer the ultimate question: Were YOU raised by rams?
Choose Your Challenge
As with all Aravaipa Virtual challenges, the main goal is to keep it inclusive and serve every runner’s needs or environment. So whether your medium is the mountains or a cranked-up treadmill, there are two categories (teams) available to get you higher: Vert Is Real and Virtual Vert. Before the challenge begins, you’ll select your canvas for climbing and compete against others in your category by selecting your "team".
Vert is Real
No treadmills allowed. The Vert Is Real category is all about the outdoor climb. From big peaks to neighborhood hill repeats, the great outdoors puts you in the Vert Is Real category. Because, in nature, what goes up must certainly come down. That’s more miles, and more punishment on the quads.
Virtual Vert
Treadmills allowed. The Virtual Vert category gives you permission to max out the grade and grind in place to reach your climbing goals. You’re welcome to throw some trails and outdoor features into the mix, but if a treadmill is involved for a single step along the way, then Virtual Vert is the category for your uphill mission.
Uploading Your Results- Best Practices
Entering your results into the Run Signup dashboard is a very user friendly process. The easiest way is to manually enter your run time, distance, and vert in the Run Signup results portal. You should also be able to upload a .tcx file into the dashboard as well, however different platforms will read the file differently which may cause you to lose vert. To ensure fairness and fun-ness please do your best to follow the best practices listed below.
Please enter your activities frequently. In order to get the most out of this experience, and to see your spot on the race leaderboard, we encourage you to enter your results every day.
Keep evidence of your activity. If you want to be considered for any awards during this event, you must have proof of your activity. This can be as simple as sharing your Strava activity links for your runs, or taking a photo of your treadmill screen if you are running indoors. I will reach out to you if I need to see evidence of your activity. Otherwise- we are operating on an honors system-- so be honest :).
ALL RESULTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 11:59p Arizona Time on August 7th. Please get your results submitted early. If you are having any tech issues at any point during the event please reach out to me. If you don't have your results submitted into the Run Signup Portal by 11:59 p.m. on August 7th, those results will not count. No exceptions.
For more details, please visit the event page on our website here.
