I’ve gotten a number of emails asking about the 2009 edition of the Ultra O-gaine so I thought I would let everyone know what is going on. I’ll include a short answer and a long answer.

Short Answer
At this time I just can’t say if the UOG will happen this year. I should know by the end of January however.

Long Answer
As some of you know, Patrick Bair and I have been putting on the UOG for the last 3 years. The concept of the event was Patrick’s and much of the drive to put it together came from him. I enjoyed the low stress of the event compared to directing an Adventure Race and also liked hanging out with Patrick (and his girl friend Colleen) while we set the course and during other meetings about the event. Patrick took care of many of the course design and race day documents while I took care of the website, registration, and some of the back-end stuff. We consulted each other on anything we had questions about, be it course related, websites stuff, etc. Neither of us really liked doing sponsorship work so we just said forget it and instead focused our energies on bringing you, the racers, the best experience we could.

Due to a new job, Patrick won’t be able to help out with the event as much this year. Prior to the new job, Patrick and I were discussing the 2009 race and possible new locations. With the changes in his job, much of the course design and duties Patrick was performing would fall to me. Patrick will still be able to design the event map and consult on course design, so the end result will mostly be transparent.

I can’t direct the event by myself, so I’ve asked another experienced RD to help me out. I should know sometime this week if he’s able to be the co-race director with me.

There is one last possible hiccup that could derail the 2009 UOG. My wife and I have been talking about doing an extension on our home for the last year or so. If we proceed, there is a pretty real chance we’ll have to move out of our home while the work is going on. If this happens, I don’t think I’ll have time to devote to the UOG. I should know in the next 2-3 weeks if we are going to proceed with the home extension.

If the event does take place, the event weekend may change. The date really depends on how fast we can get a permit approved however. If you have a preferred time of year other than when the event usually takes place (mid May – mid June), please let us know. You can leave a comment in this post below.

I’d like to say a big “Thank You” to everyone that has contacted us about the 2009 UOG. It really means a lot to both Patrick and I that you all enjoy the event so much.

Hopefully we’ll see you in 2009,

Kevin