100 Miler:

• Artisan-crafted western belt buckle made by 
  Sheridan Buckle Company in New Mexico.

• $1,250 for top female, $1,000 for top male finisher (subject to passed drug test)

 

50 Miler:

• Old, crappy buckle we've always used

• $625 for top female, $500 for top male finisher (subject to passed drug test)

 

Buckle History:

 

The City of Ouray was named after Chief Ouray of the Ute Indian Tribe.  The chief was known for his leadership abilities, attempting to secure a treaty with the U.S. Government that would allow the Uncompahgre Band of Utes to stay in Colorado after an Ute uprising elsewhere in the state.  Ultimately, the Utes were forced out of Colorado to present-day reservations in Utah.  The majestic San Juan Mountains that were once valuable hunting grounds to the Ute Indians became home to a new group, the rugged and hardy miners of the North American Gold Rush. 

 

Chief Ouray is believed to have been born on November 13, 1833 during the Leonid meteor showers.  He was given the name Ouray meaning "Arrow" in reference to the display of lights streaking across the sky. 

 

As a tribute to the chief and his tribe, each runner who completes the Ouray 100 within the 52-hour time limit will receive a 6" oversized belt buckle depicting the meteor shower on the night of Chief Ouray's birth. 

 

Be sure to check out the Ouray County Historical Museum in Ouray, CO as well as the Ute Indian Museum in nearby Montrose, CO.