50K COURSE DESCRIPTION

The 50k course is a mesmerizing mix of chaparral-lined single-track, steep fire road, and epic views. The course can be broken out into 5 distinct sections:

1. Miles ~1-8: The start of the race follows both the 25k and half-marathon route through Black Mountain.

   Runners begin this section by climbing to the top of Little Black Loop trail and running through the beautiful single-track trails within the Black Mountain Open Space. There are two small loops to complete on the far eastern side of the course early in this section (Roadrunner Loop and Manzanita Loop). Runners will then descend down the technical Miner’s Loop trail and wind their way down the Ahwee trail, until reaching Black Mountain Ranch Park. So far, almost the entire race is winding single track with great views of surrounding mountains.

2. Miles ~8-18: Lusardi loop, a mix of jeep trail and single track, with some fun, short, steep climbs, including Strava segment “The Wall.”

3. Miles 18-21.5: Confusing loop: The additional loop added to the course in 2025. Once a runner completes Lusardi loop and enters the Black Mountain Ranch aid station for the 2nd time, they must turn around and head back out on Lusardi to complete this additional small loop. Runners will reach volunteers at the creek who will direct them back up to Black Mountain Ranch aid station for the 3rd and final pass through that aid station.

4. Miles ~21.5-25: Lilac Canyon: Once runners reach Black Mountain aid station for the 3rd and final time, they start the rocky loop up Lilac Canyon Trail on the northwestern side of the mountain. Instead of going to the summit, they head back down steep Miner’s Loop trail for the 2nd and final time.

5. Miles ~25-31: The final climb! Runners depart Gliderport aid station to the south and run on the sidewalk for less than .25 miles before reconnecting with a jeep trail, heading up to the summit. After refueling and checking out the spectacular 360-degree mountain views at the Summit, runners make a critical left turn on their way back down and dart mostly downhill to the finish, where food, drinks, and friends await!

Well stocked aid stations and our experienced and motivating volunteers will help you along the way as you traverse and climb 5700 ft over the course of the race!