The High Sierra 50K

Race Information

The High Sierra 50K is an alpine masterpiece of a trail race that will take you on a one-way adventure through the forests of the High Sierra that surround Lake Tahoe and finishing at the jaw-dropping Kirkwood Resort.

This is a one distance extravaganza for Ultrarunners looking for a 50K milestone in the wilderness of Northern California.

- Troy

PLEASE NOTE THAT IF THIS RACE IS CANCELED DUE TO THE COVID-19 VIRUS, YOU WILL BE ISSUED A FULL REFUND MINUS THE ULTRASIGNUP PROCESSING FEES.

Note on Registration

Registration for this race is open, however, this race is subject to state and local regulations related to the COVID-19 crisis.

We are hopeful that this race will take place, however, if canceled, refunds will be processed. Thank you.

The High Sierra 50K Trail (Difficulty: Advanced)

Surface: Mostly fire roads, dirt roads, and challenging single-track trails
Course: Racecourse travels through the El Dorado Forest in the High Sierra. An overall rugged and remote trail race.
Elevation Profile: 7,753 feet of ascent, with long ups and downs.
Sunrise And Sunset: 6:32 AM and 7:23 PM
Weather: Alpine Summer; Highs – 74 degrees / Lows 46 degrees. (This is a high altitude course; high exposure and weather patterns can change rapidly, please be prepared for all conditions.
Parking: Plenty of free parking is available for this event, however carpooling is encouraged.

Schedule

September 5, 2020
6:00 AM — Runner Check-In / Bib Pick-Up
6:32 AM — Sunrise
6:45 AM — Trail Briefing
7:00 AM — 50K START
7:00 PM — 50K FINISH – RACE OVER
7:23 PM — Sunset

Course Information

Multiple, fully loaded, aid stations will be open throughout the course. these aid stations will be manned by volunteers and TCTRUNS staff. Additionally racer crews, family and friends are welcome to assist and work at all road accessible aid stations.

TCTRUNS Staff and Volunteers will be available throughout the course to assist runners.
A communications team with access to 4-Wheelers will be monitoring runner progress.
A dedicated medical team consisting of EMTs and doctors will be on staff.
A professional videographer and photographer will be on staff.

All intersections will be marked with signs, gypsum, and ribbons. Several portions of the course will be unmarked as there are no turnoffs.

This is an Alpine Endurance Run in a Wilderness Area. Please make special note of the following information:
All Runners are highly encouraged to carry the equivalent of 2 water bottles/camelback at all times.
Sunscreen/hats are highly encouraged to protect against heat exposure.
Runners should be prepared to run after the sunsets. Please bring a change of clothing for your drop bags and headlamps/other lights.
Warm clothes and protective gear is mandatory.
This is a wilderness course; please be aware of potential wildlife encounters; Rattlesnakes, Mountain Lions, Wild Boars, Bears, Mosquitoes, Skunks, Raccoons, Bees, Poison Oak, Etc.
Crew parking will be limited at aid stations, please plan accordingly.
Pacers are allowed for this course.

The Course Map

The High Sierra 50K Course Map --> https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1026258

Elevation profile --> 7,752Ft Ascent / 5,688Ft Descent

Aid Stations and Cut Off Times

50K Aid Stations in order of arrival with Cut-Off times (Crew Access / Parking Available):
Strawberry Lodge Aid Station (Mile 0, START/STAGING AREA)
Hay Flat Aid Station (Mile 7, 9:00 AM)
Caples Creek Aid Station (Mile 12, 10:30 AM)
Carson Spur / Thunder Mtn Aid Station (Mile 19.8, Cut-Off: 1:30 PM)
Last Chance Stop (Mile 24.5 - Staff support can assist DNF runners)
Covered Wagon Water Stop (Mile 27.5, 5:00 PM)
Kirkwood Aid Station (Mile 31, FINISH, Cut-Off: 7:00 PM)

Travel and Accomodations

Troy’s California Trail Runs has partnered with Vail Resorts’ Kirkwood Lodge to extend a discounted rate to runners for accommodations on the weekend of the race. These rates are subject to availability.

For Phone Reservations: Please call 855-332-1601 to make lodging reservations and use the group code: KG4SK50 to receive the discount.

For Online Reservations: http://bit.ly/2TVrtGe