100 MILE DETAILS

THE START at Western Nevada College immediately jumps on a single-track trail leading to Ash Canyon Road. There will be a water-only stop, Kick Ash Water Station, towards the top of Ash Canyon. From there you will use an old jeep road leading you to the top of Snow Valley Peak A/S.  The distance to Snow Valley Peak AS is approximately 9 miles and 4,200 feet of climbing. 

From there you will head south on the Tahoe Rim Trail making your way to Spooner Lake for your second aid station, Stonehenge A/S, mile 16. There is a 3,000-foot descent and over 7 miles to get this aid station. From here head up North Canyon Road approximately one mile to veer left to connect to the Marlette Lake Trail.

The Marlette Lake Trail meanders through conifers and aspen groves as it climbs approximately 1,500 feet before descending about ½ mile to the shore of tranquil Marlette Lake.

Upon reaching Marlette Lake (7823 feet) veer right and continue around the lake and climb on dirt roads to connect to the Tahoe Rim Trail. About ½ mile further, you will come to the Hobart A/S at 8120 feet and approximately 23 miles into the race. Get ready for a trail running party at this aid station. Famous for great food, smoothies, and a walk-up bar.

After leaving the Hobart A/S the Tahoe Rim Trail climbs past Marlette Peak (Photo Opportunity alert!) before descending on an awesome single track to the Tunnel Creek A/S 27 miles into the race. Tunnel Creek A/S will be your home base during this race. As a 100-mile runner you will come to this aid station 5 times. It is a perfect place for a drop bag for your nighttime clothing, headlamps, and extra hydration sources. This is a huge aid station with an amazing array of food choices, a medical staff and medical tent.

Pay attention to the directions from the aid station staff at this aid station. There are three directions you will come and go from this aid station! It is your responsibility to be familiar with the course instructions. Be sure you know where to go!

Departing from Tunnel Creek A/S you go right and down the hill (1000-foot descent) starting the 6.1-mile loop to the Red House A/S and backAfter a long, steep descent to the bottom of Red House Loop, the next climb begins toward Red House A/S. This is a wacky aid station, and you never know what you will see when you cross the creek, but I guarantee they will take good care of you. Leaving the aid station, you will be on a dirt road flume trail leading you back uphill towards Tunnel Creek A/S. There is one intersection that will be very well marked pointing you left uphill back to Tunnel Creek A/S. There is a significant sandy climb near the end of the loop. (This loop is considered by most as the ‘glimpse of hell’ part of the course.)

Upon returning to the Tunnel Creek A/S, the 50M/100M course will travel approximately 7-miles north along a single-track section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. This section is mostly rolling with breath-taking views of both Lake Tahoe and Washoe Valley. The Bull Wheel A/S is a small water stop 3 miles from Tunnel Creek. DO NOT LEAVE THIS AID STATION WITHOUT A FULL HYDRATION PACK OR BOTTLES! You have about 8 miles before arriving at the Diamond Peak A/S. Many runners run out of fluids on this section. **I highly recommend using at least three hand bottles or a full hydration pack for this section of the course**

At the Tyrolean downhill trail junction the course makes a sharp left turn and drops down towards Incline Village, offering spectacular views of the North Shore of Lake Tahoe. This section of the course will provide views of Lake Tahoe not many people except locals have seen. The Tyrolean downhill trail will plunge down the mountain for approximately four miles and a loss of 2,000 feet of elevation, following the creek with many dives, twists and turns. As the trail flattens out towards the bottom you will come into the Tyrolean Village area directly behind homes. *100 Milers – on your second pass in the middle of the night or early in the morning please be respectful of the residents there and keep the chatter to a minimum until you clear this area! Once you come to the Diamond Peak Lodge parking lot area, proceed to the lodge where the aid station will be.

This is the Diamond Peak A/S for mile 45 (10:00 pm cut-off) and mile 79 (8:00 am cut-off). Again, a great aid station with many food options, indoor bathrooms, a place to warm up at night and the only spot to meet your crew. This A/S has medical staff available. It is imperative that your crew members only park in designated parking spots and not clog the roadway. During the event, the race is accountable for keeping the roadway accessible by residents of Tyrolean Village and the Fire Department! There is absolutely no crewing outside of the aid station! Crews that do not adhere to this will result in their runner being DQ’d from the race. Yes – it is that important!

From there, the course will follow the dirt service road up the ski run and onto the Crystal Ridge ski run, then up and over the top of Diamond Peak resort at 8540 ft for a 1700-foot climb in just under 2 miles. This climb is steep! Take your time, it will not make or break your race. Stop and catch your breath and turn around for the most spectacular view of Lake Tahoe you will see on the entire course. When you reach the top of the ski run (bull wheel), a sharp right-hand turn will drop you down to the Bull Wheel A/S (water and electrolyte drink only. No Food and No Ice). Turn right onto the Tahoe Rim Trail. The course then returns to the Tunnel Creek A/S 3 miles south for the third time.

From the Tunnel Creek A/S, the course will follow the Tahoe Rim Trail south (straight through the A/S) back towards the Hobart A/S. During the daytime, this 5-mile section will be hot. Leaving the Hobart A/S you will come to a flat road intersection. You cross the road and veer left continuing on the Tahoe Rim Trail. If you get on a dirt road here you are going the wrong way! It will be well marked with direction arrows. You will be on TRT for three spectacular miles climbing 1000 feet to the Snow Valley Peak A/S at 59 miles. This A/S is famous for the special care you receive from the Boy Scout Troop. These are not kids, but young men earning their way to be Eagle Scouts and they really run a top-notch aid station.

Leaving the Snow Valley Peak A/S you drop down the zig-zag service road, go across North Canyon Rd to the Marlette Lake Trail – only a few meters across.  Make your way back to Hobart aid station. Be sure to let the staff there know that you are returning from Snow Valley Peak.  Pay attention to the directions from the aid station staff at this aid station. There are three directions you will come and go from this aid station! It is your responsibility to be familiar with the course instructions. Be sure you know where to go!

You are now on your second lap. You repeat the same route to Tunnel Creek, THERE IS NO SECOND RED HOUSE LOOP, but you’ll continue from Tunnel Creek to Bull Wheel to Diamond Peak, mile 79. Back up to Bull Wheel, to Tunnel Creek, mile 84, and back to Hobart for the final time at mile 89. Pay attention to instructions!!!!

The nighttime is when these aid stations come alive. You will be amazed at the food they will have for you and the level of support you will find. Remember there are no areas for crew to take care of you. You must rely on these amazing aid stations.

Keep in mind this course averages about 8,000 feet of elevation. It will get cold at night no matter how warm it gets during the day. But also keep in mind the finish line is in Carson City – in mid-July the afternoon temperatures will be in the mid-90’s!!!  Also, the air is very dry, normally less than 10% humidity. Follow the best guidelines from the Sports Medicine Science and drink to thirst. We will have plenty of water and First Endurance EFS electrolyte drink. Also make sure to have layers to ward off the cold at night. Face coverings are optional in aid stations—Wear a mask or Buff if it makes you more comfortable.