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55K START: 6:00 a.m. SATURDAY
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START LOCATION: WESTERN NEVADA COLLEGE, CARSON CITY, NEVADA
PACKET PICK-UP
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the WESTERN NEVADA COLLEGE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED in order to avoid the rush on race morning.
55K packet pick-up will also be available at Western Nevada College on Race Morning between 4:00 a.m. and 5:45 a.m.
RACE MORNING
CUTOFF TIMES
Finish line cutoff for the 55K is the same as the 50-mile event:
12:00 a.m. on Sunday morning (18 hours).
DROP BAG INFORMATION
There is no drop bag service for the 55K. 55K runners wishing to have drop bags available during the event will need to make their own arrangements.
AID STATION STAPLES
All aid stations feature:
- First Endurance EFS electrolyte replacement drink. This is a high quality drink and you can read more about it here: https://firstendurance.com/nutrition/efs-drink.html
- A variety of Honey Stinger Gels, Waffles and Chews
- S Caps
Our aid stations among the best stocked aid stations you will experience. During the daytime hours of the race the usual ultra-race fair with salty snacks and PB& J made with gluten free bread. Once the sun goes down the kitchens open and provide full hot meals and breakfast items in the early morning hours.
Every aid station (except Bull Wheel which is a fluid-only type stop) will have at least one vegan option.
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 towards the top of Ash canyon. From there you will use an old jeep road leading you to the top of Snow Valley Peak aid station. The distance to Snow Valley Peak AS is approximately 8.6 miles and 4,400 feet of climbing.
From there you will head down the zig-zag service road, go across North Canyon road to the Marlette Lake Trail – a few meters across. The Marlette Lake Trail descends 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 onto the Tahoe Rim Trail. About a ½ mile further you will come to the Hobart A/S at 8120 feet and approximately 11 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 22.6 miles into the race. 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. Tell the aid station staff you are a 55K runner! There are three directions that 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!
At the Tunnel Creek A/S, you will turn back towards the Hobart A/S mile-23. You are being spared the Red House loop and ‘taste of hell’…
Hobart aid station. Be sure to let the staff there know that you are returning from Tunnel Creek and you are a 55K runner. 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!
From there you will head out of the aid station. Qnly a few meters out of the aid station you will drop onto a single-track trail leading you to Tanks Road and on your way back to Carson City for the finish.
Tanks Road will take you past the Red House aid station, you will not be stopping at Red House aid station. You will continue down the road until you reach a small water only (Pipeline water stop) stop leading you onto Secret Trail. This trail will lead you back to the finish line. In all this new course totals 34 miles and 8,000 feet of elevation gain and similar elevation loss.
You must rely on these amazing aid stations. 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 and no drop bags for the 55K runners.
Keep in mind this course averages about 8,000 feet of elevation. Temperatures up high will be the mid-70’s to mid-80’s. 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.
Be sure to wear a buff for face coverings entering aid stations!