A challenging trail run for all skill levels. The High Desert Half Marathon is a trail run unique to the city of crosses. All three distances take you through both single and double trail, rolling hills, technical ascents and fast descents. Runners can choose from either the Half Marathon distance …
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A challenging trail run for all skill levels.
The High Desert Half Marathon is a trail run unique to the city of crosses. All three distances take you through both single and double trail, rolling hills, technical ascents and fast descents. Runners can choose from either the Half Marathon distance which will be held Saturday, a 10K distance or a 5K distance held on Sunday. There will also be a King and Queen of the Hill challenge where runners will compete in both the 13.1 distance on Saturday and the 10K distance on Sunday for best combined time of both races.
13.1
The most challenging, exhilarating race Las Cruces has yet to see! The course starts at the yellow gate on the western Geothermal side and proceeds through single and double trails on the western side of the mountain. Once through the initial rolling hills, runners will then proceed to make their ascents. The half marathon offers 3 different ascents on A Mountain, putting the lungs and legs to work, offering exhilarating views, and demanding a high level of effort and focus from each runner throughout the entire race.
Capture the Flag!: The Half Marathon will also be Capture the Flag style, where upon completion of each ascent runners will be given a wristband with the ascents corresponding color at the Aid Station located at the top of the mountain (Green band for 1st Ascent/Yellow band for 2nd Ascent/Red for 3rd Ascent). Each runner will have to show all bands at the cross of the yellow gate/finish line.
King/Queen of the Hill: After completing the Half Marathon portion, runners will return the following day and compete in the 10K. King/Queen of the Hill participants will be given one last band at the top to complete their journey (Black wristband given out at the top of their second loop). Participants will have to show all four wristbands at the end of their race on Sunday to be considered for King/Queen of the Hill. Fastest combined time of both Saturday and Sunday wins.
There will be cash prizes for both King and Queen of the Hill winners!
10K
Loop…
The 10K follows the 5K and is a looped course. 10K participants will have to know themselves and their running capability to manage the second loop appropriately. Go too hard on the first loop and the second ascent that begins your additional loop can take a lot out of you. The looped course also gives each runner a chance to learn from their previous loop and make adjustments, capitalizing on them the second time around.
5K
First slow then fast…
The 5K course starts at the Sunset Parking Area, located on the Northwest side of the mountain. Runners are faced with a hard climb right at the start of the race and are then rewarded with a very fast and fun track that comes off of Geothermal Road. This course starts off slow but gets very very fast by the end!
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