Dirty Feet is kicking off its racing season once again with this great event, which now features a 100k (solo or relay ) PLUS a 50k (solo or relay) and Half Marathon option.
The Sycamore Canyon Trail Races take place on a loop course in the beautiful Goodman Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve just east of San Diego.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1400′ per loop (50k = 5,600 & 100k = 11,200)
Average Pace required to finish this race is about 15.5 minutes per mile (about 17 minutes per mile for early starters). Average Loop time to complete the race is approximately 1:46:00 (about 1:56:00 for early starters).
The Sycamore Canyon 100k is a multiple loop course run as a solo ultra or with as part of a team. Solo runners must complete all 8 laps themselves.
4 person works as follows (100K does two laps each person & 50K does 1 lap each person): Each runner completes two laps (12.8km/7.9 miles per lap). Each runner can run their laps consecutively or they can reset between laps. It’s all part of the strategy! The 4 person will have 3 categories for finishing place: Open (must have at least one female), Women, Men.
2 person works as follows: Each runner completes 4 laps (12.8km/7.9 miles per lap). Each runner can run their laps consecutively or they can reset between laps. It’s all part of the strategy! members can be of any gender combination.
Race Rules:
1. Have fun!
2. Be Safe. There are many hazards along the course including (but not limited to), mountain lions, rough terrain, rattle snakes, sharp cliffs and drop offs, etc. It is your responsibility to run safe and stay alert.
3. Except in case of medical emergency, runners may accept no aid nor assistance in any form from anyone, including pacers and crews, between aid stations.
4. Each runner must carry all of his own food, fluids, clothing, and other supplies needed for use between aid stations and must carry a minimum of 20oz of water.
5. Littering of any kind is strictly prohibited. Littering will result in the immediate disqualification of the runner in this year’s race, and for all future races.
6. Runners are responsible for the actions of their crews.
7. Participants must follow the marked trail at all times. Any runner departing from the official trail must return to the point of departure on foot before continuing.
8. Each runner must be checked IN at EVERY aid station. Runners not checked at each aid station may not be credited with officially finishing the Run.
9. Lights are REQUIRED for running after dark. For safety reason, you may not be allowed to finish without a light after 5:00PM.
10. Any entrant who is unable to finish the Race must inform personnel at the nearest aid station of his or her decision to withdraw. You MUST turn in your race bib at this time. Runners who leave the course without turning in their bibs will be classified as “lost,” and may be billed for charges incurred in any search and rescue operation.
11. Pacers are ONLY allowed for solo runners and from 5PM and onward OR at the of your last lap if it is before 5PM. Your pacer MUST check in and get a pacer bib.
12. Headphones are not recommended or encouraged. Use at your own risk.
13. Respect all park rules including 10MPH speed limit driving in and out of the park. Stay on only designated trails. No littering. Be respectful to other park users. If you run with your dog – it must by on a 6′ (max) leash.
LESS
Beautiful (and hot) run in the canyon
The Sycamore Canyon 100/50k trail races were originally scheduled for Feb 25, 2023, and were postponed to Mar 18, 2023. The 100/50k races are run on a 'figure 8' 7.9-mile … MORE
The Sycamore Canyon 100/50k trail races were originally scheduled for Feb 25, 2023, and were postponed to Mar 18, 2023.
The 100/50k races are run on a ‘figure 8’ 7.9-mile loop course in the beautiful Goodman Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve just east of San Diego (near Poway, CA). 100k runners must complete 8 loops and 4 loops for the 50-km runners. Each loop has about 1,400 feet of elevation gain. The cutoff time is pretty generous–all runners finish by 10 PM and runners must start the last loop by 8 PM.
There is also a half marathon option which is consisted of two smaller loops.
Challenging and Fun, but study the cours
Dirty Feet put on a great race. This figure 8 looped course is challenging and has a great mix of hills, flats, creek crossings (atleast after all this rain), and … MORE
Dirty Feet put on a great race. This figure 8 looped course is challenging and has a great mix of hills, flats, creek crossings (atleast after all this rain), and more hills that seem to get harder the longer you run. Weird huh?
If you want to do the 50K or 100K do these three things.
#1 study the maps. Odd loops and even loops go different directions on the bottom loop. (Upper loop is always clockwise)
#2 Watch the YouTube video they provide on their site. It cleared up all my confusion.
#3 Pay Attention to the Clearly Marked Signs. They are everywhere you need them to be and clearly marked so you can read Odd Loop on one side and Even Loop on the other.
*if you’re on an even loop and the sign says “Odd loop” you are going the wrong way.
If you have a chance before the race go check out the course to clarify any confusion. Otherwise do those 3 things.
**Don’t plan on following others cause you never know which race length they are on or loop. I turned around half a dozen people during my run.
Swag was really nice. Great long sleeve shirt and medal. I got 2nd place and 1st for my age group so that came with $50 and a cool glass.
You can put a drop bag at the starting line, you’ll see it every 8 miles.
The canyon starts out cool in the mornings, but gets hot and dry as the day goes on. I started using the creeks to wet myself down and cool off on my last loop.
If I’m still in the area I will definately come back next year, probably the 100K next time. This was my fist 50K and will definately be memorable.
Hard course but fun crowd
Well marked. Well supported!! I will def be back. Course was hard but as expected w accurate description. Directors were pleasant and approachable, great selection at aid stations including ice. … MORE
Well marked. Well supported!! I will def be back. Course was hard but as expected w accurate description. Directors were pleasant and approachable, great selection at aid stations including ice. Medics present and tended to emergency due to heat.