Enjoy winding national forest singletrack trail through the piñon and mesquite of central New Mexico, a quick 15 min jaunt east of Albuquerque. We’ll set you up with free camping, free parking, and an all-night party over Memorial Day weekend! Our course is designed around basecamp: a 40-hour party stocked with hot and cold food, music, heaters, and volunteers to support our runners. Camping surrounds the aid station so runners and crew can stake a tent. Temps average 60-70 degrees this time of year and the weather is likely to be sunny and clear, hot during the day and cold during the night (the average elevation is 7,200′).
Course
The course takes place on a 1.05 mile loop with approx. 180′ feet of gain per loop. Solar lights every few feet make the entire loop magical at night (though you still need a headlamp). The 100-mile distance is 97 loops. There are two bathrooms and two aid stations on the loop: basecamp is our main aid, but there is also a water-only and drop bag pavillion halfway through. The trail is 100% singletrack through the woods, has a lot of variety, very little flat, some technical portions, dust, heat, shade – you get it all.
100 Mile Solo
This race is logistically a piece of cake. With the ability to return to camp every mile, no cutoffs mid-race, and more support than any race we’ve ever run, you have every opportunity to travel light and work hard. You must keep a 24 min/mile average to finish.
-Drop bags are allowed at basecamp and the pavillion, both of which are covered.
-Pacers are allowed starting at sunset (about 8pm). Pacers must get a pacer bib and check-in with staff (including signing a waiver) at our registration table, which can be done at bib pickup or at any point during the event. For safety, no one is allowed on course who has not signed in with us.
Time Limit & Cutoffs
100-mile relay and solo cutoff: 40 hours, or midnight Sunday. How you spend your 40 hours is up to you; there are no mid-race cutoffs.
Drops: if you do not complete your registered distance by midnight, you DNF.
Legend of the Cheii
These mountains are riddled with cheii (pronounced “chay”), the native horned lizards of New Mexico. They will catch the corner of your eye like a little leaf scurrying away, and when you stop to look closer you will see an adorable grumpy lizard staring back, sometimes no bigger than a dime. They are out during the heat of the day this time of year, and it is likely and lucky if you spot one.
As told to us by a local Diné (Navajo) woman, the cheii is the grandfather of the earth. When you are lucky enough to find one, you must thank the grandfather and hold him to your chest. Then, sprinkle him with corn pollen as an offering and set him free. In this way, you may continue on your journey in good health, appreciation, and harmony with the world.
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