Races

DL 100

ChinaMay

China, May. 106 km on 75% trail. +8,283 ft of climbing. 26 hours cutoff.

66 mi+8,283 ft-8,349 ft26 hours6,614 ft to 6,905 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookWSER qualifierMay
Distance66 mi
Gain+8,283 ft
Loss-8,349 ft
Altitude6,614 ft to 6,905 ft
Technicality5/10
Air50°F to 85°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start6,703 ft
  • High6,905 ft
  • Low6,614 ft
  • Finish6,637 ft

Geometryderived

Steepest drop210 ft-1.7% over 2.3 mi
Night miles20 misunset near 19:00 local

Weather at the cruxderived

At hour 8 of race, feels like 21 C (72 F).Sample of 7 race days, medium confidence.At hour 8 of race, apparent temperature P90 is 21 C / 70 F.

The cruxHumid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain (near mile 43)

Course DNA

The Course

DL 100 runs 106 km through China. +8,283 ft gain and -8,349 ft loss. Surfaces skew 75% trail / 20% dirt road / 5% paved. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain. High point near 6,905 ft. Low near 6,614 ft. May temps run 50°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 33.

The Work

Train for 8,283 feet of climbing across 106 km. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 26 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 43.

Kit

May in China: plan for 50°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 26 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 16. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 75% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 33.

Race Day

Hold effort through mile 16. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 33. Humid climbs, ridge exposure, and aid gaps in remote terrain near mile 43 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 22 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.

DL 100