The cruxNoble Canyon and exposed PCT ridges in afternoon heat
Course DNA
The Course
Loop from Lake Cuyamaca through Cuyamaca Rancho, Anza-Borrego edges, Noble Canyon, Mt Laguna, and Pacific Crest Trail. About 90 percent singletrack. Fifteen thousand six hundred feet gain and loss. Low 3,000 feet. High 6,000 on exposed ridges. Sixteen aid stations with drop bags at eight. Pace the early miles. The split often shows at mile 50. 32 hours spans 100 mi on 90% singletrack. +10,207 ft shapes the middle miles.
The Work
Heat training non-negotiable. Technical foot speed on rocks and roots. Back-to-back long runs on rocky descents. Qualifier: 50 mile under 13 hours or 100K/100 within cutoff. Train +10,207 ft across 100 mi. Long back-to-backs in April weather.
Kit
Mandatory gear per participant guide. Sun kit and warm layer for night ridges. Poles help on long climbs. Blister kit early. April in Lake Cuyamaca, California: 40°F to 95°F. Pack for 16 stations and night if 32 hours runs long.
Race Day
Friday 6:00 am start. Strict aid cutoffs enforced. Eat before the hot afternoon. Wind chill on ridges at night. Finish by Saturday 2:00 pm.