| DATE: | Saturday, August 8, 2026 |
|---|---|
| START / FINISH LOCATION: | Horse Canyon Trail Junction https://maps.app.goo.gl/FFBuMrFiPhmaXDPFA |
| DISTANCES: | 5.6M, 10.5M, 21M, 50K |
| START TIME / END TIME: | 6 AM – 8 PM (14 Hours) |
About the Race
7,500 feet of trail running elevation at 7,400 feet above sea level… Can you dig it?
This course is a scenic alpine adventure in the High Sierra of Northern California. Three loops of alpine trailrunning delight takes you to the bottom of Thunder Mountain and across the stunning vistas that surround the Lake Tahoe Basin.
Not for the faint of heart.
—Troy
REGISTRATION
| DISTANCE | RACE FEE | IN PERSON RACE DAY REGISTRATION |
| 5.6M | $75 | $85 |
| 10.5M | $100 | $110 |
| 21M | $120 | $130 |
| 50K | $150 | $160 |
- THERE IS A 100 RUNNER LIMIT! SIGN UP EARLY TO SECURE YOUR SPOT
- Active military & first responders receive a 15% discount. Please email team@tctruns.com to process your registration discount.
- Entry fees are non-refundable, but the full registration amount (minus processing fees) may be transferred to another future TCTRuns by contacting team@tctruns.com at least 24 hours before the scheduled event.
- Runners may purchase a Troy’s California Trail Runs sport-tek technical fabric shirt during the registration process, or at the event supply permitting. All shirts are gender-specific and come in sizes ranging from ladies XS all the way to mens XXL and youth S to XS.
| REGISTER ONLINE | Online registration is available through the evening before the race. |
| REGISTER BY MAIL | Please print the form, fill it out, and mail it to us with the enclosed registration fee. |
| REGISTER AT RACE | Race day registration is available beginning at 5:45 AM. |
| VOLUNTEER NOW | Volunteers are needed to help with aid stations. Everyone who helps out gets a free future race! If interested, please email volunteer@tctruns.com. |
MAP, AID STATIONS, AND COURSE DESCRIPTION:
CLICK FOR INTERACTIVE 5.6M COURSE MAP
CLICK FOR INTERACTIVE 10.5M COURSE MAP
CLICK FOR INTERACTIVE 21M COURSE MAP
CLICK FOR INTERACTIVE 50K COURSE MAP
Schedule
- 5:00 AM: 50K Runner Check-In at Start Line.
- 5:45 AM: 50K Trail briefing
- 6:00 AM: 50K Race start.
- 7:00 AM: All other Distances Check-In at Start Line.
- 7:45AM: All other Distances Trail Briefing
- 8:00AM: All other Distances Race Start
- 5:00PM: All other Distances Race Finish
- 8:00 PM: 50K Race Finish
Course Information
Race starts on the fire roads off of Highway 88, very close to the Horse Canyon Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FFBuMrFiPhmaXDPFA
Runners will complete 10.5-mile loops across the Sierra wilderness. Runners must leave each aid station at or before the cutoff times.
There are two aid stations along the course, runners will hit each aid station three times. Crew can support from either aid station:
There are two road crossings. One near the Start/Finish and one near the Thunder Mountain Trail Head Aid Station. Runners need to use extreme caution when crossing the roads. Stopping traffick is not allowed. Race staff and cones / signage marking the road crossing.
START / FINISH LINE AID STATION
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FFBuMrFiPhmaXDPFA
THUNDER MOUNTAIN TRAIL HEAD AID STATION: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g3GRxcWJMrSR7b6P9
A water stop will be available at the Horse Canyon Trailhead
Runners will navigate a 7.4 mile section with no aid support on each loop.
This is a high sierra alpine race, as such runners are advised to prepare for a race at 7,000+ feet of elevation. Please prepare accordingly, i.e. rain / sun protection, lighting, and any other equipment you may need.
Cell phone reception may not be available throughout the entirety of the course.
Runner crews can support runners at the Start/Finish line and at the Thunder Mountain Trail Head Aid Station.
Loop distances may be slightly longer / shorter depending on trail conditions and discrepancies in GPS mapping.
Race poles are allowed.
Pacers can join runners for their final loop starting at mile 20.
Tentative Cutoff Times
Loop 1: Clockwise Direction
10:40 AM – Mile 10.5 @ START / FINISH LINE (4:40 CUTOFF TO COMPLETE)
Loop 2: Counter Clockwise Direction
3:20 PM – Mile 21 @ START / FINISH LINE (4:40 CUTOFF TO COMPLETE)
Pacers can join 50K Runners after Loop 2 to complete their final Loop.
Loop 3: Clockwise Direction
8:00 PM – Mile 31.1 @ START / FINISH LINE (4:40 CUTOFF TO COMPLETE)
RACE OVER
Weather
Alpine Summer, Highs – 90 degrees / Lows 54 degrees. Lots of potential heat and sun exposure. Weather in the High Sierra mountains can be extremely unpredictable.
Summer weather at high elevation may include but is not limited to: heat, cold, wind, snow, hail and even thunder/lightning (hence the name of the mountain). Please dress in layers and be prepared!
Please prepare for mosquitoes.
Awards
All runners will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal.
Results
Results are posted here after the race.
Drop Bags
Drop Bags can be held at the START / FINISH AID STATION
Travel and Accommodations
Troy’s California Trail Runs is partnered with iWeekender to provide comprehensive travel packages that include accommodations, air travel, and rental cars.
Other lodging and camping information:
TCT Runs is not affiliated with these operators, but they may be able to provide more economical or additional space when conditions are sold out.
Kit Carson Lodge on Silver Lake, about 4 miles west of Kirkwood Resort, with rustic cabins and a full service restaurant is available at the Kit Carson Lodge: https://www.kitcarsonlodge.com/
CAMPING AVAILABLE