| DATE: | Saturday, August 2, 2025 |
|---|---|
| START / FINISH LOCATION: | Kit Carson Lodge 32161 Kit Carson Rd Kit Carson, CA 95644 https://www.kitcarsonlodge.com/ |
| DISTANCES: | Half Marathon, Trail Marathon |
| START TIME: | 8 AM – 5:00 PM |
| CUT-OFF TIMES: | Half Marathon – 4.5 Hours Marathon – 9 Hours |
About the Race
This course is a scenic alpine adventure in the High Sierra of Northern California. The course starts at the Kit Carson Lodge and the half-marathon course will complete the thunder mountain loop in a counter clockwise direction. The Full marathon will reverse this loop for the second half of the race. A true trail-runner delight! If you like the High Sierra and are into an incredible challenge, join us.
—Troy
REGISTRATION
| DISTANCE | RACE FEE | IN PERSON RACE DAY REGISTRATION |
| Half Marathon | $85 | $95 |
| Trail Marathon | $100 | $110 |
- 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. |
Schedule
- 6:45 AM: Runner check-in at the Kit Carson Lodge
- 7:45 AM. Trail briefing
- 8:00 AM: Race start for all distances.
Course/Race Information
Race starts at the Kit Carson Lodge.
There are going to be two fully loaded aid stations along the course, including the Start / Finish line, long distance runners will hit these aid stations multiple times.
START / FINISH LINE AID STATION @ KIT CARSON LODGE
https://maps.app.goo.gl/iSxjkzmF3Jpbm8LC6
HORSE CANYON TRAIL HEAD AID STATION:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HDeozspxmhwjLmBK9
THUNDER MOUNTAIN TRAIL HEAD AID STATION: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g3GRxcWJMrSR7b6P9
A full service restaurant is also available at the Kit Carson Lodge: https://www.kitcarsonlodge.com/
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, and any other equipment you may need.
Cell phone reception may not be available throughout the entirety of the course.
Bib Colors:
- Half Marathon, 25K – Red bibs
- Trail Marathon – Yellow bibs
RACE MAPS, AID STATIONS, AND COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Half Marathon (1:00pm cutoff, 5 Hour Limit)
HALF MARATHON COURSE MAP
Trail Marathon (6:00pm cutoff, 10 Hour Limit)
MARATHON COURSE MAP
Tentative Cutoff Times
11:30 am – Mile 7.4 Thunder Mtn parking lot Aid Station.
12:45 pm – Mile12.5 Horse Canyon TH Water Stop.
1:00 pm – 13 Milers in Done & 26 Milers must be out on course.
1:15 pm – Mile 13.1 Horse Canyon Water Stop.
2:30 pm – Mile 18.4 Thunder Mtn parking lot Aid Station
5:00pm – Mile 25.2 Horse Canyon TH Water Stop.
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!
Awards
All runners receive a medal for finishing the race.
Results
Results are posted here after the race.
Drop Bags
Drop Bags can be checked in at registration for the Camp Allen Aid Station.
Directions, Crew Access, and Parking
Directions leaving the the Start and Finish for the event:
Crew Members can be stationed at the following aid stations to support their runners
START/ FINISH Line at Kit Carson Lodge
Horse Canyon Trail Head (1 mile from Kit Carson Lodge): https://maps.app.goo.gl/jgk6ezxGAVmKz6Rx6
Thunder Mountain Parking Lot
https://maps.app.goo.gl/g3GRxcWJMrSR7b6P9
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 restaurant.
Silver Lake West Campground, Silver Lake East-ElDorado Campground, Martin Meadow Campground