| DATE: | Saturday, August 8, 2025 |
|---|---|
| START / FINISH LOCATION: | Horse Canyon Trail Junction https://maps.app.goo.gl/FFBuMrFiPhmaXDPFA |
| DISTANCES: | 50KM (31 miles) |
| ELEVATION: | 7,755 ft asc. / 7,746 dsc. |
| START TIME / END TIME: | 7 AM – 8 PM (13 Hours) |
About the Race
7,700 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 |
| 50K | $150 | $170 |
- 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 5OK COURSE MAP
Schedule
- 6:00 AM: Runner check-in at start Line.
- 6:45 AM: Trail briefing
- 7:00 AM: Race start.
- 8:00 PM: 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 three 10-mile loops across the Sierra wilderness.
Loop 1: Clockwise Direction (4:20 CUTOFF TO COMPLETE)
Loop 2: Counter Clockwise Direction (4:20 CUTOFF TO COMPLETE)
Loop 3 Clockwise Direction (4:20 CUTOFF TO COMPLETE)
There are twon aid stations along the course, runners will hit each aid station three times. Crew can support from either aid station:
START / FINISH LINE AID STATION (Runners will hit
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FFBuMrFiPhmaXDPFA
THUNDER MOUNTAIN TRAIL HEAD AID STATION: https://maps.app.goo.gl/g3GRxcWJMrSR7b6P9
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.
Tentative Cutoff Times
11:20 AM – Mile 10 @ START / FINISH LINE
3:40 PM – Mile 20 @ START / FINISH LINE
8:00 PM – Mile 31.1 @ START / FINISH LINE
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
1ST PLACE MALE FINISHER: $300 PRIZE
1ST PLACE FEMALE FINISHER: $300 PRIZE
All other 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/
Silver Lake West Campground, Silver Lake East-ElDorado Campground, Martin Meadow Campground