USA mountain/trail races

[Sam Harrison]

We've just booked flights to San Francisco from 1 June to 13 July next year and plan to do some touring around, the main aim being mountaineering objectives, but I'm keen to get a race or two in whilst we're there.

Problem being, finding any is proving difficult and I can't find any central database of USA trail or mountain races. So I was hoping someone on here might have a suggestion or two?

We'll be covering a fair bit of ground, most likely taking a route encompassing Yosemite, Mt Whitney, Utah, maybe even the Rocky Mountain NP in Colorado, Yellowstone, Mt Rainier, Olympic NP, then down the west past Mt Hood and Mt Shasta.

Race wise I'd be interested in anything, but would be particularly interested in something long and as hilly as possible (e.g. 50km, maybe even 100km though would have to do something training between now and then!).

Cheers,
Sam

[CalFerguson]

Never done any myself over that way but I know of the America Trail Running Association...they have some form of calendar on their site ( http://trailrunner.com/ )

Hope that helps mate

[anthonykay]

There is also this: http://www.backcountryrunner.com/trail-races/
and this: http://insidetrail.com/calendar/
The famous Dipsea Race near San Francisco is on the second Sunday of June, but it's likely to be difficult to get an entry: http://www.dipsea.org

[XRunner]

When visiting another country I usually find out when and where the local running clubs meet.

We can then enjoy of-road running along trails and paths that tourist don't frequent.

Obvious other benefits is meeting like-minded people and joining their social activities.

I tend to run trails in Marin Country north of San Francisco.

There are many interesting places in the Sierra Nevada mountains from Lake Tahoe to Yosemite with lots of trails.

Off-trail running can be limited unless you are very familiar with the location.

[Sam Harrison]

Thanks all for the advice, very useful. Got my eye on a couple of races from those lists.

Dipsea sounds great but the $75 entry for an 8 mile race is a little off putting!

[Sam Harrison]

I've discovered the Bryce Canyon race that lines up nicely with our plans, and it looks an amazing place too. Think it'd have to be the 50 mile version, not sure I can comprehend running 100 miles! Anyone done the race before or been to the area?

[cyclops]

I've discovered the Bryce Canyon race that lines up nicely with our plans, and it looks an amazing place too. Think it'd have to be the 50 mile version, not sure I can comprehend running 100 miles! Anyone done the race before or been to the area?

Sam,
bryce canyon is absolutely stunning, you will not be disappointed with the scenery, in fact hardest thing will be keeping your eyes on the trail and not tripping up looking at the views! That race could tempt me back there. I remember it being stupidly hot when i was there bu the runners in the video look fairly wrapped up and a bit of rain falling so likely its held at a cooler time of year. I hope the course is well marked out, usa maps are reknowned for being a bit rubbish compared to OS standards.
theres a super campsite in the park, nearest town is a way off so go with plenty of supplies
do it!
Lynne

[Sam Harrison]

Sam,
bryce canyon is absolutely stunning, you will not be disappointed with the scenery, in fact hardest thing will be keeping your eyes on the trail and not tripping up looking at the views! That race could tempt me back there. I remember it being stupidly hot when i was there bu the runners in the video look fairly wrapped up and a bit of rain falling so likely its held at a cooler time of year. I hope the course is well marked out, usa maps are reknowned for being a bit rubbish compared to OS standards.
theres a super campsite in the park, nearest town is a way off so go with plenty of supplies
do it!
Lynne

Thanks Lynne, exactly what I wanted to hear! Do you know the name of the campsite?

[cyclops]

Thanks Lynne, exactly what I wanted to hear! Do you know the name of the campsite?

It was the NPS one http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
looking on the race website it suggests some accomodation incl camping too, may be the same, not sure

[cyclops]

Sam,
check your inbox...