Ely Mountain Trail Race
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Event Overview
The Ely Mountain Trail Race takes place at Balsam Forebay near Shaver Lake, California. It is a new event from San Joaquin Running Co. The race offers two distances.
Race Courses
- Ely Mountain Trail Race 14K: The course covers approximately 8.7 miles with about 1,800 feet of total climbing. It includes a 1,000-foot ascent up Ely Mountain and descends via smooth singletrack and dirt roads. The route passes a steep, rugged granite section that is just under a mile long.
- Ely Mountain Trail Race 8K: The course covers approximately 4.9 miles with about 800 feet of climbing. It follows a slightly easier route to the summit compared to the longer distance.
Both courses start at Balsam Forebay, with the 14K starting first and the 8K starting 10 minutes later. There is a 3.5-hour cutoff for the 14K distance.
Event Details
All participants receive a custom event shirt and a finisher medal. Awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers in each race, as well as to the top three in 10-year age groups. The event includes post-race food and refreshments.
For the 14K race, there is a special "King & Queen of the Mountain" challenge. A $100 prize is awarded to the fastest male and female on the designated Ely Mountain climb segment. Eligibility requires recording the run with Strava or GPS and uploading it immediately after the race.
Logistics
Bib pickup is available the day before the race at Fleet Feet Fresno or on race morning at the start area. Parking is along a dirt road shoulder off Highway 168 near the Balsam Forebay entrance; carpooling is encouraged. Morning coffee will be available from The Pour Over Coffee Company.
The courses are multi-use trails shared with hikers and mountain bikers. They are marked with orange ribbon, flags, cones on the granite section, and signage at turns. Aid stations are provided: three on the 14K course and two on the 8K course, offering GU Roctane drink, GU gels, water, and snacks.
Participation is capped at 250 runners. Volunteer opportunities are available, offering free entry to a future race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
