Monterey Ultra
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Event overview
The Monterey Ultra 50 Miler is scheduled for February 7, 2026, at Fort Ord National Monument and the Laguna Seca Recreation Area near Monterey/Salinas, California. The race distance is 50.7 miles with 7,080' of elevation gain. The course is made up of a 35-mile loop plus a 15-mile loop and includes a mix of wide fire roads, twisting single-track, deep sand, rocky sections, and rooty climbs. The event has a capacity of 150 runners and a 14.5 hour time limit.
Course and logistics
The course is marked with colored surveyor ribbon, laminated signs, and flour arrows at complex sections; blue ribbons indicate wrong-way trails. Aid stations provide energy gels, Stroopwafels, trail mix, pretzels, potato chips, PB&J sandwiches, fruit, soda, Skratch Hydration mix, salt tablets, and basic first-aid supplies. Runners are strongly encouraged to carry at least one 20 oz bottle. This is a cupless event; runners must carry their own bottle or reusable cup. Reusable cups by HydraPak will be available for purchase at events for $5.
Drop bags are available at Skyline (mile 17.1 and mile 39.1) and Laguna Seca (mile 35.9). Crew access is limited; Laguna Seca and Toro Creek aid stations are accessible without a lengthy hike, while Sandstone Ridge, Skyline, and Oil Well aid stations have no vehicular access. Timing and live aid-station tracking are provided by San Francisco Running Company and Ultralive.net (live tracking available for an additional $3 fee). Awards include top-three overall trophies, age-group medals, finisher medals, and a custom hat for all 50M finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
