Calistoga Mountain Run
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Event Overview
The Calistoga Mountain Run is a trail running event with distances of 50k, 35k, a half marathon, and a 10k. It starts in downtown Calistoga, California. The routes take runners onto trails and into Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. The courses are described as challenging and technical, involving climbing toward Mount St. Helena.
Course Details
The races are out-and-back courses on single-track and fire roads. The terrain is rocky and steep in sections, requiring varied running and hiking techniques. Key trails used include the Oat Hill Mine Trail, Palisades Trail, Table Rock Trail, and Mount St. Helena Trail.
Distances and key facts:
- 50k: Features over 7,500 feet of elevation gain. Runners visit three fully stocked aid stations multiple times for a total of six stops.
- 35k: Has a net elevation gain/loss of 5,250 feet. Runners have three aid station stops.
- Half Marathon: Has a net elevation gain/loss of 4,250 feet. There are three aid stations, one of which is water and gels only.
- 10k: An out-and-back on the Oat Hill Mine Trail with water-only aid stations at miles 1 and 5.2.
Aid stations are stocked with items like fresh fruit, chips, gels, potatoes, salt, candy, soda, water, and sports drink. Due to the remote terrain, there can be long stretches between aid, and runners are recommended to carry up to 40 ounces of water. The 50k, 35k, and half marathon distances are UTMB Index races.
Race Day Information
The event starts and finishes on the Great Lawn at the Calistoga Fairgrounds. Start times are 7:30 AM for the 50k and 35k, and 9:00 AM for the half marathon and 10k. Race day bib pickup starts at 6:30 AM.
There is a pre-race bib pickup option on the Saturday before the event from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Lincoln Avenue Brewing in Calistoga. Drop bags are available for the 50k and 35k distances, transported to the Highway 29 aid station.
While there are no official hard cutoffs, 50k runners who do not reach the Highway 29 aid station by 11:45 AM will be converted to the 35k race to ensure all runners finish safely by 6:30 PM.
Awards & Amenities
All finishers receive a custom finisher's medal and a race t-shirt. Awards are given to the top three finishers by gender in each race. For races with more than 50 participants, age group awards in 10-year divisions are also offered. Post-race food and drinks are provided at the finish area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
