Thunder Mountain 50K Trail Challenge
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Thunder Mountain 50K Trail Challenge : August 8, 2026
The event is a 50K trail race in Kit Carson, California, set in the High Sierra near the Lake Tahoe Basin. The course sits at roughly 7,400 feet above sea level and features approximately 7,700 feet of cumulative ascent and a similar amount of descent. The race is organized as three loops that together total the 50K distance. Entry is limited to 100 runners. Online and race day registration are offered; entry fees are non-refundable but may be transferred under the organizer's rules. All finishers receive a commemorative medal.
Course and logistics
The course starts near the Horse Canyon Trail Junction and uses fire roads and alpine trails off Highway 88. Runners will pass two aid stations and will hit each aid station three times. Each loop contains a roughly 7.4 mile section without aid support. There are two road crossings on course; traffic will not be stopped and runners must cross where marked. Pacers are allowed for the final loop starting at mile 20, limited to one pacer per runner. Race poles are permitted. Loop cutoff rules and an overall race time limit apply; runners must meet the posted cutoffs to continue. Weather is variable at high elevation and may include heat, cold, wind, snow, hail, lightning, and mosquitoes. Crew access is available at the Start/Finish and the Thunder Mountain Trail Head aid station. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
