Turquoise Trail Ultra
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Event overview
The Turquoise Trail Ultra is a trail race near Cedar Crest, New Mexico, held at Gutierrez Canyon Open Space off Highway 14 (12216 NM-14, Cedar Crest, NM 87008). The course is a roughly 13 km loop with smooth single track, rock gardens, and juniper trees. Each lap includes about 1,023 ft of climbing. The event is held in variable weather conditions; it proceeds in rain, snow, or sun.
Distances
- 13k - 1 lap, ~1,023 ft gain
- 26k - 2 laps, ~2,046 ft gain
- 52k - 4 laps, ~4,092 ft gain
Course, aid, and cutoffs
The course is entirely single track and includes technical sections. There are two aid stations: at the start/finish and one on course at approximately 4.6 miles. Aid stations offer water/Skratch, chips, cookies, bananas, vegetable soup or broth, and a variety of salty and sweet snacks. Locally made burritos are provided at the finish. The event is cup-less; participants are asked to bring their own cup or bottle. A reusable cup is available for purchase during packet pickup for $5 (cash or Venmo). There is a 10 hour course cutoff for all distances and a 7.5 hour cutoff for lap 4 of the 52k.
Logistics
Start/finish and primary parking are at the Gutierrez Canyon Open Space parking lot. Overflow parking is at Mountain Christian Church about 0.25 miles north, with a sidewalk to the start/finish. Parking at local businesses is not allowed. Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, February 20th (location TBD) and on a Saturday morning at the start/finish line. Discounts are available for New Mexico students, teachers, first responders, active duty military, and veterans. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
