Objective: Trail Run, Ultramarathon, Old West 50k
Location: Shelter Valley, California, USA
Distance: 50 km / 31.1 miles (round-trip)
Elevation Gain: 2,608 feet
The Old West 50k is a good introduction to the world of ultramarathons (any race over 26.2 miles). It is a distance that will expand your limits and require structured training. With modest elevation gain and beautiful canyon trails, this trail run will combine your love of hiking and running. The course traverses multiple picturesque canyons and valleys in Anza Borrego State Park, with an intense climb at the end.
Shelter Valley
The previous day was literally freezing, windy, and rainy. This morning, the sun climbs above the mountains and reveals a clear blue sky. The start line is by the dining hall of Stagecoach Trails Campground. The small pack of runners (~100) runs on a soft sandy path past cabins and horse corals. Trail running is more communal than competitive, so there is a friendly vibe with plenty of encouraging words. You need to look for orange ribbons to stay on course.
Blair Valley
The trail rises modestly to the initial aid station at Stagecoach Saddle. It’s an ultra, so you’ll see a lavish spread of fruit, PBJ sandwiches, gels, candy, electrolytes, and soda. This race bans plastic cups, so you need a reusable cup, bottle, or hydration vest, if you want to hydrate. It’s a rather level 5.5 miles on the wide sandy path to the second aid station at Blair Valley camp. Once you refuel, turn around and return to Stagecoach Saddle.
Shelter Valley, Round 2
After a flat mile, you arrive at the path to Stagecoach Trails Campground. You zoom straight pass and head a couple more miles through cholla, cacti, and other prickly vegetation.
Plum Canyon
The trail briefly climbs up narrow rocky switchbacks. When you reach the ridge, you will descend about 1,000 feet through Plum Canyon. The trail is wide and you will pick up some nice speed next to the high beige walls. Near the bottom, there are a few boulders you scramble over. At just over 23 miles, the final aid station is just before a road. Here’s the last turnaround, and most runners hike briskly back up this 1,000-foot climb for the next three miles. After the switchbacks, you need to dig deep and start running again.
Shelter Valley, Final Stretch
During the final stretch, you will cross the marathon mark (26.2 miles). You are now an ultra runner and you can keep going! After some serious soul searching, it’s a few more miles to the last water station. Hopefully, you have been successfully managing your carbs, water, pain, and pacing. You may need to dig deep to get back to the big turn to the finish. Then, you will cruise the last 1.5 miles to Stagecoach Trails Campground. After crossing the finish line, enjoy a plate of BBQ chicken.
Plan Ahead for the Old West 50k
- Event: https://secondwindtrailrunning.com/oldwest50k
- Registration: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=114823
- Lodging: Book a cabin next to the start line: https://www.stagecoachtrails.com/
Gear up for the Old West 50k
- Trail running shoes
- Running socks
- Compression sleeves
- Running shorts
- Running shirt
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Bandanna/buff
- Hydration vest with two bottles
- Gels 8-10
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Running belt