Anza Borrego Cuyamaca 50 (ABC 50)

General Info

Crew/Pacers:
There is no crew access at Museum, West Mesa, and S2 aid stations.  

Crew, family, and friends may see their runner at Sweetwater, Paso Picacho, and Pedro Fages aid stations. Further, while S2 has no crew access, crew can meet their runners in Blair Valley by entering the dirt road directly across from mile marker 24 on S2. (Bear right shortly after entering dirt road and follow for approximately ¼ mile to circular area. You will see signpost for California Riding & Hiking Trail).

Pacers are allowed and can join their runner at either Paso Picacho (24.6mi/39.36km) or Pedro Fages (35.4mi/56.64km).

​On-Course Race Management:

1. Headlamps/flashlights: All runners leaving Pedro Fages aid station after 1 p.m. MUST carry a headlamp or flashlight. As such, if you are planning on using drop bags, include your lamp in the drop bag headed to Pedro Fages. Failure to have a light when attempting to leave this aid station after 1:00PM will result in a DNF and we will pull you from the race.

2. Hydration: Water and Tailwind will be available at all aid stations. However, due to the nature of the course, all runners must carry at least 20 ounces of hydration with them. 

3. Drop Bags: Drop bags NO LARGER THAN A ONE GALLON ZIPLOCK BAG and CLEARLY LABELED (Name. Bib Number. and Aid Station Location) are allowed at Aid Station 2 (Sweetwater), AS 4 (Paso Picacho) and Aid Station 5 (Pedro Fages). Drop bags will be submitted at the Registration table on race morning and will be delivered to their respective aid stations. Drop bags will be returned to the Finish Line for pickup by approximately 5:45PM. If you would like to drop some gear at one of these aid stations and would otherwise not use a drop bag, please submit an empty drop bag in the morning so your stuff doesn’t get lost. If you take the shuttle and would like a “Finish Line” drop bag for clothes to keep you warm in the morning that you will take off right before the race starts, you may do so as well.

4. Jackets, gloves, etc.: Be aware of the weather forecast prior to race day. Average temperatures for this time of year range from a low of about 30 to a high in the low 50’s. As such, you may want to begin the race wearing layers (which you can dispose of in your Sweetwater drop bag, if you wish). Similarly, your Pedro Fages drop bag should include some sort of jacket, etc., as you will likely be out on the course after the sun has set.

5. Food/nutrition: Aid stations, in addition to water and Tailwind, will carry the usual assortment of ultra foods, such as salty snacks, sweets, PB&J sandwiches, boiled potatoes, etc., plus gels, cola, and ginger ale.

Packet Pick-Up:
Top 3 male and female winners will receive awards.  You may pick up your bib at the start the morning of the race.  All runners MUST check-in at the start.

Finish Line:

The race finishes at Stagecoach Trails RV Resort & Campground in Shelter Valley. There is a dining hall and kitchen where you can relax after the race and enjoy a hot meal, which will be provided to you. Further, there are showers available. Should you and your crew wish to spend the night, you can make reservations at http://www.stagecoachtrails.com

Accommodations:
Nearest hotel accommodations for the start are in Julian, about 8-10 miles drive: http://www.visitjulian.com/lodging/hotels-inns/  Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers camping at Paso Picacho Campground (about a mile from the start) and Green Valley.
http://www.reserveamerica.com/camping/cuyamaca-rancho-sp/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=CA&parkId=120023

Mt. Laguna Lodge (about 10 miles to the south): http://lagunamountain.com

Alternately, you may choose to spend Friday night at Stagecoach Trails RV Resort & Campground, where the race will finish on Saturday. Of course, you can make reservations for Saturday night, as well. http://www.stagecoachtrails.com

Directions to the start:

1. From San Diego: I-8 East.  Exit Sunrise Highway. Turn left off exit. Proceed approximately 20 miles. Parking area is on west side of the road (your left) shortly after mile marker 34. For Google map directions, type in: 14833 Sunrise Highway, Julian, CA

2. From North County: Highway 78 through Julian. Turn right onto Highway 79 towards Cuyamaca. Proceed approximately 6 miles. Turn left onto Sunrise Highway (S1). Proceed approximately 4 miles. Parking area will be on your right. For Google map directions, type in: 14833 Sunrise Highway, Julian, CA

Directions to the finish from Julian (intersection of Highway 78 and 79):

Head down Banner Grade (Highway 78) towards the desert floor. Continue on Highway 78 once on the desert floor until you see a sign for I-8 on your right. Turn right onto S2 (Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849) – note there is no left turn at this intersection. Follow S2 for several miles until you see the Stagecoach Trails RV Resort & Campground on your right. Google address: 7878 Great Southern Overland Stage Route Of 1849, Julian, CA 92036