2020 New Race Format Details

Dear Runners,

In 2020 we will offer an Elite Race on September 11-12 and an Open Course race format September 9-11 and September 13. The Elite race will have a limited field to comply with local regulations. The Open Course race is an option for those adventurous runners out there looking to get out and run in a mostly self-supported environment, while racing toward an official finish time. The course will be marked, but there will be no formal aid stations. The ultra distances will require your own crew support. We’re excited to set up this unique format in this unique year.

2020 Open Course Race

There will be several different starting time slots to choose from on each day. Registration opens on July 1 (at 6 AM) and you will be able to choose your day and time slot on a first-come, first-served basis. There will not be a mass start or a finish festival this year. The Open Course will be marked and there will be limited aid in some locations, such as water. Runners in the 100M, 50M, and 50K races will be required to have at least 1 support crew member to participate. Pacers will be allowed in the 100M distance as usual at mile 55 and pacers will also be allowed for any race distance anytime you are running in the dark. You can race to earn official results or you can take as long as you want to complete each distance (until the course closes!). Your results will be categorized accordingly. We are verifying that the official results will earn UTMB points.

Please review the Open Course race details here before registering.

Elite Race

We will host an elite field for the 100M and Half Marathon races on September 11-12, 2020 in Big Bear Lake, CA. The 100M race will start at 5PM on Friday, September 11 and the Half Marathon will start on Saturday, September 12. The maximum capacity in each race will be up to 80 runners - 40 men and 40 women that meet qualifying standards. There is a prize purse of $22,800 in total, as part of the Spartan Trail World Championship. The application period will open June 29 and applications will be accepted starting July 13.

Qualifying Standards and Application Timeline

Apply for the Elite Race

Virtual Option

Information coming soon. Please stay tuned as we iron out more plans.

**If you're considering the Virtual option, please go ahead and choose to either defer or receive your 85% refund. The Virtual option will be a standalone, lower fee registration, that you can sign-up for later if you want. **

Previously registered runners:

As a reminder, you need to choose an option by July 1 – After that we will be moving ahead full throttle with race plans.