The Wild Wild West Marathon and Ultra

(Concurrent races – 3-Mile Fun Run and 10 Mile)

Highlights

As the United State’s third oldest trail marathon behind Pikes Peak and Catalina Island, the Wild Wild West Marathon features a challenging point to point course starting in the foothill outside of Lone Pine, California (220 miles east of Los Angles) and traversing the eastern Sierra foothills.  A favorite among ultra runners, the route includes several steady climbs and moderate declines at altitudes between 3700 and 6600 feet.  Despite the hills, elevation, and typical heat (90° by high noon), the spectacular scenery may be worth the discomfort.  Striking vistas, the snow-capped eastern Sierras, and the expansive Owens Valley are just a few of the sights along the way.  In fact, the area should look familiar to you.  This is the site for many Western movies from Roy Rogers in the 1930s to James Garner and Mel Gibson (Maverick) in the 1990s.  The race enjoys a cult-like following as most of the nearing 500 (whether looking good, bad, or ugly at the finish), return the following year.

Course Description

The point to point course starts at the Tuttle Creek Campground (about 5000 feet) and includes about 5500+/- feet of up and down and a few creek crossings.  The first third of the course runs mostly uphill on fairly steep jeep roads and trails contouring and climbing to the highest point at 6600 feet at the intersection of Whitney Portal Road and Hogback Road (8.5 miles).  A long, winding 9-mile descent on a wide graded dirt road leads to the north end of the famed Alabama Hills.  Winding and rolling Movie Flat road takes runners southbound through this unique geological formation of huge rounded oblong rocks.  Around mile 20 the marathon and ultra split course.  The final miles for both the marathon and ultra have a moderate elevation gain on a single track trail followed by a 5 mile descent.   Many wildflowers, including red Indian Paintbrush, lavender Lupine and Mojave Asters, and yellow Desert Dandelions, bloom along the course.  Also, don’t be surprised if you see bear, Tule elk, deer, badger, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, and numerous native birds or rattlesnakes.

Crowd/Runner Support

Other than the finish line, there is no spectator involvement in the race.  You will, however, receive course support in the form of 12 aid stations along the way.  The stations stock water, sport drinks, fruit, pretzels, and other snacks.  Many runners carry water bottles and/or fanny packs with personal supplies.  The course is controlled as much as possible but there is essentially no radio communication support due to the remoteness of the area.  A sweep is conducted in the final hour of the race.

Race Logistics

Limited shuttle service will be available from the finish point at Lone Pine Park to Tuttle Creek Campground for those who need to get back to their vehicle.  The race start is about 5 miles from Lone Pine.  The parking is a bit limited in Tuttle Creek Campground.  In an effort to lessen the congestion it is suggested that runners connect with other runners to get to the starting point.

Activities

Pasta Dinner and registration will be at Lo Inyo School from 5pm until 8pm. This is a fund raiser for the schools at is not included in registration. $7.00

The Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, 120 S. Main St. will serve as the late registration site on Friday between 8:00pm and 11:00pm There will be NO registration at the start line.

Awards

Award Ceremonies - At Lone Pine Park finish line 1PM

Every runner receives a T-shirt, and finishers earn ceramic medallions.  The top three age-group finishers receive awards.

Accommodations

Several hotels lie within five miles of the starting area.  Check out the local lodging.

If you want to get a little extra sleep on race morning, you can camp for free at the start area in the Tuttle Creek Campground. Click here for other camping sites.

All races start at 6AM except the Fun Run which starts at 6:10AM

Runners return year after year to enjoy this challenging, scenic and friendly event from around the world.  Come join in!

The

Wild Wild West Marathon and Ultra

(Concurrent races – 3-Mile Fun Run and 10 Mile)

* Statistics according to the 1999 ”The Ultimate Guide to Marathons”

Sponsord By

Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 749
Lone Pine CA  93545
Tel: 760-876-4444
Fax 760-264-9675
www.lonepinechamber.org

Contact:  Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce
events@lonepinechamber.org

Date:  May 2, 2009

Start Time:  6:00am

Time Course Closes:  4:00pm

Certification:  None

Ultra Course Records:

Overall Male: 2007 Dan Yarborough, Bishop CA 03:09:56

Overall Female: 2004 Anne Langstaff 42 F El Cajon CA 05:17:45

Elite Athlete Programs:  No

Cost:

Ultra – 50K: $70

Marathon: $65

10 Mile: $50

3 Mile Fun-Run: $10

Age group/Divisions:  10 Year

Walkers:  Yes

Requirements:  None

Temperature:  30°F - 100°F

Aid/Splits:  10 /2