Monterey Ultra

Monterey Ultra 50 Miler

The Monterey Ultra 50 Miler is a trail ultramarathon held at Fort Ord National Monument and the Laguna Seca Recreation Area near Monterey, California. The main race covers 50.7 miles with approximately 7,080 feet of elevation gain and is run as a 35-mile loop plus a 15-mile loop. The course includes a mix of wide fire roads, twisting single-track, deep sand, rocky and rooty climbs.

Most of the route is on moderately technical dirt trails and non-technical fire roads. Long hills are present and hiking or trekking poles are permitted. Courses are marked with colored ribbon and additional signage; blue ribbons indicate wrong-way trails. Detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions, aid station distances and elevation profiles are provided by the organizer.

Aid stations are staffed and provide a range of foods and beverages including energy gels, stroopwafels, trail mix, sandwiches, soda, water and Skratch Hydration. Runners are encouraged to carry at least one 20 oz bottle. This is a cupless event; runners must carry their own cup or bottle. Reusable cups will be available for purchase at the race.

Drop bags are accepted at Skyline (mile 17.1 and mile 39.1) and Laguna Seca (mile 35.9) and will be transported to the start/finish area after aid stations close. Crew access varies by aid station; only Laguna Seca and Toro Creek are easily reachable by vehicle. The event capacity for the 50M is 150 runners. Timing and live aid-station tracking are provided for an additional fee. Awards include finisher medals and a custom hat for 50M finishers, trophies for top overall finishers, and age-group prizes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.