Thunder Mountain 50K Trail Challenge

Thunder Mountain Trail Challenge - Event overview

The Thunder Mountain Trail Challenge is a high Sierra trail running event held at the Horse Canyon Trail Junction. The course is alpine terrain at about 7,400 feet above sea level and features roughly 7,500 feet of climbing across the event routes. The layout uses looped trails that traverse the bottom of Thunder Mountain and surrounding Lake Tahoe Basin vistas; runners complete 10.5 mile loops on the longer courses.

Distances offered:

• 5.6M
• 10.5M
• 21M
• 50K

The course includes two aid stations that runners will pass multiple times. Each loop contains a roughly 7.4 mile section with no aid support. Crew access is allowed at the Start/Finish aid station and at the Thunder Mountain Trail Head aid station. There are two road crossings on course; runners must use caution at these crossings. Race poles are permitted. Pacers may join runners for the final loop after mile 20.

Field size is limited to 100 runners. Entry fees are non-refundable but may be transferred to a future event subject to processing rules and timing. A commemorative finisher’s medal is awarded to all finishers. Cell phone reception may be unreliable in parts of the course.

Weather is alpine summer conditions with potential for wide temperature swings and variable conditions including heat, wind, rain, snow, hail, and lightning. Participants are advised to prepare with appropriate clothing, sun and rain protection, lighting, and insect protection. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.