An awesome race if you want a really challenging run at high elevation. The race started on single track along town and then climbed up and over Guaje Ridge. I cruised the single track and powered up the hill. After that we dropped quickly into Guaje Canyon. I tried to run fast down this section, but one bad step would result in a nasty fall down the steep hill side. Once in Guaje Canyon, I climbed the ladder over the dam and jogged uphill to the base of Caballo Mountain. The climb up Caballo Mountain went well until I hit fresh snow leftover from a late spring snow. The footing was not too bad as the snow offered pretty good traction. Once on top of Caballo mountain, I regained my breath and enjoyed the views for a moment. It was slow going down at first because of the snow. A runner in front of me slipped off the side of the trail. Once I got below snow line, I opened it up and made good time back down into Guaje Canyon. The way to Pipeline Road went quickly except for the step switchbacks out of Guaje Canyon. From Pipeline I dropped into the Caldera on a steep, loose, and slippery slope. But after that is was quick running through the Caldera on a dirt road. Leaving the Caldera was all off trail. There were huge grass clumps to navigate and then the climb to Cerro Grande at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. I navigated downed trees, scree slopes, and slick terrain on the way up. From the top of Cerro Grande are great views. The descent off of Cerro Grande was extremely treacherous because of snow. The heat of the day had turned the snow into slippery slush. I almost ate dirt a couple of times on this decent. After descending more than 2000 feet the last climb was ahead. This climb is around 2,500 feet and goes to the top of the Pajarito Ski Area at 10,400 feet. I made good time until the ski area because the ascent is not too steep. Once at the ski area things slowed. I just got into a grove and worked my way up. Snow in the trees forced the descent to drop directly down a black diamond run. My legs felt dead when I got down to the ski lodge aid station, but there was only 11 miles to go! From here it is mostly down hill to the finish so I ran most of the way back. I guess that I must be crazy because this was a tough but fun race.

Train for hills a little more.

Hobbled around the finish area and tried to stretch my legs.


Not enough training.


This is an excellent race, but it is hard.