Mt. Taylor 50K - Grants, New Mexico - Running

The Mt. Taylor 50K is a Running race in Grants, New Mexico consisting of a 50K Trail Run.

Come explore beautiful Mt. Taylor!
Only 90 minutes west of Albuquerque near Grants, New Mexico, the trail system and jeep road network here criss-crosses the mountain giving runners every possible view. Join us in the Navajo tradition of waking up before dawn and running east to greet the sunrise from the La Mosca Lookout. See the views of the volcanic plugs to the north, the forested Continental Divide Trail, trails through open high mountain meadows, and the 360 degree view from the summit of Mt. Taylor at 11,305 ft. This not-for-profit 50K is a scenic yet challenging mountain ultra created by runners, for runners. Once you see the course, you'll wonder why you've never been here before.

Awards:
* Top 5 male and female overall
* Top 3 masters (>45 yrs.) male and female

Course:
Runners are led over singletrack and jeep roads on a panoramic loop that first circumnavigates then scales the 11,305 ft stratovolcano of Mount Taylor. The course includes 8 miles of the Continental Divide trail that crosses the Cibola National Forest. The course is entirely above 9000 feet in altitude and has 7000 feet of climbing. Appropriate clothing for high altitude running should be considered.

Aid Stations:
Mile 4.5 - Ridgeline
Mile 10 - Spud Patch
Mile 16.5 - Rock Tank
Mile 21 - Gooseberry
Mile 25 - Caldera Rim 1
Mile 29 - Caldera Rim 2
A variety of food (chips, sandwiches, fruit, cookies, candy) and drinks (sports drink, water, and soda) will be provided at each aid station.

Each runner is allowed one drop bag at the mile 16 Rock Tank Aid Station, which is also the start/finish area. Do not expect to have access to your vehicle; parking for runners will be a quarter to a half a mile away from the Rock Tank Aid Station.