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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.
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 10 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.
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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. About 20% of the field campout at Tuttle Creek
Campground.
ACTIVITIES
The Lo-Inyo Elementary School in northeast Lone Pine serves as the registration
site on Friday between 5:00pm and 7:00pm. Late registration until 12:00am
at 238 S Main St and limited registration at the start line. The school
also hosts the pasta party held in conjunction with registration. With
your registration fee you can have all the tasty pasta, salad, and bread
you want. A post-race picnic and award ceremony, also included in your
registration fee, start around 1:00pm at the finish line in Lone Pine
Park.
AWARDS
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. 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.
RELATED EVENTS/RACES
The 10-mile run starts with the marathon and the ultra at 6:00am, with
the 3-mile Fun Run starts at 6:10am.
Runners return year after year to enjoy this challenging,
scenic and friendly event from around the world.
Come join in!
Race Start Point Split Point End Point Course
3 Mile Fun-Run Tuttle Creek None Tuttle Creek Out and back
10 Mile Tuttle Creek Tuttle Creek Loop
26.2 Mile Tuttle Creek Lone Pine Park Point to point
50 K Tuttle Creek Lone Pine Park Point to point
The 2004
Wild Wild West Marathon and Ultra
(Concurrent races - 3-Mile Fun Run and 10 Mile)
Overall: 84.7 Course Beauty: 10 -
Course difficulty: 8+ Appropriateness for First Timers: 1
Race Organization: 9 Crowds: 1
Quickness Ranking: 103
* Statistics according to the 1999 "The Ultimate Guide to Marathons"
Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 749 Tel 877-253-8981
Lone Pine CA 93545 760-876-4444
www.lonepinechamber.org Fax 760-876-9205
Contact: Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce
events@lonepinechamber.org
Date: May 1 2004
Start Time: 6:00am
Time Course Closes: 4:00pm
Certification: None
Ultra Course Records:
Overall Male: 2003 Dean Dobberteen 27 M Bonita CA 04:20:47
Overall Female: 2003 Rayni Chase 29 F Bishop CA 05:29:49
Elite Athlete Programs: No
Cost:
Ultra - 50K: $75
Marathon: $70
10 Mile: $55
3 Mile Fun-Run: $10
Age group/Divisions: 10 Year
Walkers: Yes
Requirements: None
Temperature: 30°F - 100°F
Aid/Splits: 10 / None