Ohlone Wilderness Trail Run (50K)

Please use this form if you can supply any additional information about this course.

NOTES: The Event Date/Time entry is for the purpose of letting you know how current the provided information is. This it not a race calendar, and while I will attempt to keep the information current, it will not always be possible. The course information is supplied by RDs, ultra runners and other interested parties, and while everyone attempts to provide accurate information, **IT HAPPENS! Always check with the Race Director for the latest information.

Location: Mission Peak, Sunol and Del Valle Regional Parks and Ohlone Regional Wilderness:
Nearest Town(s): Start: Fremont, CA; Finish: Livermore, CA
Event Date/Time 5/22/05 8AM
Course Type: Point to Point - Start Mission Peak Regional Park, Fremont; Finish Del Valle Regional Park, Livermore
Surface: Dirt trails and fireroads
Description: A mountainous course with virtually no flat sections, consisting primarily of two long climbs and two long descents. Some wooded sections but mostly Oak covered grasslands offering little shade and superb views. No significant stream crossings.
Elevation Change: 8500' climb; 8100' descent
Altitude Range: 390' - 3600'
Longest Climb: 3200' over 9 miles; 2000' over 4+ miles
Time Limit/Cutoffs: 9 hours; 5 hour cutoff at mile 16.2
Aid Stations: 5 + 3 additional water sources (see below)
Website: Ohlone Wilderness 50KM Trail Run
Race Director: Rob Byrne Ohlone 50K 15030 Broadway Terrace Oakland, CA 94611-1251
Submitted By: Jim Winne

Results: '98, '99, '00, '01

The following is from the information sheet for the 1999 race

PARKING: Parking is a major concern. The enclosed maps detail the start at Mission Peak and the ftnish at Del Valie. Please review the parking restrictions prior to race day, especially those for Del Valle.

Mission Peak: There is limited parking in the trailhead lot. We will direct parking as necessary.
Del Valle: There is a fee for park entry which is reguired even if you are just entering to pick up a runner. Please do not expect the park staff to let you in for free. Weekend parking can be tight. The Del Valle staff advises your support crews and families wanting to go to Del Valle to be in the park as early as possible. Please plan accordingly. Go to the Lichen Bark picnic area. If you are stuck outtside the park let the main gate Rangers know that you are there to pick-up a runner. We cannot secure your entrance, so be early! There is a small entry fee. A map is attached which shows the route for your family and crew to get from the start to the finish.

CHECK-IN: Runners may check-in beginning at 6:00 a.m. Your number is included in this mailing. Please wear the numbers facing front. Water, Exceed, and assorted foods will be available for you. Runners will be required to carry water; two bottles are recommended.

START: The start will be at 7:00 a.m. If you anticipate finishing after nine hours, please call me to arrange an early start. Do not start early without notifiying me in advance--we need to know who is out on the course.

CUT-OFF TIME: There will be a 12 noon cut-off time at the Billy Goat Road & Telles Rock aid station. Any runner failing to make this cut-offtime will return to Sunol with the aid station personnel. Due to the remoteness of the aid station, this requires a hike out along the road, and negotiating a ride back to the start.

WEATHER: The weather is usually hot. Temperatures be in the 80's to mid-90's. Be prepared for this with light colored clothing, some form of head gear (visor or cap) with neck covering, and carry water bottles. But it could be a cold damp day, so be prepared with poly-pro or other cold weather gear in case needed.

AID STATIONS: There will be three unmanned water supply points and five manned aid station with water, Gatoraid, Coke, Cliff Bars, cookies, potatoes, bananas, chips, and first aid supplies:
6.0 miles -- Laurel Loop Gate -- a water drop
10.1 miles -- Sunol Regional Park -- a full service aid station
13.4 miles -- Sunol Back Pack area -- an unmanned water faucet
16.2 miles -- Billy Goat Road & Telles Rock -- a full service aid station in the fire road
20.4 miles -- Maggie's Half Acre (Rose Peak) -- a full service aid station
24.0 miles -- Steward's Camp -- an unmanned water faucet
26.3 miles -- Schlieper Rock -- a full service aid station at the descent into Williams Gulch
29.0 miles -- Boyd Camp -- an unmanned water faucet, 50 yds downtrail from trail split

DROP BAGS: No provisions have been made for drop bags due to remote wilderness access beyond Sunol. Bags will be taken to Del Valle for those wanting a change of clothes.

TRAIL NOTES:

SIGN-IN BOARDS: We do not have to use the sign-in/out boards at specific trail locations.
GATES: When you go through a gate, close it after you.
GARBAGE: Please take your garbage with you. The sweep runners do not want to pick-up after you.
PORT-A POTTYS: There are port-a-pottys at the start, Sunol, Sunol backpack area, Maggie's Half Acre, Steward's Camp, and Boyd Camp backpack area.
COURSE MARKINGS: The course is marked with the 4X4 posts with the Ohlone Wilderness Trail emblem and arrows. Chalk and surveyor's pink ribbon will also mark the course.
BACKPACKERS/HORSES: Use courtesy and common sense when approaching either backpackers and/or horses. Move to the side of the trail and allow the horses to pass. Do not run past them or startle them in any way. Watch for backpackers along the trail. Be careful on the downhills and narrow trails.

SWEEP RUNNERS: There will be a sweep runner following the last official runner. This runner will provide aid if problems arise or if a runner is injured, be certain all runners are accounted for between the start and the finish, and remove trail marking ribbons.

FINISH LINE ACTIVITIES: The finish line will be near the Lichen Bark picnic area (see the Del Valle map attached). Sodas, hot dogs, yogurt, chips, cookies, etc, will be provided for your refreshment. We will reserve picnic tables for our finish line activities. There are showers available as well as the lake for swimming.

AWARDS: Age group awards and finisher awards will be available at the completion of your run. Awards will be three deep in all age categories: Open (under 40), Masters (40-49), Seniors (50-59) and Seniors Plus (60+) for both male and female. There are also awards for heavyweights: male (200+) and female(155+).

T'SHIRTS: Tshirts will be distributed at the finish.

RIDES: Limited rides will be available back to the start. If you wish to use this service, be prepared to wait until we can fill a vehicle. It is a 1 1/2 hour round trip. Therefore, you are urged to have family spend the day at Del Valle and enjoy the swimming, beach area, fishing, and hiking, and be there when you finish.'

The future of this wilderness run depends on our care of the trail and courtesy to backpackers, horse riders, and Park Rangers. Please respect the land and the people.

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