Which PCTR 50K is the most difficult?

[manleyklassen]

Wendell and Sarah,

Which of the 50K runs you put on is the most difficult? I am thinking about heading up north from Ventura County, and I would like to do a run that is considered "difficult".

Thanks,
Manley

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

All of our trail runs are considered 'challenging' - most have more than 5,000 feet of climb, like the Santa Monica Mountains run that you did - but the two most difficult in terms of elevation gain are the Mt. Diablo Trail Run (06/02/07) and the Carmel Valley Trail Run (10/14/07). They each have nearly 9,000 feet of gain - and they also both have the added mental challenge of passing through the start/finish area before you're done.

Hope to see you up this way one of these days!

Sarah (PCTR)

[leinfellner]

Here is my ranking:
1. Mount Diablo 50k
2. Mount Diablo 50k
3. Mount Diablo 50k

I will try this year (did the 25k only so far)

Norbert

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

Hey, Norbert, you'll have to try Carmel Valley - maybe it could break into your top 10!

Sarah

[caren]

I would have to put a vote in for the Pacifica course. You pass through the start/finish about every hour. In addition you have to run up the same 3 mile climb twice, and trust me it's more like 5 miles the second time ! Happy Trails!

[Jon]

caren said:

I would have to put a vote in for the Pacifica course. You pass through the start/finish about every hour. In addition you have to run up the same 3 mile climb twice, and trust me it's more like 5 miles the second time ! Happy Trails!

I concur 100% for the exact same reasons. Definitely not as tough as the Diable two loop 50k, but the 5 passes through through the start/finish are taxing. Last summer was surprisingly hot for Pacifica too.

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

And Pacifca's got over 7,000 feet of gain, too. Guess you guys are right - maybe it's kind tough, too.

Sarah