Bottom line: California is the host of more ultramarathons — nearly 400 — than any state in the union. But out of all those events, this one in Arcata is a standout.
The race covers nine days and eight nights over three counties. It goes from Arcata next to the Pacific Ocean at 23-feet above sea level, through three national forests, culminating with the final huge climb to Mount Shasta at 14,180 feet above sea level.
We are talking about at some point, an elevation gain of 51,000 feet and an elevation loss of 43,000 feet, or as organizers put it, “we’ll be running up and down mountains.”
The race is known as the longest, most extreme point-to-point endurance race in the country. It’s pretty insane when you consider participants also have to be leery of bears, mountain lions and snakes.
This is a challenge like no other, so good luck to all.
