Black Mountain 50K/25K/Half

Training Runs

Join us on training runs to preview the course and get to know the trails. The training run courses will not be marked, so please familiarize yourself with the maps and download the GPX files that are linked below for each run. There will be a water station set up on each of the runs and post-run refreshments & snacks.

  • Training Run #1: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, 7:00am at Hilltop Community Park (Click HERE for directions). We are running in the Black Mountain Open Space for approximately 12.5 miles, about 2,000 feet of ascent. Check out the winding single track trails in this area, and ascend to Black Mountain Summit for a beautiful 360 degree view.

    GPX file (CalTopo)

    Strava route


  • Training Run #2: Sunday, April 21 2024, 7:00am at Black Mountain Ranch Park (Click HERE for directions). We are running the Lusardi Loop, with the optional out and back segment of the 50K course (approximately 3 additional miles) to Camino Del Sur. This run will be between 11 and 14 miles depending on if you do the out and back. Check out these rolling hills on a combination of rugged jeep and single track trails.

    GPX (CalTopo) (Note: This GPX file tracks the 11 mile option and does NOT include the 3 mile Camino Del Sur out and back).

    Strava route


  • Training Run #3: Saturday, May 25th, 2024, 7:00am at Hilltop Community Park (Click HERE for directions). We are running the entire 25K course (16 miles), about 2600 feet of ascent. You’ll be close to the peak of your training as we traverse the Black Mountain Open Space, climb over Doug Hill, then peak out at the Summit of Black Mountain for views of the Cuyamaca Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and Mexico!

    GPX (CalTopo)

    Strava route