Event Update (9/24)
We’re happy to confirm that the Mt. Baldy 5000 will proceed as planned on October 5.
As you may know, earlier this month, the Mt. Baldy community was impacted by another wildfire, the Bridge Fire. Thankfully, the fire stated clear of the Mt. Baldy race course and the Mt. Baldy Resort. But Mt. Baldy Village was not as fortunate, with several homes tragically lost. In light of this, we have been closely monitoring the situation, waiting until the fires were contained and safety assurances were given before making any final decisions regarding the race.
We’re pleased to report that over the last few days, we’ve received the necessary approvals to move forward. (Of note, the Bridge Fire Closure Order, which went into effect this weekend, does not include the fire road and trails that make up the race course, and Mt. Baldy Road, which you’ll take to reach the event, is fully reopened.) Having visited the course over the weekend, we can also assure you that the trails are in great condition, the air quality is safe, and our team is confident in the overall safety of the event next weekend.
While we’re excited to proceed with the race, we cannot overlook the hardships this community has faced. With that in mind, we want to share that thanks to the support of our partners—REI, HOKA, and the Mt. Baldy Resort— we will be donating $17 from everyone's registration fees to a relief fund that is directly impacting the Mt. Baldy community and the families that were affected. As of now that number stands at $8,857 and we are hoping that by race day to have that over $10,000. Though the path to recovery will be long, we hope this contribution to this organization will make a meaningful impact in helping the community begin to return to normalcy.
The Mt. Baldy 5000
On Saturday, October 5, Trials of Miles, REI, and HOKA are hosting the second running of the Mt. Baldy 5000, a unique mountain race on the slopes of the Mt. Baldy Resort. While the 5k course promises to be a challenge, this event is designed for runners of all ability levels. This event also includes an epic afterparty at the Top of the Notch, where runners can enjoy a BBQ dinner, music, and drinks just steps away from the finish line. We can’t promise any 5K PRs on our course, but we can promise amazing views, an unforgettable sunset, and a Saturday night adventure in the mountains!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS EVENT WAS INITIALLY SCHEDULED FOR JULY 13, BUT WAS POSTPONED DUE TO THE VISTA FIRE. IT IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2024.
The Course
The Mt. Baldy 5000 course is 3.1 miles long and it's almost entirely uphill. It's definitely a tough course (there are definitely no PRs set here!), but it's a fun course and something that runners of all ability levels can tackle. Most of the race is on fire roads and the footing is good throughout. There are great views the entire way and the course is extremely spectator friendly for any friends and family that join us.
Schedule and Race Waves
The race will start around 5:00pm. There will also be an early start option, which registered runners may select closer to race day. Dinner and drinks will be served at the Notch as soon as the first runner crosses the finish line!
BBQ Dinner and Afterparty
Once the race concludes, runners are encouraged to celebrate their finish with a BBQ dinner, live music, and drinks at the Top of the Notch restaurant. The night will then conclude with a 15 minute chairlift ride back to the parking lot where the race started. We promise that this will be one of the most unique and special race afterparties that you've ever experienced.
Please note that the BBQ dinner must be purchased in advance, and can be selected as an add on when you register for the race.
The Los Angeles Mountain Running Series
This event is part of the Los Angeles Mountain Running Series presented by REI & HOKA. The Los Angeles Mountain Running Series is a series of races and events that take place throughout the year, and require runners to take on a variety of trail running challenges throughout the city’s parks and trail systems. For more information check out www.trialsofmilesracing.com/tom/la
Event's current local time: 4:46 AM PT
