Little Loco Gets a Huge Facelift in 2024

Embark on a journey back to the heart of trail running with the Little Loco, where the untamed wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains awaits. This isn't your typical, glossy, big-brand race; it's a tribute to the raw, thrilling days of yesteryear's trail and ultra running days.

As we mark a decade of dirt, sweat, and cheers, the Little Loco has evolved into a beast of its own making and has taken on a completely different format, using the same wild course. It's time to test your mettle with our new timed race categories. Whether you opt for a brisk 1-hour dash, a formidable 3-hour endeavor, an enduring 6-hour trek, or the epic 12-hour saga, you're in for an adventure where you can go as far as your legs and spirit can carry you in whichever timeframe you choose.

But wait, there’s more! The "LAST RUNNER STANDING" challenge. How far can you Run Loco when the only limit is the ticking clock and your own resolve? Enter the "Last Runner Standing" category and find out. Stand tall as the last male and female warrior on the course and be hailed as the 2024 Last Loco Runner Standing.

Will you outlast the others, or will they outshine you? Either way, we are with you to the end; Last. Runner. Standing.

Starting off at 3200 feet, the Little Loco course is a wild concoction of everything a trail runner's heart could desire: winding single tracks, elusive no-tracks, and rustic dirt forestry roads, all set against a backdrop of unpredictable weather, unwavering volunteers and diverse terrain.

The Little Loco is more than just a race; it's a tribute to the spirit of trail running. If you are a runner, you belong here.

Post-race, let us tantalize your taste buds with our deliciously loaded grilled cheese (gluten-free and vegan options, because we love you all), included with every registration.

Are you ready to get a little loco with us? Lace-up, show up, and keep the true spirit of trail and ultra running alive!

Check below for important additional details about how the timing and loops work, ensuring you're fully prepared for your Loco adventure.

1, 3, 6, & 12 Hour Events

RUN! Run your chosen timeframe until you drop, until your legs fall off, until you know you cannot go another step - or play it safe. Be calculated. Only finish the loops you know you can finish within your allotted timeframe. The choice is yours.

1-hour runners can definitely finish that first 3.8-mile loop within their 1-hour timeframe. Do they risk it and head out on the second loop (2.2 miles), or hold on 1 and hope no one else finishes loop 2 in the allotted hour? It's all about your goals and your strategy!

Here are the rules. They are simple:

1. You have whatever amount of time that you registered for to finish as many of the 6 loops, RAN IN ORDER, as you can.
2. If you are not back from your current loop by the time your registered timeframe ends, that loop does not count.
3. Everything that you completed PRIOR to your timeframe ending does.

In it to win your timed category?
Each male & female runner who finishes the most loops in each allotted timeframe, wins that category. If there is a tie on how many loops have been completed, the deciding factor will be how fast the tied loops were completed.

There will be a 1st, 2nd, 3rd male & female in each timed event category.

These rules hold up for the 1, 3, 6 & 12 hour events.

Curious about how the last runner standing event works? Check the info below!

Last Runner Standing Event

Here are the rules. They are simple:

1. RUN. JOG. SPEED WALK the 6 course loops, IN ORDER.

2. Each loop brings you back to the start/finish line, but don't get stuck there. The choice is yours on how much time you spend but, if you want to be the last runner standing, you MUST KEEP GOING.

3. Every 6 loops has a reset time. You MUST be back at the start/finish line to begin your next 6 loop set or else you will be DQ'd. This is why it is important to calculate your time in between loops. (See loop reset schedule below).

4. The time in between loop sets is yours to grab aid and rest - if you have time. Just be sure to toe the line when each loop set resets and it's go time again.

5. Each 6-loop set is a little under 33 miles, depending on who you ask. 
START/RESET TIMES:
* Set 1: 8AM - begin race
* Set 2: 4PM - toe the start line & begin new loop set. You CANNOT continue if you did not complete prior 1-6 loops and make it back to start new set by 4PM.
* Set 3 & beyond will have a 9-hour reset and then the schedule to begin the next set below:
1AM - RESET
10AM - RESET
7PM - RESET
*Continue resetting every 9 hours as necessary until there is only 1 male and 1 female runner left standing. YOU MUST ALWAYS COMPLETE YOUR 6 LOOP SET BY THE TIME THE NEW SET BEGINS OR ELSE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE.

IN IT TO WIN IT? Of course, you are.
There can be only one. One male. One female.
Winning is simple. Complete the most loops. *

*If the last 2 runners in either (or both) categories are still out on the course when the 9-hour reset time is up, the race will go into "sudden death" mode. It will then be a race to complete whatever lap they are on and get to the finish line as fast as they can. Whoever reaches it, with the most laps under their belt, wins. If both runners have the same number of laps at this point, the winner will be determined by who reached the finish line first for their final lap. No slacking off in the final hour!

Loops & Distances

COURSE (miles approx)

Loop 1: 3.8 Miles (white line)

Loop 2: 2.2 Miles (purple line)

Loop 3: 6.1 Miles (blue line)

Loop 4: 4.5 Miles (green line)

Loop 5: 9.4 Miles (red line)

Loop 6: 6.7 Miles (yellow line)

COURSE MAP: https://caltopo.com/m/256C

Event's current local time: 8:16 AM PT