See the 2024 event

Who are we?

The Over The Hill Track Club (OTHTC) is a running/hiking club in Ridgecrest, CA. Our club was first organized in 1973 and the first OTHTC High Desert Ultra was run in 1986. As a 501(c)3 organization, the Over the Hill Track Club seeks to use the proceeds generated by the High Desert Ultra to benefit organizations in our community. Proceeds from the Ultra have benefited the Track and Cross Country teams of the local secondary schools, the Sierra Amateur Radio Club, and countless other organizations that provide vital services to our community. By running in our events, you are supporting many local clubs and organizations. Thank you!
We strive to put on a race with a family atmosphere. All race information can be found on our website: https://othtc.com/ultra/index.htm

Course

Join us in 2025 on Saturday, December 6 (pending approval)!

All distances start and finish in the Cerro Coso Community College Gym parking lot. Bathrooms and showers are available for use in the gym from 5am-5pm on the day of the race.
Across the road is a large grassy area with shade trees and picnic tables. This is a great place for families to wait for their runners.
We will have pizza and soda available at the finish as well as aid station snacks. June Lake Brewery will have a complimentary drink for those over 21 years of age.
These loop courses consist of rolling desert terrain (dirt roads) with elevation variation from 2400ft to 3500ft. Temperatures can vary from 30 degrees to 80 degrees on race day, so layers are recommended.

Nine aid stations will be well stocked with water, Skratch, cookies, etc. It is advised that all participants carry a water bottle between aid stations. Ibuprofen will not be provided.
50k course info

30k course info
Both distances begin at 7:00am.
There is a 2:30 pm cutoff time at Gracie's aid station, for both distances. This aid station is located 24.8 miles on the 50k course and 15.1 miles on the 30k course. In addition, there will be a cutoff time of 4 pm at the finish line.
There is an early start option of 6:00am for those who would like an extra hour to complete the course. Early starters are exempt from awards.

Awards

All finishers will receive a handmade ceramic medal.
Our awards are custom made each year by Skip Gorman. Awards are given to the first overall male and female of each distance. There will be age group awards in each distance, male and female, 3 deep in each age division: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+.
We also have a Military Division award for the top Male and Female military finisher not receiving an overall or age group award.
Lifetime entry free to first male and female in the 50K.
***EARLY STARTERS ARE EXEMPTED FROM AWARDS***
Runners with five OTHTC High Desert 50k or 30k finishes receive a sweatshirt.
Runners with ten OTHTC High Desert 50k finishes receive a Patagonia Pull-over.

Host Hotel

Hampton Inn & Suites has offered a discounted rate for those who book using this link: Hampton Inn & Suites.

IMPORTANT - Camping on Cerro Coso Community College property is no longer permitted. If you'd like to camp, please use BLM land.

Shirts

Shirts are a unisex or ladies cut long sleeve technical shirt embellished with a custom design by our local printer, Squareprint.

Your shirt is guaranteed as long as we have RECEIVED your paid entry by November 1, 2024. Shirts are not guaranteed for registrants after this point..

Please keep this deadline in mind, as additional shirts will NOT be ordered after the event.

Bib Pickup

Bibs and shirts can be picked up on Friday, December 6 from 6:30pm-8:30pm at the United Methodist Church located at 639 N. Norma. Bibs and shirts can also be picked up Saturday at the start line beginning at 5:15am.

Rules

You must be at least 17 years old to enter the 50K, and at least 16 to run the 30K--NO EXCEPTIONS
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable (See Refund section below).
No pets are allowed on the course or in the start/finish area.
There will be a 2:30 p.m. cut off time at Gracie's aid station (24.8 miles on the 50k course), as well as a 4 p.m. cutoff at the finish.
Early starters will receive credit for finishing but will not be eligible for awards.

Refunds

In the event of runner withdrawal from the event we will honor the following credit policy: 90 days prior to event: 75% credit towards following years event; 30 days prior to event: 50% credit towards following years event; 14 days prior to event: 25% credit towards following years event; less than 14 days prior to event: no credit given. NO REFUNDS, please don't ask.

Event's current local time: 2:32 PM PT