Course
The Lost Boys 50 Mile / 55 Kilometer Trail Run is a POINT-TO-POINT course that starts in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park at an elevation of about 1,000 feet. The course heads west over the mountains topping off at Cuyamaca Peak at 6,512 feet and finishes at Cuyamaca Lake, 40 miles east of San Diego. This is a beautiful but extremely challenging run featuring spectacular geography, historical trails, contrasting landscapes and incredible views. The first half courses through desert washes, canyons and mountain valleys including a brief section where runners must climb over some dry rock waterfalls. Ascending out of the desert, the mountainous second half climbs and descends through a lush alpine environment. There are approximately 28 miles of trails, 4 miles of desert washes without roads or trails and 18 miles of jeep roads with almost 9000' of climb, 6100' of descent. Well equipped aid stations are spaced 4 to 8 miles apart.
ANNOUNCEMENT
2018 will be the final running of the Lost Boys Ultra. Read why here:
http://cliffsandmeadows.com/2018/03/14/lost-lost-boys-ultra/
Fees
The registration fee is $130 - 50 miler / $115 - 55 kilometer plus the mandatory $26 California Parks fee, plus the ultrasignup fee.
Shuttle service is highly recommended as parking is limited at the start line and is an additional $25 and must be received by April 15, 2018. You can register for the shuttle in one of two ways:
Option 1.) Select the shuttle service at time of registration on ultrasignup.com
Option 2.) Mail in the $25 check payable to Cliffs And Meadows to the following address:
Cliffs and Meadows
PO Box 461107
Escondido, CA 92046
See the registration page of the website for more details http://www.lostboys50.com/p/blog-page.html
Lost Boys 50 Mile Trail Run is Found
Drive east along Highway 78 past the old California gold mining town of Julian until you find a place called Pinyon Wash (call-box number 78-810 at elevation 1,100 ft); which is on the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere in the Anza Borrego State Park. Step out of your car, grab a water bottle, and set out on foot. Run along the dirt roads, through desert washes, and the open desert floor for several miles. When the trail runs out keep moving through the desert without trail. When you come upon the dry waterfalls do what any reasonable nomad would do – climb up and over them. Continue heading west until you bump into the base of the Laguna Mountain range.
Make the 3,000 foot ascent into the mountains via the steep canyons known as Oriflamme and Chariot. Once on top weave through the single-track runnable trails across grassy fields and panoramic view of the remaining 16 miles of your adventure.
Look for the tallest peak in the area (Cuyamaca Peak at 6,512 ft) and of course head directly for it and climb it. On your way there pass the dormant Stonewall Goldmine and enjoy the canopy and smells of the tall pine trees. If the sky is clear you will see the Pacific Ocean from the peak.
Finally turn your attention to Cuyamaca Lake which is within your view below. Head downhill over rocky technical trail and dirt roads. Aim for the west shore of the lake where some food, friends, and a chair awaits you. Do all of this in under 15 hours wearing a bib and with the support of aid stations and you will have completed the Lost Boys 50 Mile Trail Run.
The LB50 was first run in 1991 and had four finishers (Mike Suter, Tom Waddell, Bud Willis, and Wes Barrett). The rare race has been loved ever since and has been run 10 times in the last 25 years.
The course will be well marked with orange surveyors ribbon, especially the desert stretch. We at Cliffs and Meadows LLC are thrilled to again “Find the Lost Boys”.
See you on the trails.
-Brian Gonzales, Race Director
Event's current local time: 1:00 PM PT
