100k Participant Guide

2017 Edition Saturday August 26, 2017

Presented by:

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !1 Table of Contents

Overview 4 Welcome 4 Organization 4 History 4 Schedule of Events 5 Thank You 6 Sponsors 6 Community 6 Race Rules 7 Updates for 2017 8 Race Morning Check-in & Drop Bags 8 Castle Pass Aid Station 8 Cut-Off Times 8 Crew Driving 8 Finish Line 8 Safety 9 Medical 9 Dropping from the Race (DNF-ing) 9 Getting Lost 9 Driving Directions & Parking 10 Cold Stream Road (Morning shuttle & Finish line) 10 Prosser Hill OHV Staging Area (Start line) 11 Johnson Canyon/mile 21 (7 minutes from finish parking) 12 Van Norden /mile 44 (20 minutes from finish parking) 12 Race Information 13 Start Time 13 Race Cut-Off Times 13 Required Gear 13 Crew/Drop Bags 14

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !2 Pacers 14 Course markings 14 Aid Stations/Pace Chart 15 Live Tracking 15 Packet Pick up 15 Printable Aid Station Chart 16 Finish Line & Ultra Lounge 17 Donner Memorial State Park 17 Finish Festivities and Food 17 Course Details 19 Profile 22 Map 23 Truckee. Base camp for a big life. 24 Lodging 24 Local Activities 24 Running Stores 25 Groceries 25 Castle Peak 100k Race Committee 26 Race Committee 26 DPMR Board of Directors 26

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !3 Overview Welcome Our all-volunteer team would like to welcome all racers to the 3rd annual Castle Peak 100k endurance run held in Truckee, . Please read through the entire guide prior to race day. This will answer various questions on logistics, course conditions, rules and other great ways to spend your time while in Truckee. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. The more you know the better prepared you’ll be.

Organization Castle Peak 100k is produced by the Donner Party Mountain Runners, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and permitted by USFS, California State Parks, Truckee Donner Land Trust, Tahoe Donner Association, Sugar Bowl Resort, Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Area, and Cold Stream Adventures.

History The Truckee region’s long history of travel and perseverance through challenging terrain and harsh conditions only seemed a suitable location for what has been going “graduate level” ultra running. Peter Fain, Co-Race Director and course designer, spent years working together some of the best trails that the area has to offer while including points of historic significance and at the same time keeping the course continuously flowing forward. Starting near the original camp site of the Donner family and finishing at Donner State Park are important components of the course. We run alongside the historic emigrant trail while running through Coldstream Canyon and we finish only feet from one of the historic trails markers. With great land partners, the race will be here for years to come.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !4 Schedule of Events Friday, August 25, 2017 2pm - 6pm ~ Bib pick-up at Tahoe Mountain Sports No pre-race meeting this year Saturday, August 26, 2017 3:30am ~ First shuttles load at Truckee Donner Lodge 3:45am - 4:45am~ Bib pick up & Mandatory morning check in at Prosser Hill OHV staging area (Starting line) 4:15am ~ Last shuttle leaves from Truckee Donner Lodge 4:45am ~ Final breifing to racers 5am ~ Start at Prosser Hill OHV Staging Area, 4 miles north of Downtown Truckee 5:56am ~ Civil Twilight 6:24am ~ Sunrise 11am ~ Johnson Canyon Cut off 3:53 ~ First Male Finisher (Course Record Pace) 6:02pm ~ First Female Finisher (Course Record Pace) 7pm ~ Van Norden Cut off 7:40pm ~ Sunset 8:07pm ~ Civil twilight end 1am Sunday ~ Cut-off time for final finisher

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !5 Thank You

Sponsors The 2017 Castle Peak 100k is presented by Salomon. We also receive substantial support from Truckee Tourism Business Improvement District, Sugar Bowl Resort, and all of our generous land partners. GU Energy Labs and Tailwind donate on-course nutrition. Huge thanks to Chaz Sheya of Canyons Endurance Runs, who supports our race in too many ways to list here.

Community This race would not be possible without the overwhelming support of our running community, including every registered runner, pacer, family and crew member. We are grateful for the support of the member of the Donner Party Mountain Runners and its Board of Directors, as well as our partner clubs: Silver State Striders Tahoe Mountain Milers Steven's Creek Striders

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !6 Race Rules • Qualification :: Completion of a trail race of at least 50 miles and 7,000′ of climbing. The qualifying race must be run after January 1, 2016 and prior to registration for the 2017 Castle Peak 100k. • Pacers :: One pacer per runner will be allowed from the Van Norden Aid Station (about mile 44) into the finish. All pacers must sign a waiver and wear a pacer bib. • Cut-offs are strictly enforced • Closed course :: You must follow the course markings. No short-cuts or cutting switchbacks. If you go off course, you must return to the location where you went off course and resume from there in order to receive an official finish. • Cold Stream Canyon :: The course passes through private property after the Cold Stream Aid Station (about mile 56). Please be sensitive to our neighbors and remember: absolutely no littering and no combustible materials. • No Dogs / Pets :: No pets on course. If you must bring dogs to an aid station, they need to be leashed. Leashes are always required at Donner Memorial State Park, including the entire finish line area. • Poles are allowed :: However, you may want to stow them at Van Norden (mile 44) so that your hands are free for The Palisades. • Verbal check-in at each aid station required • Headphones are strongly discouraged • Carry the required gear • Be kind & have fun • Absolutely no littering

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !7 Updates for 2017 Race Morning Check-in & Drop Bags There is a mandatory race-morning quick check-in for ALL RUNNERS, even if you have already picked up your bib. Also, we are happy to accept drop bags and finish bags at the start line this year. Please have them prepared with location name and your bib number. Your bib will be pre-assigned and viewable on UltraSignup by Thursday.

Castle Pass Aid Station The Castle Pass aid station has been moved to the parking area below the saddle of the previous years. This adds a small descent and climb out for all runners. You must go to the aid station and verbally check-in. You cannot bypass and continue into Hole in the Ground. Rest assured that course markings will guide you.

Cut-Off Times Please review the cut-off times in this manual. The Castle Pass cut-off time has been removed. Johnson Canyon and Van Norden cut-offs remain and will be strictly enforced.

Crew Driving Road maintenance on I-80 will slightly impact your crew and spectator’s access to the aid stations. Easy detours are in place; have them review the driving directions in this manual.

Finish Line The finish line within Donner Memorial State Park is moved back away from the campground, which means you’ll see the arch about 400 yards sooner! See detailed map in this manual.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !8 Safety Medical We will have medical personnel to assist with normal minor injuries and running-related ailments. If serious medical attention is required we will contact the fire department for paramedic support. Volunteer medics will be present at: Johnson Canyon, Devils Oven, Castle Pass, Van Norden, The Palisades, and the finish line.

Van Norden (Mile 43.6) and the finish line will have more extensive support. Seek medical attention at these locations if needed.

Dropping from the Race (DNF-ing) If you drop from the race, you MUST notify the aid station captain and be marked as leaving the course. Safe drop points from the course are: • A4 / Johnson Canyon / Mile 20.6 • A9 / Van Norden / Mile 43.6 If at all possible, we ask that you avoid dropping from the race at a remote aid station. Most remote aid stations will require you to hike out under your own power. It is very difficult and time consuming for race staff to retrieve you from a remote aid station and should be reserved for emergencies only.

Getting Lost The course is marked at the minimum every 1/2 mile with either a orange Castle Peak 100k logo’d flag or an orange ribbon on a clothes pin. If you've gone in excess of one mile without seeing one, you should back track to the last marker you saw. Note: if colorblind, know what the marking ribbons look like so you don't confuse markers without some other markings that may exist in the woods. You may also ask the race team for a sample marking to carry with you for comparison.

It is important to consider carrying a cell phone so we can track you down if you continue off course. Most of the course has cell service.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !9 Driving Directions & Parking All directions are from , Road, Exit 184, Truckee, CA 96161 Cold Stream Road (Morning shuttle & Finish line)

Map for Parking at the Finishnear Truckee — Nevada Morning Shuttle to Start / Finish Line: Cold Stream Rd is located BEHIND the main entrance to Donner Memorial State Park. Go there for finish line festivities. The morning shuttle to the start will run continuously leaving from the Truckee Donner Lodge at 10527 Cold Stream Rd., park at an angle along the paved Truckee, CA, which is easy road only No parking past walking distance from Donner the pavement Memorial State Park. Do Not block dirt roads • Exit Interstate 80 at Donner Pass Road, Exit 184. • Proceed through the four-way stop onto Cold Stream Rd Finish Line • Pass our partner hotel Truckee Donner Lodge on your right and continue on the paved road 0 500 1,000 1,500 feet • Park along the paved road • Do not block the dirt road Park on Cold Stream Road. Do not park in Donner State1 of 1 Memorial Park. leading into Cold Stream Canyon.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !10 Driving Directions & Parking All directions are from Interstate 80, Donner Pass Road, Exit 184, Truckee, CA 96161 Prosser Hill OHV Staging Area (Start line) (about 10 minutes from Donner near Truckee — Nevada Memorial State Park) Prosser OHV Staging Area Parking There is limited parking at the start. Please consider the free shuttle (see above). • Take I-80 East toward Reno for Shuttle Drop Off 3 miles

• Use the middle lane to take exit Parking 188B for CA-89/CA-267 toward Sierraville/ • Turn left onto CA-267 W/ CA-89 N Runner Check in • Follow the signs through the roundabouts to stay on CA 89 Starting Line North The Prosser Hill OHV Staging area is 4 miles north of Race Course I-80 on the left

0 1,000 2,000 feet

Follow the guidance of the on duty parking attendance. You1 of 1 are discouraged from leaving your vehicle at the start as there will be no return shuttle after the race.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !11 Driving Directions & Parking All directions are from Interstate 80, Donner Pass Road, Exit 184, Truckee, CA 96161 Johnson Canyon/mile 21 (7 minutes from finish parking) • Take I-80 West toward Sacramento for 3.5 miles • Take exit 180 for • Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Billy Mack Rd • The trailhead and aid station will be directly ahead **2017- The under pass is closed for maintenance this year. Plan accordingly as you will have to drive up to Boreal/Castle Peak rd exit to turn around (exit 176) The round trip detour adds about 6 miles

Van Norden /mile 44 (20 minutes from finish parking) Safety runners will sign waivers and pick up their bibs at Van Norden • Take I-80 West toward Sacramento for 10 miles • Take exit 174 for Soda Springs/ near Norden — Nevada Borden **2017- Exit 174 is closed for maintenance. You will have to bypass Soda springs Road the exit and use Kingvale exit 171.

Van Norden Aid This detour also adds about 6 miles. station With the detour will will now be making a right when exiting the soda Parking springs exit onto donner pass road. • Be careful with runners on the road! • Turn left at the top of the ramp onto Donner Pass Rd for less than a mile • At the blinking light, turn right at Soda Springs Rd • Parking and the aid station are in the Royal Gorge parking lot, left just after the train track

0 250 500 750 feet

1 of 1

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !12 Race Information The Castle Peak 100k is just over 61 miles on a mix of single track trails, some dirt roads, rock scrambling and 1 mile of paved road. The course features over 14,000 feet of climbing with an aid station from every 4 to 7 miles throughout.

Start Time The race will begin promptly at 5am from the Prosser Hill OHV staging area.

Race Cut-Off Times In order to receive an official finish you must complete the course within 20 hours - by 1am on Sunday, August 27, 2017. There are two cut off points throughout the course. • A4 / Johnson Canyon / Mile 20.6 - Cut off is 6 hours. You will not be permitted to continue past 11am. • A9 / Van Norden / Mile 43.6 - Cut off is 14 hours. You will not be permitted to continue past 7pm. CUT OFF TIMES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

Required Gear The following gear will be required from A4 / Johnson Canyon / Mile 20.6 through the finish. Runners will not be allowed to continue without the required gear. Drop bags will be available at Johnson Canyon. • Capacity to carry 34 oz. (1 liter) of water (this is the bare minimum!) • 200 calories of food • Rain jacket or emergency safety blanket • Hat • Assigned bib number visible and worn on front Lights are required as follows: • A light is required at the start, which can be dropped at A2 / Moondance / Mile 10.3. • A light is required for any runner leaving A6 / Van Norden / Mile 43.6 after 3:00 PM. We strongly recommend that you carry a cell phone.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !13 Crew/Drop Bags Personal crew and drop bags will be allowed at the following aid stations. Each of these crew- accessible aid stations is family-friendly and has easy access via paved roads. We’d prefer that dogs are kept safe at home, but if you must bring them, please keep them on-leash. Dogs must not be left in vehicles unattended. Dogs are not allowed on-course at any time. • A4 / Johnson Canyon / Mile 20.6 • A9 / Van Norden / Mile 43.6 • F / Finish – Donner Memorial State Park / Mile 61.5

Pacers All pacers must check in at A9 / Van Norden / Mile 43.6 aid station where they will sign a waiver and receive the pacer bib. Pacers are allowed strictly for the safety of the runner.

Course markings We use Orange Castle Peak 100k logo’d irrigation flags, and orange tape on clothes pins. Blue ribbon and flags indicate the wrong way. And for specific help to block trails we have black Salomon ribbon. For the first mile and final mile of the course we will use Salomon flags.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !14 Aid Stations/Pace Chart There are 12 aid stations on course - all will be stocked with Tailwind for hydration and GU for your gel needs. The standard fare of sweets and savories will be on hand. In addition you will have some aid stations cooking up their own special treats for runners as you come through.

See aid station chart with estimated paces on the next page.

Live Tracking Live runner tracking will be provided at several aid stations via WebScorer, with a link posted on race day at CastlePeak100k.com. Tracking is a manual process and is contingent upon cell phone reception at the various aid stations.

Packet Pick up Friday, August 25, 2017, 2pm - 6pm: Bib pick up and drop bag delivery at: Tahoe Mountain Sports 11200 Donner Pass Road Ste 5E Truckee, CA 96161

Saturday, August 26, 3:45am - 4:45am (race morning): Bib pickup and drop bag delivery will be available at the start line. NOTE: All runners must check-in on race morning regardless of whether or not they picked up their bibs the day before.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !15 2017 Castle Peak 100k :: Produced by Donner Party Mountain Runners :: Presented by Salomon

Crew & First First Mid Mid Last Last Next Aid Station Hosted by: Drop Mile Cut-Off Runner Runner Runner Runner Runner Runner AS Bags ETA Pace ETA Pace ETA Pace Start DPMR 0.0 6.5 5:00 AM 0:09:30 5:00 AM 0:12:00 5:00 AM 0:17:00 Prosser Hill OHV

The Animal Dey Fit Endurance 6.5 3.8 6:01 AM 0:08:45 6:18 AM 0:11:00 6:50 AM 0:15:00

Moondance DPMR 10.3 5.8 6:34 AM 0:08:45 6:59 AM 0:12:00 7:47 AM 0:16:00

Redd Antler Andromeda 16.1 4.6 7:25 AM 0:10:30 8:09 AM 0:13:00 9:20 AM 0:18:00 Running Club Steven's Creek Johnson Canyon YES 20.6 3.7 11:00 AM 8:13 AM 0:09:30 9:08 AM 0:16:00 10:42 AM 0:22:00 Striders Broken Arrow Summit Lake 24.3 5.3 8:48 AM 0:10:15 10:07 AM 0:18:00 12:02 PM 0:30:00 Skyrace

Devil's Oven DPMR 29.7 3.2 9:43 AM 0:12:30 11:43 AM 0:15:00 2:43 PM 0:21:00

Tahoe Mountain Castle Pass 32.8 4.6 10:22 AM 0:11:30 12:30 PM 0:15:00 3:49 PM 0:17:00 Milers Tahoe Donner Hole in the Ground 37.4 6.3 11:15 AM 0:10:00 1:39 PM 0:14:00 5:07 PM 0:17:00 4Wheelers

Van Norden Bike Like A Girl YES 43.6 6.2 7:00 PM 12:17 PM 0:11:00 3:06 PM 0:15:00 6:53 PM 0:21:00

Crow's Nest DPMR 49.9 1.5 1:26 PM 0:20:00 4:40 PM 0:35:00 9:04 PM 0:50:00

Mt. Lincoln DPMR 51.4 4.9 1:56 PM 0:12:00 5:34 PM 0:13:30 10:21 PM 0:16:00

Silver State Cold Stream 56.3 5.2 2:55 PM 0:09:00 6:39 PM 0:12:00 11:38 PM 0:15:00 Striders Finish Donner Memorial DPMR YES 61.5 1:00 AM 3:41 PM 7:41 PM 12:56 AM State Park Finish Line & Ultra Lounge The finish will be ready to receive spectators by 3pm, with the first runner expected at about 4pm.

Donner Memorial State Park Help us keep a great relationship with California State Parks by following the rules: • Dogs must be on-leash at all times in the finish area and within the park. • No open flames are allowed except in designated campsites. • Park quiet hours are 8pm until morning. Please be respectful of our park neighbors in the campground.

There will be no parking for runners, spectators or general volunteers near the finish line. All parking will be on the paved portion of Cold Stream Rd.

Finish Festivities and Food Custom belts and finisher medals await your triumphant finish. Don’t forget to retrieve your drop bags and morning headlamp if you left it at Moondance. We will do our best to ship forgotten items for a nominal fee.

We will have free dinner and celebration for all runners ~ non-alcoholic beverages and prepared food. Friends and family should bring $5 to help offset costs. At 11pm, food service will cease and food will be packaged for final runners to take with them upon finishing.

Salomon, our presenting sponsor, will be on-hand with knowledge and gear to share. Donner Party Mountain Runners will also be selling club swag and this year’s race shirts: “All Altitude. No Attitude.” Your purchase supports out non-profit mission to inform, inspire and connect mountain runners in Truckee-Tahoe.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !17 Close up of Finish Line Zone

Sponsor Parking

To parking Cold Stream Road

Race Staff parking PF/HP/SF

To parking

DPMR Salomon medic parking Drop Bags

Food service parking

CL Hang out Zone Shelter

AB

Food Service

Cold Stream Road Cold Stream Hang out Zone Only Shelter Loading Zone

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !18 Course Details

Aptly described as graduate level ultra running, Castle Peak 100k doesn't hold back with its challenging terrain, elevation gain(14,000+) or altitude (average 7,300ft). Yet it was not designed to be a hard course, rather it was designed to be the most epic, scenic run with historical significance that Truckee, California, has to offer. It just turned out to be hard as a result.

Start to The Animal Aid Station(6.5miles) Start with a flat one mile long fire road before turning right onto the commemorative emigrant trail. Only 1/4 mile in you’ll make a right turn followed quickly by a left turn before you begin your ascent of Prosser hill. A nice gradual 3 mile climb will bring you to the top of the first climb before you briefly descend and begin the second section of climbing to the summit of Prosser hill. That next climb is about 1.5 miles before descending one mile to our first aid station “The Animal”. There is a hard left to the aid station off of the trail. Don't miss it otherwise the trail will bring you back to the start.

The Animal to Moondance (3.8 Miles): From the aid station you’ll bomb downhill for a couple of miles. Note: there is a point where the road veers to the right and a less traveled road goes straight. You go straight. Continue all the way down until it flattens out. You’ll come to a cross road where you will turn left. Stay on this road for about 1/2 a mile until you veer onto a single track trail again. You’ll eventually pop out on the same fire road you were previously on. Continue on the fire road. Cross Carpenter valley road (main dirt road crossing) then you have an insulting 1 mile climb that is rutted and washed out. At the top of this climb you’ll have a 1/2 mile stretch to Moondance.

Moondance to Andromeda (5.8 miles) Enjoy the well maintained tahoe Donner trail system. When leaving Moondance you’ll take a winding downhill trail into Euer valley. The trail will bring you to the north side of the valley where you will follow a nice single track in the trees with filtered views of the meadow. You’ll pop out of the trees and cross the meadow again at before climbing a winding popular mountain bike trail to Andromeda aid station.

Andromeda to Johnson Canyon (4.6 miles)- From Andromeda you’ll have a dirt road climb to the ridge that brings you over to drifter hut. From here you’ll access the Donner lake rim trail for a 2.5 mile single track downhill to Johnson Canyon aid.

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !19 Johnson Canyon to Summit Lake intersection (3.7 miles) you’ll start with a one mile dirt road climb before returning to the Donner lake rim trail. Once on the trail you’ll have another 1 mile climb of single track before returning to a lightly used dirt road to summit lake (1 mile) Once at summit lake the trail will return to single track and you’ll have about a 1/2 mile before you reach the summit lake aid station.

Summit lake intersection to Devils oven (5.3 miles) This is the crux of the course. This is the most scenic and challenging section. You’ll begin with a 1.5 mile climb to frog lake overlook. Once there you will descend and climb several short and steep climbs over the next 2.5 miles before reaching the devils oven/warren lake interchange. Here you turn left towards devils oven. Do not go down to Warren lake. From the interchange it’s about 1.3 mile to devils oven aid.

Devils Oven to Castle Pass (3.2)- Just over a 1/2 mile climb to the summit of basin peak. Its pretty steep at points but the hard part is the fatigue from the earlier climbs. the ridge from Basin to Castle peak is epic ridge running. Enjoy it. At the far end you have a short steep climb to the summit of Castle Peak. From the Peak you will have a very steep downhill on lose rocky terrain. Find your inner dexterity to navigate down with confidence. New 2017: the Castle Pass aid station has been moved to the parking area below the saddle of the previous years. This adds a small descent and climb out for all runners. You must go to the aid station. you cannot bypass and continue into hole in the ground.

Castle Pass to Hole in the ground (4.6) This popular mountain bike trail is net downhill but still has climbing hidden within. There are quite a few roots and larger boulder fields throughout this section, but all in all really good running.

Hole in the ground to Van Norden (6.3)- Mostly downhill with a one water crossing. This section gets very hot and takes longer than you think. Its time warp. Theres a long 3/4 dirt road downhill. Make sure not to miss the turn off onto the single track as you bomb downhill. There are signs posting private property ahead and that the trail turns left. Don't miss it. It happens. You’ll have one more dirt road climb before you reach the turn off to the trailhead in soda springs. Once you hit the trail head you have our one section of pavement. Stay on the left hand side of the road all the way until you reach the signs that say “runners Crossing road”. There

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !20 you cross the road, then cross the railroad tracks and you’ll be at the aid station. Note: If you get stuck because of a train you’ll have to wait. Don't risk running across in front of the train. They're fast and much bigger than you.

Van Norden to Crows nest (6.2) Wild flowers, more ridge lines and darkness begins for some runners. These well maintained trails by the truckee donner land trust provide 4 quality climbs, 2 ridge lines and wooded running. Pay attention to course marking through here as there are many intersecting trails. Doubling back if you get off course is imperative here.

Crows nest to Mt. Lincoln (1.5)Where fear and loathing for the course designer shines through. This short section of course is on what is best described as a goat trail. The course has over 100 flags, 50 ribbons, led lighting, several fixed ropes and 5 safety personnel throughout. Move methodically and safely. There are choke points, cliffs, and plenty of scree. Once at the top of mount lincoln you’ll run past the ski lift and head straight down the ski run to the Mt. Lincoln aid station.

Mount Lincoln to Coldstream (4.9) Before begining your final descent to the finish you still have to go up and over Mt. Judah. From the Mt. Lincoln aid station you’ll follow a minimally used trail that parallels the pacific crest trail. NOTE: We do not run on the pacific crest trail. It is a violation of our permit. The bypass is very short but important that we follow it. Once you begin your descent you come to the saddle between Mt. Judah and Donner Peak. Make sure you follow the trail to the right. The trail we’ll be following from here is the historic Coldstream pass wagon route. The initial downhill is rolling with a couple of meadows and one large tree blocking the trail. Make sure you get back on the trail when going around the tree. This 2 mile single track section of trail is popular with Motorcycles, so its easy to follow but rocky and silty at points. Once you finish that two mile stretch you’ll hit a dirt road. Depending on the year you may have a flowing creek at this location. There is a junction in the road, turn left and head down. The aid station is less than a 1/2 mile away.

Coldstream to Finish (5.2) The dirt road is in terrible shape. You’ll basically be running on bowling ball size rocks and a road with deep ruts from winter run off. The first intersection you get to make sure you stay right and continue down. The second intersection stay right and head down. The 3rd intersection turn hard left. You’ll now be at the train tracks. Follow the dirt road

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !21 around the tracks and use the creek/tunnel to go around. Water is flowing and your feet will get wet. Stay on the road to your left when exiting the tunnel and remain on the road for the next 2 miles. Once you reach Merrils pond turn right and run along the east shore of merrills pond. This is the less traveled road. Once at the end of the pond(s) the road continues straight. You’ll have one mile from this point to the finish on a mix of dirt road and the last 400 meters on single track.

Profile

The Castle Peak 100k course features over 14,000 feet of climbing!

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !22 Map

Donner Party Mountain Runners

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !23 Truckee. Base camp for a big life. As described by our partners at Truckee.com:

Since the mid 1800's, Truckee served as a major gateway to the west - attracting tough, pioneering spirits who built an authentic mountain town. Today, TRUCKEE BIG LIFE LOCALS are creating locally inspired art, sophisticated culinary experiences, historical theater and community gatherings to live and be well - holistically, spiritually, physically. All are welcome to explore, create and join - making Truckee, base camp for a big life.

The Castle Peak 100k team is proud to call Truckee home and excited to share this special piece of the mountains with our racers, crew, family, friends, and volunteers.

Lodging Easily book hotel and lodging at Truckee.com. Our participants also enjoy a discounted room at our partner hotel, Truckee Donner Lodge, right next door to the finish line and pre-race activities. Only available if you call the hotel directly at 1-877-878-2533 and ask for the Castle Peak 100k rate. August is peak play season in Truckee, so book promptly.

From Donner Lake to Tahoe herself, few destinations rival Truckee for a family race vacation. If you will be traveling with a larger crew, consider booking directly with homeowners, use a professional property management company or Airbnb for a rental home in Truckee. The Tahoe Donner neighborhood is close to the start and finish.

Local Activities From mountain to lake, your friends and family will have no shortage of activities at hand with Truckee as their base camp. Browse truckee.com for inspiration and direction. Other web resources include our club website at www.donnerpartymountainrunners.com and the “Runs” guide at www.tahoerunco.com. Families with small children will enjoy the KidZone Museum, located very close to the finish line (see http://kidzonemuseum.org).

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !24 Running Stores Pick up last-minute race needs or shop for your next pair of running shoes at one of our local mountain shops. Both of these award-winning stores carry a full selection of trail running gear, in addition to everything you need for your mountain adventures.

Tahoe Mountain Sports located in the Safeway complex in Truckee 11200 Donner Pass Road, Unit 5E Truckee, CA 96161 1-530-536-5200 www.tahoemountainsports.com

Alpenglow Sports across from Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City 415 North Lake Blvd Tahoe City, CA 96145 530-583-6917 www.alpenglowsports.com

Groceries New Moon Natural Foods (great deli with prepared foods, too!): 11357 Donner Pass Rd. Truckee, CA 96161 (530) 587-7426

Safeway: 11200 Donner Pass Road Truckee, CA 96161

Save Mart: 11399 Deerfield Dr Truckee, CA 96161

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !25 Castle Peak 100k Race Committee

The Castle Peak 100k is brought to you by the Donner Party Mountain Runners & your all-volunteer race committee!

Race Committee Peter Fain, Co-Race Director Helen Pelster, Co-Race Director Sean Flanagan, Assistant Race Director & Aid Station Director Tara Eckenrode, Assistant Aid Station Director Diane Frederic, Graphic Design & Queen of all the Swag Lesley Dellamonica, Volunteer Coordinator (a.k.a. Cat Herder) Abbey Drake & Chaz Sheya, Ultra Finish Lounge Food & Hospitality Javier Castellar, Runner Tracking & Timing

DPMR Board of Directors Peter Fain, President Helen Pelster, Secretary & IT Karen Kimble, Treasurer Sean Flanagan, Vice President & Aid Stations Gretchen Brugman, Outreach Chris Cloyd, Education & Outreach Lesley Dellamonica, Volunteer Coordinator Hillary MacLean, Membership Coordinator Julia Millon, Group Run Coordinator Jon Murchinson, Club Gear & Retail Coordinator Betsy Nye, Trail Stewardship Director Jenelle Potvin, Member News Coordinator Charles Sheya, Events Coordinator

CASTLE PEAK 100K RUNNERS GUIDE !26