Sierra Vista 50k Race Info

Date

3/2/2019

Location

Las Cruces, NM

Avg Temps f.

67/36

Gain/Loss in ft

~2,000/2,000

ft/mile gain

~65

Highest Elev.

~5,000ft

Start

7:00am

Surface

Single track trail

Time Limit

19 hours

Sunrise/set

6:34am/6:05pm

Furthest Aid

~4 miles

Summary: In its 8th year of running, the Sierra Vista Trail races take place on 99% desert, single track trail, which is rugged, rocky, and rolling throughout. Race distances offered include 1 mile, 50k, 100k, which are all out and back, and then 5k, 10k, and half marathon, which are a combo of loops and out and backs. The races run through the Chihuahuan Desert at the base of the Organ and Franklin Mountains, outside of Las Cruces, NM. The routes are all on trail, mostly single track with some sections on two track jeep roads.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

No hiking poles allowed
Fairly narrow single track sections with thorny plants lining the trails, so hard to pass runners at the beginning and again for out and back sections
Pictures look super exposed – be ready for sun exposure with hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.
Be prepared for the possibility of a mental low as 30k runners reach their turnaround before you and you still have to keep going
Even with runners going out and back, the race can feel desolate at times, especially with the scenery
The long, gradual uphill after the turnaround can take a mental and physical toll, so be prepared mentally and know you may have to walk more on the trip back
Like lots of races in this area, temps start out cool but warm up quickly with the sun. Plan layers accordingly.
Be prepared for wind. In the area it can get really windy in the spring especially in the afternoons. Having a bandanna or something to cover your mouth and nose is recommended.
It can be sandy in spots so gaiters may be helpful.
The food in the area is insanely good so make sure to get post race Mexican food in Old Mesilla.

Elevation

Total gain/loss: ~2,000/2,000

Ft/mile gain: ~65

Course Map/Elevation profile (Strava)

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 5 (out and back so you hit some twice)

Furthest distance apart: ~4 miles

Locations: Miles 3, 5, 8.5, 12, 14.5, 18, 19, 21.5, 25, 28.5

What’s available: Typical aid station fare – drinks such as water and some kind of sports drink (i.e. Gatorade, Nuun, Heed), and typical food like PB&J sandwiches, chips, pretzels, M&Ms, fruit, cookies, wraps, energy gels, granola bars, etc.

Crew access

Access Locations: All stations are accessible except for Fenceline (8.5/25) and Powerline (14.5/19)

Crew instructions/directions: See GPS coordinates and directions for each aid station in Runner’s Manual and decide which are easiest to access. Some may require 4×4 vehicle.