Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run

Race Overview

The Angeles Crest 100-Mile Endurance Run stands as one of Southern California’s most challenging and iconic ultramarathons, traversing the rugged San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles. Established in 1986 by Ken and Tracy Hamada, this legendary race has built a reputation as a true test of survival, combining extreme heat, technical mountain terrain, and over 20,000 feet of elevation gain into a grueling 100-mile point-to-point journey from Wrightwood to Pasadena.

What makes Angeles Crest unique among America’s premier 100-mile races is its unforgiving combination of high desert conditions and technical mountain running. The race follows historic Angeles Crest Highway and connecting mountain trails through the Angeles National Forest, featuring dramatic temperature swings from pre-dawn cold to potentially deadly heat exceeding 100°F in the lower canyons. This extreme climate challenge, combined with technical single track, stream crossings, and steep ascents and descents, has earned the race notoriously low finish rates averaging around 40-50%.

The course showcases the natural beauty and harsh realities of Southern California’s high country, passing through diverse ecosystems from pine forests above 8,000 feet to chaparral-covered ridges and desert-like canyons. Runners experience stunning vistas of the Los Angeles basin, encounters with local wildlife, and the stark beauty of fire-scarred mountain landscapes that tell the story of California’s cycle of drought, fire, and renewal. The race has become a pilgrimage for experienced ultrarunners seeking to test themselves against one of the sport’s most demanding environments, where proper heat management, navigation skills, and mental fortitude are essential for survival, let alone success.

How to Qualify & Enter

Entry to the Angeles Crest 100 requires meeting strict qualifying standards and navigating a competitive application process that reflects the race’s status as one of America’s most challenging ultramarathons.

Qualifying Standards: All runners must have completed at least one 100-mile race within five years of the event date, with verified finishing times. Alternative qualifications include completing two 100K races within three years, or one 100K plus additional ultra distance races totaling at least 200K. Military personnel may qualify through completion of demanding military endurance events. Medical professionals and emergency responders receive special consideration due to their critical support roles during the event.

Lottery System: Due to overwhelming demand and limited field size, Angeles Crest employs a weighted lottery system. Priority is given to first-time applicants, previous non-finishers seeking redemption, and runners with extensive ultra experience. Past finishers face longer waiting periods, typically 3-5 years before re-entry consideration. International runners receive reserved spots to maintain the race’s global reputation.

Registration Process: Applications open annually in February through UltraSignup.com and close in March. The application requires detailed racing history, emergency contacts, medical information, and a comprehensive gear list. Registration fees are non-refundable and range from $485-$535 depending on entry date. Lottery results are announced in April, with accepted runners having 14 days to confirm participation and submit additional documentation.

Key Deadlines:

• Application Period: February 1-15

• Lottery Results: April 15

• Acceptance Confirmation: April 30

• Final Gear Check Submission: June 1

• Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting: Friday before race weekend

• Packet Pickup: Saturday before race (no race day pickup)

Entry fees include race timing, aid station support, finisher awards, and post-race meals. Additional costs include mandatory gear requirements, crew transportation, and accommodation in the remote mountain location.

Course Layout

The Angeles Crest 100 follows a challenging point-to-point route from Wrightwood (6,000 feet) to Pasadena (1,000 feet), covering 100 miles through the San Gabriel Mountains with approximately 20,000 feet of elevation gain and 25,000 feet of descent. The course combines paved roads, fire roads, and technical single track trails through diverse terrain ranging from high alpine forests to desert-like chaparral.

Elevation Profile: Starting at Vincent Gap near Wrightwood, runners immediately climb to Inspiration Point (7,385 feet) before descending into Cooper Canyon. The course features major climbs to Mount Wilson (5,710 feet), significant descents into the Angeles National Forest canyons, and rolling terrain through the foothills before finishing at the Rose Bowl.

Terrain Breakdown:

• Miles 0-25: High mountain single track, pine forests, exposed ridges

• Miles 25-50: Technical descents, stream crossings, fire roads

• Miles 50-75: Canyon running, chaparral, extreme heat zones

• Miles 75-100: Rolling hills, suburban trails, paved sections to finish

The course map is available through the race website with detailed elevation profiles, aid station locations, crew access points, and emergency evacuation routes clearly marked for runner and crew preparation.

Field Size

The Angeles Crest 100 maintains a limited field size of approximately 150-175 runners to ensure safety and environmental protection in the sensitive mountain ecosystem. This small field size contributes to the race’s exclusive reputation and competitive lottery system.

Typical Numbers:

• Total Starters: 160-175 annually

• Average Finish Rate: 40-50% (significantly lower than most 100-milers)

• Male/Female Split: Approximately 70% male, 30% female

• International Participants: 15-20% of field

• First-time 100-mile Attempts: Less than 5% (due to qualifying standards)

Finish Statistics: The low finish rate reflects the race’s extreme difficulty, with common dropout reasons including heat exhaustion, dehydration, missed cutoffs due to technical terrain, and navigation errors. Typical finishing times range from 18-30 hours, with sub-24-hour finishes considered exceptional achievements.

Rules

The race operates under strict rules designed for safety and fair competition in extreme mountain conditions.

Crew Support: Crews are allowed at designated aid stations only (approximately 8-10 locations). Crew vehicles must be 4WD/AWD capable due to remote mountain access roads. Crews may not pace runners and must follow all traffic and parking regulations in the Angeles National Forest.

Pacers: Pacers are permitted starting at mile 50 (Chantry Flats aid station). One pacer at a time, and pacers must be pre-registered with emergency contact information. Pacers cannot carry supplies for runners and must maintain required safety gear.

Mandatory Gear:

• Headlamp with extra batteries

• Emergency whistle

• Space blanket or bivy

• First aid supplies

• Minimum 1.5 liters water capacity

• Nutrition for 6+ hours

• Cell phone with emergency numbers programmed

Time Cutoffs:

• Mile 25 (Cooper Canyon): 6 hours

• Mile 50 (Chantry Flats): 12 hours

• Mile 75 (Altadena Crest): 22 hours

• Final Finish: 30 hours

Special Requirements: All runners must demonstrate GPS navigation skills and carry course maps. Medical clearance required for runners over 60. Mandatory gear checks at three points during the race.

Aid Stations

The course features 12 major aid stations strategically positioned to provide crucial support in the challenging mountain environment.

Major Aid Station Locations:

1. Vincent Gap (Start) – Mile 0

2. Inspiration Point – Mile 6

3. Cooper Canyon – Mile 25

4. Eagle’s Roost – Mile 37

5. Chantry Flats – Mile 50

6. Mount Wilson – Mile 62

7. Red Box – Mile 68

8. Millard Canyon – Mile 75

9. Altadena Crest – Mile 82

10. Jet Propulsion Laboratory – Mile 90

11. Loma Alta Park – Mile 95

12. Rose Bowl (Finish) – Mile 100

Aid stations are stocked with standard ultrarunning nutrition, electrolyte drinks, medical supplies, and ice for cooling. Remote stations accessible only by 4WD vehicle may have limited resupply capability. Medical personnel are stationed at miles 25, 50, and 75.