You’re out there…on a point-to-point course…surrounded by beauty…on a 100-year old road…
A premier ultra trail race run along the historic Old Ridge Route Road, brought to you by the producers of the Bulldog Ultra.
Run the historic route high above Interstate 5 from Grapevine to Castaic Lake. Experience the stillness, majestic beauty, and hard work it took to complete that same journey 100 years ago across a landscape that hasn’t changed since. Challenge yourself up the canyons and reward yourself with beautiful lake views and a lakeside finish alongside the ultra marathon runners.
The 50-Mile and 40K courses begin in Tejon Ranch, a private nature preserve, closed year-round to the public, until they join the 50K segment. The 40K is all dirt roads. The majority of the 50K course is on National Forest lands in the San Gabriel Mountains on a 100-year old road that has been closed due to landslides. The ultras’ final 10k include the 20k Trail Run and 5-mile Trail Run/Hike entirely on the trails in Castaic Lake State Park.
Runners will behold panoramic vistas of the Los Padres National forest to the West, pass historical landmarks along this famous motorway, and gaze down onto beautiful Castaic Lake on their descent. You’ll climb almost 8,000′ for the 50-Mile and 5,300′ for the 40K as they ascend the Grapevine; over 2,800’ on the 4,000′ net-downhill 50K course; 2,000′ for the 20K; and 750′ for the 5-Mile.
At the end of your journey, we’re working on having a beer garden to enjoy. The Castaic Lake Swimming Area will be open, and the park will be showing a movie on their outdoor screen. Your family and friends are invited to celebrate, as well!
The Ridge Route Ultra is a fundraiser for the Ridge Route Preservation Organization, working to protect and preserve the 1915 Ridge Route.