Mammoth Trailfest 26K

Much like any race that I do, I got nervous before the Mammoth 26K. I have run longer races and races with decent elevation but this was my first longer trail race at higher altitude. Plus, I was running it with friends, and you never want to be the one slowing the group down. As usual, my fears and concerns dissipated as soon as the race began. I love this! The feeling of being in the mountains and running a new trail. I get swept up in the energy of the runners around me, and I settle into the rhythm of just putting one foot in front of the other. 

For the run itself, it was challenging, but the course does set you up for success. You start the run with a gentle climb on the road until you get to the campgrounds and you hit some flats through the campgrounds that wander through. A small bottleneck formed at a water crossing slowing everyone down. It winds a little bit more, after that, and then it opens up and you start climbing up this ski hill and that’s where everyone starts to walk. You dive back into the trees and you are running up a curvy mountain bike track. Once you get to the top you hit this really beautiful single track that winds around the mountain. You follow it around and down to the first aid station. That takes you through the other campgrounds and then you start climbing.

'Dragons back' is mostly switch backs and you start on dirt trails that eventually lead to rocky and shale trails. It is a single track so you are at the mercy of the group around you, as to what speed you go. There is not much passing or opportunities to pass for about a mile or more. Once you get to the top of the rock trail and you start to head back towards the summit, you get into trees and you start to get into that nice softer dirt path again and there’s a little bit more opportunities to pass. When the trail becomes exposed again with more rocky switchbacks passing becomes difficult once again but most runners are friendly will let you pass. The last part of the summit is a bald rocky path that seems like it lasts a lot longer than it does and then you get to the cat track and that leads you up to the summit point. I tried to jog the cat-track but my legs were fatigued from the climb but the crowds keep you going. Once you hit the summit point you dropped down to the aid station which is a party in itself. Our group reunited here and I actually spent some time here and loved every moment.

The way down is really fun if you like running downhill because it’s a mix of dirt and mountain bike trails. It’s got a few little ups but it’s mostly down and then you just start to get into these twists and turns that make you feel like you’re a kid again. There are some really steep sections, even one down a wood mountain bike path. If you are not sure of running down hill, this section will take you some extra time. I would not call the downhill very technical because there are only a few areas with roots and rocks, but it is not without its challenges. 

The race ends as you’re running through the village and there’s so much energy coming into the finish line that it just takes away all the fatigue from the last 25K. At the end there are non-alcoholic beers, sodas, pizza and donuts. Our group relaxed in the sun, watching the other runners finish. Everyone in our group concluded that the Mammoth trail run was one of, if not, the prettiest runs we have done. 

Overall, the Mammoth Trail Fest is built around community. Unlike some of the trail runs that I’ve been to, it doesn’t feel overly commercialized. It was really enjoyable to be at. It’s not so big of a race that you feel like you’re getting lost in this massive event. If you want to partake in some of the activities, you’re going to get to know the people that you’re going to be running next to. Our group enjoyed the Mammoth Brewery, which is a quick walk from all the activities. 

The weather is a bit unpredictable at this time of year in Mammoth and the 50K which was the day before I ran the 26K, they did have snow at the peak.  Whereas, the day we ran was absolutely stunning and perfect for running.

The aid stations were incredible not only with the energy provided, but the variety of snacks and drinks. They even offered Dan alcoholic beers at the top of the tram which I have never seen before, but I love it.  They had a high school band playing music at the top which just adds to the energy. You don’t even need that to add to it because the view from the top is spectacular. It’s also easy for spectators to get to because they can take the tram to the top so it was a nice surprise to have people train you on in the middle of the race.

The race has a multi-day challenge that is offered, in which you can run all 3 distances. I am tempted to do this in the future. Otherwise, highly recommended!