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Cuyamaca 100K
Race Details:
- Location: Julian, CA, USA
- Race Date: 10/03/2026
- Race Distances: 100 Kilometer, Ultra Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Western States 100: Yes
UTMB Index: No
Cuyamaca 100K Description
The Cuyamaca 100K takes runners through three loops of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in the mountains east of San Diego, starting and finishing at Camp Cuyamaca. The course climbs toward the park’s high point near Cuyamaca Peak at 6,500 feet, rolls through oak woodland and meadow on its middle loop, and finishes with a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail overlooking the Anza-Borrego desert. With roughly 9,000 feet of climbing across thinner mountain air and a warm October afternoon, this Western States qualifier is capped at 250 entrants and rewards patient, even pacing.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Cuyamaca 100K Additional Details:
Entry to the Cuyamaca 100K requires a verified 50K or longer trail finish from the current or prior year, with the field capped at 250 runners and registration opening in early April. The race starts at 6:30 AM on Saturday from Camp Cuyamaca, and runners have 19 hours to finish, with intermediate cutoffs along the way; a finish under 17 hours qualifies for the Western States lottery. All entrants carry a required tracking pod as part of the event’s safety plan. Car camping is available at the School Camp, though tents, RVs, and trailers are not permitted there; additional camping options exist at nearby Paso Picacho and Green Valley campgrounds. Every finisher receives a 100K medal, and overall and masters winners earn hand-crafted awards.
Course Information
Profile: Very Hilly
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Mostly Trails
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 19 hr
# of Finishers
100K: 205 finishers (2025)
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 9,000 ft
Elevation Loss: 9,000 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 44°F
- High: 67°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Julian, CA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
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Hotels & Lodging Near the Cuyamaca 100K
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