Description
The 5K trail is a flat, fast and sometimes slightly technical run that crosses over the San Diego River and runs past the historic Old Mission Dam before entering Oak Canyon. Here the trail becomes more narrow with a short technical area that will require runners to trail hop around rocks. The course will be a mix of double and single track trails with a section of about half of a mile on road.
The 15K is another story. 15K runners will ascend a steep, mile hill at mile 2 encountering their first aid station at the top. After reaching the top, runners will wind down into the canyon on a combination of narrow single track and fire road trails. After reaching the second aid station runners will descend into Suycott Wash making their way towards South Fortuna Mountain and the Stairway to Heaven. When runners reach the stairway they will ascend up South Fortuna on steps that have been carved into the mountain. Once at the top their efforts are rewarded with spectacular views of the valley. Runners now make their way to the 3rd aid station (which was also aid station #1) before descending the steep mile hill and entering Oak Canyon. Oak Canyon is rocky and technical but eventually eases up as runners make their way over historic Old Mission Dam and the San Diego River before turning left for a short half-mile of road. After turning left off the road you will finish with a stretch of double track trails returning to the finish area.
*****WARNING*****
THE 15K STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN IS A DIFFICULT, HILLY AND TECHNICAL COURSE. HOWEVER, IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING AND CHALLENGING TRAIL RUNS IN SAN DIEGO.
Event schedule and times
Event Check-in at 6:00 am and the Half will start at 7:00 am. 5K to start approximately 7:20 am. ALL RACERS MUST BE CHECKED IN BY 6:45am!!!
Please have your bib already pinned on THE FRONT OF YOUR SHIRT/SHORTS ONLY prior to check in. If your bib is not in place, you will be asked to go pin it on and get back in line. We want the race to start on time as much as you do. Please do your small part to help in that process!! It makes racing fun for all.
