James Beer: 4:09:10 (2025 alternate course)Naomi Bird: 6:33:35 (2025 alternate course)Claudia Blandford: 4:09:39 (2025 alternate course)

Leaving the ranch, the mountain marathon course heads out along Battle Creek Road, following a mix of flowy trail and gravel road. The terrain is highly runnable with gradual elevation changes and open sections where pacing can settle in early. There are no water crossings in this section. At 11.75 km, you arrive at Aid Station 1 (Battle Creek Road). You have climbed 321 m to this point.

From there, the course enters the Old Baldy section. A stream crossing comes immediately at the start, with several more crossings throughout the section, including one near the end. Conditions are typically wet, and runners should expect to get their feet wet multiple times. The terrain is varied and requires attention through each crossing. At 21 km, you reach Aid Station 2 (Old Battle Creek), which is the only drop bag location on the course. Cumulative elevation gain is approximately 679 m.

The course then climbs steadily up Horse Thief Hill. Although relatively short, this section features a continuous, gradual ascent that requires sustained effort. There are no water crossings in this section. At 29.5 km, you arrive at Aid Station 3 (The Bench). Total climbing is now approximately 875 m.

The final section travels along the bench, primarily on flat dirt road across the top before transitioning onto a more technical trail. The course drops into the valley and then climbs back up toward the ranch. This section can be loose and greasy depending on conditions. The route returns to the ranch at 40 km to finish, with approximately 1,113 m of total elevation gain.