Bishop High Sierra Ultramarathons
The 19th annual Bishop High Sierra Ultra-marathons are scheduled for May 19, 2012. Proceeds from the race benefit the Northern Inyo Hospital Foundation Equipment fund. Money raised is to be used in providing extra equipment for the new Emergency Room, due to open 2012. Thus far we have contributed $95,000 to the Hospital Foundation.
There are 4 simultaneous races - 100k, 50 miles, 50k and 20 Mile Fun Run. The 100k has a 19 hour time limit, the remaining three races have new, extended 15 hour cut-off.
These are high altitude races, with lots of climbing, in the scenic foothills of the Eastern Sierra Nevada. The course is mainly run on four-wheel drive dirt roads, with a couple of short sections of trail. There are very few trees, thus the race is exposed, dry and high! Much of the 100k and 50-mile courses are above 7000' altitude. These races are good training for upcoming mountain trail 100 mile events.
The weather can range from cold to hot, dry to snowing, breezy to very windy. We have experienced all weather types, but usually we can expect fine, sunny weather, with afternoon breezes. Temperatures usually range from mid 40's at the start to 90's in the late afternoon, and then cooling in the evening.
Our aid stations are at two-five mile intervals and are famous for variety of food and drinks available. We have small first aid kits at each, with foot care and pain relief medications. There are usually nurses and doctors on the course, with a Search and Rescue unit available as well. Runners are tracked by our local Ham Radio club, with radio contact at the finish line.
At the finish line, we have a wonderful post-race meal, with the local Salvation Army field kitchen providing hot snacks, cold drinks and an assortment of "munchies".
Race awards, hand-made pottery coffee mugs, will be provided to winners in each 10 year age group. Second and third place finishers receive a matted 5" x 7" local scenic photograph. All finishers will receive a hand-made pottery medallion, and overall winners each receive a framed 8" x 10" scenic photograph, donated by local photographers.
Pre-race check in and race packet pickup:
Sage to Summit running shop
312 N Mail St, Bishop
760.872.1756
The shop will be open from 10AM to 8PM for your convenience. Come in, collect your goody event bag and check out the store. Voted one of the best runner stores in California.
If you are unable to be here on Friday, your packet will be available at the start line from 5AM on Saturday morning.
Pre-race dinner:
Whiskey Creek Restaurant
524 N Main St, Bishop
- Pre-race dinner, included with race entry fee, 5 - 7pm. Pasta and vegetarian entrees, salad, bread, dessert, cold drinks
- Extra dinner tickets available with online registration for $20
- Free beer - two kegs of locally brewed ale donated by Whiskey Creek Restaurant.
- Bar service available
- Race briefing - 6pm
- Raffle - quilt donated by Deb Neumann, tickets on sale at pre-race dinner, drawn at conclusion of race briefing
- Door prizes donated by our sponsors – raffle will be pre-drawn and prizes will be awarded to winners at package pickup
Drop Bags
Bring drop bags with name, race number and location to start line on Saturday morning. They will be returned after each aid station closes, and will also be available on Sunday morning at Millpond.
Drop bag locations:
- Buttermilk Road
- Edison Loop
- Intake 2
- Tungsten City - 100k runners only, be sure to include a headlight or flashlight.