Wild Wild West Marathon - Race Reviews

I ran the 50miler of this race, boy was it tough finding info on it! The race was beautiful, running up to Mt Whitney Portal, then back down to the desert and through the alabama hills. Very lowkey though, markings aren't the best, very lowkey aid stations.

This is a beautiful trail run in the Owens Valley between Mt. Whitney and Lone Pine, running through portions of the Alabama Hills. About 20% is steep enough that I needed to walk, the rest was a pleasant jog. The run is so strenuous that I needed an extra two hours in comparison to my last marathon. Organizers and volunteers are extremely supportive, everyone is friendly, and the course is well-marked. Great job, Lone Pine!

This was the most disorganized race I have attended. 1) Much confusion over the 50K start time - was told it was 5am, then at 6am, then back to 5am. 2) Poor course markings 3) My husband had a hard time upgrading to the 50M at packet pickup. Ended up overpaying because they had no change. 4) Not enough shirts for all the runners. Ended up donating back my shirt. 5) Confusion over bus shuttle. 6) Lack of vegan food options at the aid station. Many aid stations had warm water/soft drinks although it was hot. 7) Basic medal from clay. 8) They packed up early - even though we were told there were still 2 runners on the course. The only good thing - the aid stations were approx 4 miles apart. I would never recommend this race or do this again. Overpriced for what it is.

Nice low key race with lots of nice folks. I can see why runners come back year after year. Did the 50k and was treated with loop around famous Alabama Hills where hundreds of movies where made this along with stunning views of Mt Whitney makes this a bucket list race!

I just did the 10-miler and it was a tough one. It's difficulty is 9 out of 10. 2/3s of the 10 miler is up hill and the first third is in 5 inch deep sand so you really have to push through it. I'm sure the marathon and 50Km are similar. That being said it was a beautiful route and perfectly organized. A cute little town with lots of sites and friendly locals. Negatives: The beginning of the race is a skinny track making it difficult to set your pace since there's only so much room for everyone... had the race started on a wider path I probably could have cut 10 minutes off my time. Also, I almost lost my way because the route is marked with spray painted arrows on the dirt path so you really need to keep an eye out for them! I hope next year they post little signs instead.

I ran the 10-miler. This was without a doubt one of the most beaufitul races I have done as far as scenery. Aid Stations were well stocked and managed by friendly folks. I was a little disappointed that there wasn't any food or beverages at the finish line though (at least when I got there). I did manage to miss a marker at one point and had to backtrack. All of the course markers were white arrows spraypainted on the ground. A small brightly-colored sign indicating which direction to go would be far more effective, in my opinion. I also couldn't find any information on the mileage between aid stations before the race. Not a big deal for the 10-miler, but it would still be nice to know. For post-race, there are some good places to eat in Lone Pine, and lots to do in the area! Final race tip: Make sure you get to the race extra early. I was running a little late, and ended up starting the race late because it took about 15 minutes to get to the starting line between finding parking and the relatively long walk to the starting line from the parking area.

This was my first marathon, and I enjoyed it so much. The course was really nice with some single track, stream crossings, smooth dirt roads, and beautiful views. The aid stations were well stocked with all sorts of yummy snacks and super friendly people. I will definitely participate in this event again.

Against previously posted advice (because of its '9' rating), this was my first 50K. Everything said before about its sandy, climbing, descending toughness is correct. Luckily, my GPS malfunctioned early and I ran the course with restraint instead of with the pacing mania that comes with road marathons. It is a spectacular course, with down home friendly people supporting it, and they double as great spectators. I finished the 31 mi running not walking and now I think I can run just about any 50K.

This was my second trail marathon and I really enjoyed the scenery and the challenging terrain. People should know that the trail is mostly sand, which will slow you down a little. There was also some extra mileage, which added an entire 1/2-hour to my time; the race organizers blamed the runners for that, even though we followed markers. Anyway, we had a great breeze and finished before it got too hot. Awesome!!

This is a race that people should hate, but love. What's to hate? How about this: 15-minute splits to START the race; sandy, uphill stretches that never end; potential to spend an hour on the course without another runner in sight (with doubt creeping in about whether you're on course until you get to the next aid station); 7-mile, quad-busting, downhill stretches. What's to love? See above. It's a different type of person who runs this race. The type of person who runs this race thinks someone finishing the Badwater ultra is a rock star. They think there is something special about running at the foothills of the Sierras. They want beer at an aid station. They appreciate the warmth of a small town. This race will be my first that I've ever repeated for any distance, and May can't get here fast enough! I marked Fans as a two to be fair to events like Boston, where the streets are lined with fans from start to finish. Although spectators and volunteers are wonderful in this race, the remoteness keeps them out of sight for 95% of the race.

My first time for this run. I did the marathon, and as one previous writer mentioned, you should add one hour to your overall worst time. That about sums it up. First, the altitude did play a role in this run. Windy, cold - later warming up quite a bit. Scenery was great - if you're sightseeing. But the fresh air and beautiful surroundings certainly help. It really makes it difficult to go back to a big-city road marathon. Lone Pine is a great, small town with nothing but friendly folks, and the runners who came are all great. This is not a great first-time marathon - too difficult for many. But at least try the 10-miler. Also, watch out for the course markers (Dan), otherwise you could end up going the wrong way and drinking "pond water." I believe I'll be back. The only reason I did not give it a 5-star rating is because the last few miles were fairly boring and they reminded me too much of those "big city" marathons. Just being a bit too picky! Otherwise, it's one of the best out there.

Five of us from western Canada made the pilgrimage down to Lone Pine for the Wild Wild West 50K. The race was wonderful. Since we've been running on snow all winter, the loose sand wasn't a problem, although I would highly recommend light gaiters to keep it out of your shoes! The first couple hills were a nice grade and easily runnable - all of us found the uphills a pleasure. However, after mile 7 or 8, there is a 6-mile quad-killer downhill; this is where we all found that the Californians had the advantage, as they opened up speed and we were left behind... temporarily! The scenery did not disappoint. The aid stations and the people were unparalleled. Wonderful, positive people every 2 miles - I've never experienced a race that was so well supported. And special thanks to the aid station on Whitney Portal Road that fed me beer at mile 23!!! The only complaint amongst the bunch of us was we wished that there had been a narrower single track. But that's a very minor complaint. Of the five of us, we all placed in our age categories. How cool it was to come to a new place and to do so well. The prize for placing in our age categories was a handmade, green, pottery beer mug. The beer after the race tasted all the better in our victory mugs! EH! Thank you to Lone Pine for such an amazing weekend.

I ran the Wild Wild West 50K in 2005. It was fabulous. The 6 a.m. start was cold but beautiful, and not crowded. If you view running as a meditation, this 50K or marathon will be right up your alley. You can dress in extra layers at the start and peel some off, leaving your outerwear (sweatshirt, etc.) at an aid station along the course. They will have it at the finish line for you to pick it up. The only problem I encountered was a poorly marked turn when the 5.5-mile loop for the 50K rejoined the 26.2-mile marathon course for the last few miles into town. I, and another runner, did not see the turn and went about 6-8 minutes the wrong way, until we ran into some of the marathon runners who pointed out our mistake to us. The race organizers really should position a person right at that juncture in the race so the 50K folks make the right turn. I pointed this out to the organizers, but I am not sure if they have corrected that problem. There were one or two creek crossings early on in the race, and at one point in the middle of the race you had to go through a little gate area on a dirt road where it was not exactly apparent that that was the thing to do. Other than that, the arrows marking the course were pretty good. The pre-race meal the night before was tasty spaghetti and garlic bread, with salad. The repeat runners and race organizers really are friendly and accept you willingly into their little fraternity. I, and the guy who took the wrong turn, finished 5th and 7th in the 50K. The first 8 of us who finished the 50K took pride in the fact that had any one of us run the marathon, instead we would have won it. I ran a 3:14:31 in the LA Marathon 2 months before, and came in at 4:59 for the 50K race, in 7th place, even with the wrong turn. It took basically my LA marathon time, plus 1 hour, plus 35 additional minutes for the additional miles of the 50K versus a 26.2-mile marathon. The long-sleeve shirt with the race course and elevation on the back was great. The race medal was made of a hard clay, hung on a leather strap, and really was very special. I treasure it to this day. Staying in Lone Pine was great, too. My wife and I loved the little town. You have to drive from the town to the start several miles away in the morning. I do not recall there being any parking at the start. Your significant other or a friend has to drop you off at the start and the race finishes up back in town. The 6 a.m. start was the best. I wish more races started that early, to beat the heat. After the first 15-30 minutes of running, you are already warm, and in a hot year you will especially appreciate this early start. It was a fabulous race for any in-shape marathoner or ultra marathoner. Not sure I'd recommend this for a beginning or out of shape runner. I gave 5 stars for the spectator score because there WERE no spectators! Except at the start and the finish. If you run this scenic back country race and love it, you may never run a city marathon again! They just do not compare. Have not run this race since 2005, since my wife and I had two kids and I have had less time to train. But I will be back in 2009 or 2010, having gotten back into long-distance training again. I can't wait to run the course again. It was a beautiful, even spiritual, experience. Great people, too.

My first WWW Marathon brought me my PWR (Personal Worst Record). Simply speaking, I was not prepared for the steep hills and deep sand and gravel. However, I was awarded with the unparalleled beauty of the snowy Sierra Nevada and rocky Alabama Hills throughout the course. I also won in my own category of Canadian runners. The volunteers at the watering stations delivered world-class service. There was a wide selection of fruits and energy snacks, and the most important things: a variety of ice cold drinks and moral support. The promised free camping on the grounds of Tuttle Creek was not acknowledged by the camp host, which obviously was a minor miscommunication between WWW and BLM. For the future I would recommend a loop course, which might remove any inconveniences of shuttling between the finish and the start and taking care of runners' bags with change cloths. The course vertical profile should be published on the WWW website, not only on the high quality T-shirts. The course was colorful and the almost 3D map was a piece of cartographic art. Overall I liked the event and its unique atmosphere among local community and the runners, who did it many times in the past. My word of advice to first-time WWW runners: take your worst time and add 1 hour. Thank you, Lone Pine, for a great, tough run.

Awesome views. The marathon was about one-half mile too long, verified by three Garmins. Watch out for miles 20 to 24: absolutely quad-killing and knee jerking. The long downhill, from miles 7 to 14, was superb. No extra water is really needed until the last 10 miles.

I've done the 10-miler 10+ times. I love the race for its scenery, organization, other runners, fond memories - and let's not forget the pasta dinner with many old ultra friends. I always go up early to acclimate and to enjoy the area. Lots to see - Whitney Portal, Manzanar, art galleries, Hop-A-Long Cassidy ranch, etc.

I did the 50K after running the marathon a couple of years ago! What a testament to the glory of God and His creation as we witnessed the scenery unfold before us. You put on a wonderful race, with encouraging volunteers who braved the nasty wind for hours on our behalf. Thanks, guys! In spite of the wind and the sand, I had a great run and hope to be back again another year.

Ran the 50K: Spectacular course, but tough! Plenty of aid stations, with friendly supportive staff! Nice weather, but gets hotter the longer you take to complete the race!

This was the first time I ran the 10-mile event and I really loved the area. The course has LOTS of hills and one needs to be prepared, as I will be better next year. However, it was totally worth the soreness the next day!!! The scenery alone was awesome!

I loved this run! I wish I were there running it again right now! The scenery was beautiful, a perfect day! The people (race organizers, volunteers, and RUNNERS) were fantastic, supportive, and all around great! There was plenty of support at the many water stops and the course was well marked. I can't say enough about it. Next year I may try the 50k.

I have run lots of marathons all over the country, but nothing compares to the spectacular scenery of this one. If you run for the enjoyment of being outdoors, seeing beautiful places and having a real adventure (as opposed to pounding the pavement on a flat, fast course), this is the race for you. I've run this marathon 5-6 times and done the 10-miler at least 10 times. It's the only race I keep coming back to year after year. The small-town atmosphere is wonderful, and it's the closest thing to an ultra that you'll ever experience without having to run an ultra distance. In response to LL below, there was no half marathon, so you must have run the 10-mile event. There were three aid stations on that course, which seems pretty generous for such a short distance. If you're a slow runner (like I am), then you should always carry at least one (preferably two) water bottle(s) on a mountainous course like this one. This is hands-down my favorite running event in the country, so I hope folks won't let LL's comments discourage them from participating. This is a challenging course, whether you choose the 10-mile, marathon or 50k, so you definitely need to come prepared, but the incredible scenery and satisfaction you'll get from completing this race make the effort well worth it.

Did the half marathon and only saw one water stop. Found out everything was closed WELL BEFORE THEIR 4PM DEADLINE because and no one knew we were on the course (finished it at 10am). Really wanted to support the small town but will not do this one again. Not the best route to get stuck without water. The course itself was great... just wish the volunteers talked to each other and knew who was still out there.

Beautiful trail course that will challenge even the fittest runners. Small town charm where everyone was willing to help, and the organizers wanted the runners' feedback. I orginally signed up for the 50K; however, due to the course, and lack of training on hills (I live outside Chicago), I opted for the marathon at mile 20 where the courses spilt. The course is on jeep trails, sandy, and single track taking you in the foothills of the Sierra-Nevada moutains and Mt. Whitney. The aid stations were well stocked, however could use more gel packs. Overall if you want to break up the same old, same old of road marathons, this is a race for you. However, be ready to work for it - add about an hour to your normal marathon time.

This race is outstanding if you like small fields and spectacular scenery. However, and it is a BIG however, it is easy to get lost on the back 13, even carrying a map with me as I did. Also, the rattlesnakes; did I mention therattlesnakes? Add about 35% to your typical finish time. An unforgettable run, even for those who like trail running.

Try it; you'll like it, I'll be back. I ran the 50K. Can we get a 60K next year???

This was not a course to set records on, but I enjoyed it tremendously. The scenery and the weather were unparalleled. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is that it was easy to get lost towards the end among the myriad of dirt roads branching in all directions; and some runners did. The aid stations were well stocked and in the most unexpected places. I'm trying the 50K next year.

Lone Pine has fresh mountain air, increadible senery, no crowds, plenty of parking, friendly people....and the race mimics the town. Be prepared though, this race isn't a walk through the park.

One of the most scenic runs you will ever do, it has it all, uphill, long long downhill (mile 6 through 13) then rolling roads(be prepared for Mother Hill, mile 16) till you finally climb the last 2 miles up hill again. Aid stations are okay, better than your average marathon, but not as good as your better ultraruns. You won't get spectators, but, trail runs never do, thats why you do them to get away from the 25,000 people at LA Marathon. I have run this one 10 times, the most than any of my 145 Marathons.

I have ran this Trail Marathon 5 times and it continues to be my favorite year after year.

And when there's snow... double WOW! I've run this marathon 2 or 3 (?) times and consider it to be one of the most beautiful marathons around. It's also one of the most difficult! I would not recommend this for a beginning marathoner. (There's a 10-mile event for 'newbies'). Many seasoned ultrarunners use this marathon as training for 50-mile events. The long uphill start can get you in trouble. Don't get greedy, there's plenty of downhill to come. You will experience it all in this marathon, beautiful mountain trails complete with stream crossings, the unforgettable Alabama Hills with winding sandy trails, and if you're really lucky, there will be a blanket of snow covering the mountains below Mt. Whitney. The race support is good (carry a bottle) and the R.D. provides nicely with pre and post race festivities.

What makes this course special is the setting. The elevation averages over 5000 feet, snow clad mountains are almost always in view,and the only cars you will see are at the beginning and end of the course. Add at least an hour to your average marathon time and be prepared to get lost a few times. This course is a good substitute for a trail marathon since the footing is much better. Only do this one to get away from the crowds and to commune with your higher power. The cliche bout every finisher is a winner is true on this course. Wild West and Catalina are the two toughest non-trail marathons on the West Coast.

Be ready to climb, run long quad-killing downhills, and then endure miles of never ending hot desert rolling hills if you dare enter this race. But all worth it for amazingly beautiful solitary course under the Sierras and thru the Alabama Hills. There are no spectators because most of the course is literally in the middle of nowhere and the aid stations appear like desert oasises. My advise is not to consider this one unless you are very prepared for the conditions. And if you are it's an awesome challenge.