This remarkable event challenges up to 35 teams of two or three ultrarunners – running together as duos or trios for the duration, NOT in a relay – to tackle an unimaginable traverse of Southern California deserts and mountains. The route covers 81 miles (130km) non-stop from below sea level at the shoreline of the Salton Sea, across, up, and over Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, to the top of Palomar Mountain with a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Click HERE for archive of previous races (2016, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024)

 

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Salton Sea Ultramarathon: April 18-19, 2026

Links to: Race Magazine - Results - Race Webcast

 

Mile zero - 6:00am start by the shore of the Salton Sea

 

 

Miles zero to 6.4 - roads through Salton City

 

Mile 6.45 - Culvert under CA 86

 

Miles 6.75 to 31 - From the gas station, past the microwave tower (ckeckpoint #1) and through the desert to Borrego Springs airport

 

Mile 22.9 - A good place to set out a chair to photograph all the teams as they ran past.
(Photos are in chronological sequence)

 

Miles 31.25 to 35 - Bighorn sheep sculptures to Borrego Springs resort (checkpoint #2)

 

Mile 40.4 - Hellhole Canyon trailhead (checkpoint #3)

Mile 44 - Trail section before Pena Spring (checkpoint #4)

Miles 75 to 81 - Partway up the east Palomar grade road to the finish line

 

Mie 81 - Finish Line!