A legendary point to point through the San Gabriels where grit meets big mountain beauty
Overview
Since 1986, Angeles Crest 100 has lured runners into the rugged spine of the San Gabriel Mountains and sent them home changed. This is a true mountain hundred that keeps the classic soul of the original course while embracing the terrain, weather, and altitude that make the San Gabriels unforgettable.
From Wrightwood to Altadena, you will climb, descend, and traverse high country ridgelines, pine forests, sun-baked canyons, and historic singletrack. The views are huge, the community is passionate, and the finish line energy is electric. Crews, pacers, and volunteers turn the race into a rolling festival of endurance and stewardship. If you want a hundred with history, scenery, and a hard-earned buckle, AC100 delivers.
Course
The course covers approximately 100.5 miles across the San Gabriel Mountains on a mix of technical singletrack, historic routes like the Silver Moccasin and Gabrielino Trails, and brief paved connectors where wilderness designations require it. Expect long climbs to high points with cooler mountain air, exposed descents that can feel hot and dry, and narrow bench-cut trail with rock, roots, and switchbacks that demand focus. Water sources are limited outside of aid stations, so plan fluids carefully between checkpoints. Night running brings cooler temps, starry skies, and wildlife sightings as you move toward the lights of the San Gabriel Valley. Key features include sweeping ridge views, classic landmarks such as Mt. Wilson, and a finish at Loma Alta Park that feels like a block party for mountain legs. Distance-specific notes: The 100M follows the traditional Wrightwood start and finishes in Altadena, with established aid stations, crew access points, and designated pacer pickup locations published in the race book and checkpoint chart.
Cutoff Details
Cutoff Time 100M, 33HR overall
Inspiration Point cutoff October 3, 2026 8:15AM
Vincent Gap cutoff October 3, 2026 9:20AM
Islip Saddle cutoff October 3, 2026 1:05PM
Chilao cutoff October 3, 2026 6:50PM
Red Box cutoff October 4, 2026 4:15AM
Mt. Wilson cutoff October 4, 2026 7:15AM
Finish at Loma Alta Park cutoff October 4, 2026 2:00PM
Aid Stations
Full-service mountain aid is provided approximately every 3 to 12 miles with water, electrolytes, ice when possible, and a rotating menu of ultrarunning staples. Crews and pacers are allowed at designated locations only. Drop bags are accepted at specified checkpoints.
Logistics
Schedule
Friday, October 2, 2026
4:30PM-7:00PM: Spaghetti Dinner Benefit at Wrightwood Community Center. Open to runners, crews, families, and the community.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
5:00AM: Start at Wrightwood
Morning to evening: Aid stations operate on published cutoffs with crew and pacer access at designated locations
Evening: Pacers join at approved checkpoints per race book
Sunday, October 4, 2026
2:00PM: Course closes at Loma Alta Park, Altadena
2:15PM-4:00PM: Buckle pickup and finish line celebrations
Bib Pickup
Bib pickup takes place during pre-race check-in in Wrightwood. Bring a valid photo ID and any outstanding waiver or medical information. Allow extra time for gear checks, questions, and drop bag drop-off. Final details and hours are sent to registered runners via email prior to race week.
Drop Bags
Drop bags are accepted at designated aid stations listed in the race materials. Label each bag clearly with your name, bib number, and aid station name. Heavier bags may be deprioritized for transport. Finish line bag return is available on Sunday afternoon. Unclaimed bags may be donated or discarded after a reasonable holding period, so plan to retrieve them promptly.
Crew & Pacers
Crews are allowed only at designated access points and must follow parking, timing, and environmental rules. Pacers are permitted from specific aid stations as listed in the race book and must wear visible identifiers. Visitors should respect sensitive trail environments and follow instructions from volunteers and staff to keep runners and the public safe.
Volunteers
Volunteers are welcome and essential to AC100. Opportunities include aid station support, course marshal roles, medical support for qualified volunteers, communications, sweep teams, and trail work days. Sign up via the volunteer form on the race website and expect follow-up 1 to 2 months before race day with assignments and shift details.
Swag & Medals
Finishers earn the coveted AC100 bronze buckle with distinct recognition for official time standards and Solo Division finishers. Event merchandise is typically available at check-in and the finish area. Final swag details are announced in pre-race communications.
Getting There
Ontario International Airport is the closest major airport and is within driving distance to Wrightwood and Altadena.
Bob Hope Airport in Burbank serves the Los Angeles area and is convenient to the Altadena finish.
Los Angeles International Airport offers the widest selection of flights and rental cars for out-of-state travelers.
Nearby communities for lodging include Wrightwood near the start and Altadena and Pasadena near the finish.
Driving Directions
Start area is centered around Wrightwood Community Center, 1275 State Highway 2, Wrightwood, CA 92397. Follow race-day signage and staff instructions for exact check-in and start staging.
Passes & Permits
National Park Pass required for entry and parking
Parking
A United States Forest Service Adventure Pass may be required when parking in designated areas of the Angeles National Forest. Runners, crews, and visitors should carry a day pass when stopping at trailheads and forest lots.
Parking is limited at mountain access points. Use only designated lots and roadside areas where permitted. Carpool whenever possible and obey all United States Forest Service and local regulations. Crew vehicles must follow timing windows and access rules published in the race materials to avoid congestion and penalties.
Lodging
Wrightwood offers lodges, cabins, and short-term rentals suitable for pre-race staging. Altadena and Pasadena provide hotels and short-term rentals convenient to the finish. Campgrounds in Angeles National Forest may be seasonally available and require advance reservations and passes.
Requirements
Runners must be prepared for mountain weather, altitude up to approximately 9,300ft, significant elevation change, and long stretches between aid. Entrants are responsible for understanding crew and pacer rules, drop bag logistics, cutoff times, and backcountry etiquette.
Qualifying Races
Entrants must complete a 50 mile or longer race between January 1, 2025 and September 3, 2026. Virtual events do not count. Proof may be submitted during registration or later via official results links as directed by the race.
Trail Work
All runners must complete and submit eight hours of approved trail maintenance by July 13, 2026. Runners living south of Fresno should complete trail work with Angeles Crest 100 trail leaders in the Angeles National Forest. Runners elsewhere may work with local trail organizations. Submission instructions and verification are provided on the race website and by email to registered entrants.
Mandatory Gear
There is no universal mandatory gear list, but mountain safety is strongly encouraged. Night layers, lights with spare batteries, sun protection, and hydration capacity appropriate to long mountain gaps are recommended. The race may issue weather-related advisories during race week.
Policies
Charity & Beneficiary
The pre-race Spaghetti Dinner Benefit in Wrightwood donates proceeds to a local nonprofit, historically the Wrightwood Village Foundation. The meal is organized by community volunteers who cover food costs so ticket revenue can support local programs. Learn more at the race website and dinner signup page.
Land Acknowledgement
Angeles Crest 100 takes place across the ancestral homelands of the Tongva, Kizh, Fernandeño Tataviam, and Serrano peoples who have stewarded the San Gabriel Mountains since time immemorial. We honor their enduring relationship to these lands and waters and encourage all participants to learn, respect, and care for the places and communities that make this race possible.
About Ken Hamada
Race produced by Ken Hamada.
View all Ken Hamada races on Kåduka →
Disclaimer
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