This 50K trail running course is technical and challenging, featuring a surprising amount of climbing for its location. While the topography isn't nearly as dramatic as the nearby Elk Mountains or San Juan Mountains, runners will still have to climb (and descend) 4,000 feet of vert over this distance.

The vast majority of the course traverses up-and-down singletrack filled with never-ending granite slabs, rock ledges, and chunky rock gardens. Runners will encounter a few sections of doubletrack and dirt road in the course, but these short sections have really only been added for passing opportunities right out of the gate and at key intervals on the course. There are also a few smooth sections of dirt singletrack rolling through the sagebrush in between the rocky cahllenges, but the Sage Burner is renowned as a truly rugged trail race. Be prepared to face your demons on this gnarly run!

The race features a wave start format to spread out the runners on the singletrack and avoid congestion. The race organizers also provide 7 aid station stops along the 50K distance (there are 5 aid stations, and 2 are visited twice). These stations are the only assistance allowed out on the course: no pacers or crew are allowed anywhere on the course or at the aid stations.

The route shown here is the full 50K ultra, but the Sage Burner also offers shorter 28K and 13K courses if you aren't up for the full challenge.

Sources: https://originalgrowler.com/ https://www.oneloveendurance.com/sageburnertrailrace.html