Prepare for an epic journey into the heart of the San Gabriel Mountains at the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run, taking place on October 3, 2026. Starting in the mountain town of Wrightwood, California, this iconic 100-mile ultramarathon plunges runners into a challenging point-to-point course through the Angeles National Forest, ultimately concluding at Loma Alta Park in Altadena, California. Typical race day conditions in October bring pleasant highs around 83°F and lows around 56°F, with a minimal 1% chance of precipitation, offering a welcome contrast to its historically hotter August dates, as organizers aim for cooler temperatures and a full traditional course.

The AC100 is renowned for its "old-school tough" reputation, earning its place as one of the original five 100-mile endurance runs in the United States and a challenging component of the prestigious "Western Slam". Runners will face a grueling 20,610 to 21,610 feet of cumulative elevation gain and 25,700 to 26,700 feet of descent over extremely technical terrain, featuring a demanding mix of rocks, roots, loose dirt, and ridgelines across 90 miles of single-track trails. The course climbs to a breathtaking 9,300-9,407 feet at Mount Baden-Powell, offering dramatic vistas and a true test of endurance and mental fortitude. The final 25 miles are particularly notorious, including a formidable climb up Mount Wilson and Sam Merrill, pushing participants to their absolute limits before the well-earned finish.

Despite its immense difficulty and 33-hour cut-off, the Angeles Crest 100 is celebrated for its supportive community and numerous well-stocked aid stations (14 in total, including 9 major and 4 wilderness stations), offering everything from water and electrolytes to hot soup at night, all run by dedicated volunteers. Pacers are permitted from the Chilao Aid Station at mile 44.8 to help guide runners through the night. Completing the AC100 is considered a significant achievement in the ultrarunning world, with finishers earning an engraved metal plaque, a finisher's shirt, and various buckles for specific finish times, making this race an unforgettable adventure through Southern California's majestic mountains.