Welcome to Deadman Peak

We’re excited to welcome you to the Dead Man Peaks Trail Race! Thank you for supporting our event and the trail running community — we’ve seen tremendous growth thanks to runners like you. Below you’ll find all race-weekend details, including updated elevation estimates verified from our GPX course data.

📍Maps and Locations
- Start/Finish Line: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9pMjmuT- MosidmCK99 Mesa Portales Aid Station: https://goo.gl/maps/8U5djXreKpb- L4pmk7 Turnaround Aid Station: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yEKE2eeDYewdnouS9

👉 Only Mesa Portales and the Turnaround Aid Stations are open to crews and spectators.

🎒Drop Bags
- Must be turned in by 7:30 a.m. at the Start/Finish Line.
- Drop bags accepted only at Mesa Portales and Turnaround Aid Stations.
- Bags will be returned to the Start/Finish Line by:
   - 5 p.m. – 30K / 55K
   - 9 p.m. – 53-Miler
   - 2 p.m. Sunday – 100-Miler

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Pacers
- Allowed only for:
 - 53-Miler: from the Turnaround Aid Station
 - 100-Miler: from Start/Finish (second loop) or Turnaround (final leg)

🏁 Race Details & Estimated Elevation (Based on GPX Data)
Event Start / Time Distance Estimated Elevation Gain / Loss Cutoff Time Backbone
100 6:00 a.m. / 106 mi ~12,600 ft gain / 12,600 ft loss (double 53-mi loop) / Sunday 5:00 p.m.
53 Miler 7:00 a.m. / 53 mi ~7,560 ft gain / 7,560 ft loss / Midnight
55K 8:00 a.m. / 34.2 mi ~4,885 ft gain / 4,806 ft loss / 10:00 p.m.
18 Miler 9:00 a.m. / 18 mi ~2,640 ft gain / 2,460 ft loss / 5:00 p.m.
10 Miler 10:00 a.m. / 10 mi ~1,170 ft gain / 1,040 ft loss 3:00 p.m.

GPX File Download Here

Elevations are estimated from course GPX data and may vary slightly due to GPS drift and terrain modeling.

🥾 Course Overview
The race follows the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) through the Rio Puerco Valley, offering expansive views of mesas, badlands, volcanic plugs, and high-desert wilderness.

Expect faint single-track, rocky footing, slick rock sections, and elevations between 6,350–7,400 ft.

While the course doesn’t feature major climbs, it’s a rugged and remote endurance challenge — runners should be prepared for long stretches of solitude and variable footing.

🕓 Cutoff & Aid Station Highlights
- Aid Stations: approximately every 9 miles
   - Stocked with GU Roctane, water, GU gels, soda, coffee, hot chocolate, chips, nuts, ramen, mashed potatoes, black beans, and cheese quesadillas.
   - Cupless race: please bring a reusable bottle or cup.
- Crew Access: Mesa Portales and Turnaround Aid Stations only.
- Lighting: Any runner leaving Mesa Portales after dusk must carry a headlamp or light.

- 100-Miler Cutoffs (Sunday):
   - 79-mile Turnaround – 9:00 a.m.
   - 88-mile Remote Aid – 11:00 a.m.
   - 97-mile Mesa Portales – 2:00 p.m.
   - Finish Line – 5:00 p.m. (hard cutoff)

🎽 Packet Pickup
- Friday: 4:00–9:00 p.m. at Start/Finish
- Saturday: Opens 5:00 a.m.

Camping: Free at Start/Finish Line

Restrooms: Porta potties at Start/Finish and Turnaround Aid Stations

⚠️ Safety & Conditions
- Typical weather in early November: Highs mid-50°F / Lows near 30°F — mostly dry, but snow or rain is possible.
- Very limited shade — bring proper layers and sun protection.
- Carry enough water for up to 9 miles between aid stations.

Required for 100-Miler Runners:
Two lights, a rain jacket or safety blanket, small first-aid kit, and enough hydration for 9 miles.

If you need help on course:
📞 Call or text the Race Director first at (505) 804-9669, then dial 911 if needed.

Runners are responsible for any costs associated with search, rescue, or medical services.

🕔 Event Day Reminder
Saturday, November 1, 2025 – Events begin at 5:00 a.m. Please plan to arrive at least one hour before your event start time.

We can’t wait to share the high-desert beauty of Dead Man Peaks with you — mesas, volcanic plugs, and miles of wild CDT trail await.

Run smart, stay safe, and enjoy the adventure! Dead Man Peaks