Mammoth Trailfest 50k: Taking the Next Step

At 11,000 feet above sea level, I had just crested the summit of Mammoth Mountain, nearly two-thirds of the way through the Mammoth Trailfest 50k. The high point of the race was now behind me, but it had literally taken my breath away. As I descended the pristine California carpet singletrack, I began to rely on my race mantra: “Just take the next step.” A simple phrase, but one I repeated with increasing frequency as the miles wore on.

The Mammoth Trailfest is a multi-day trail running festival held in Mammoth Lakes, California, created by Tim Tollefson, a world-renowned trail runner with two podium finishes at the prestigious UTMB. The event promised runners an "inclusive large-scale European-style trail event on breathtaking terrain" without the need to travel abroad—and it delivered.

Over the course of three days, runners of all levels can find a race distance that suits them. The event also offers plenty of activities beyond racing, including an expo in the main village, happy hour trivia, panels with elite athletes, dance shows / DJ, and live race coverage streamed on YouTube and Eurosport.

The festivities began Friday morning with the Dragon’s Back Ascent, a race akin to a vertical kilometer (VK), where participants ascend approximately 3 miles and 2,400 feet to the top of Mammoth Mountain, crossing the finish line just as they crest the summit.

Friday evening offered a 10k night race, run mostly under starlight with runners decked out in glowsticks, glitter, and festive costumes. With a live DJ on the course and a party-like atmosphere, it was clear this race was more about fun than speed. Many participants were running their first 10k, and from the sidelines, I could tell they were having an absolute blast. Though I was only a spectator cheering on my wife in her first trail race, the energy was contagious and amped up my excitement for my own race the next morning.

Saturday was the big day—the 50k. I raced this course a year prior and had such an amazing experience that I couldn’t resist coming back for round two. For some background context, I don’t come from an endurance sports background, and certainly not long-distance running. Becoming a better endurance athlete—and more specifically a trail runner—can feel overwhelming at times. The long process of building an endurance base is a test of patience. But running or biking in the outdoors has become a form of moving meditation that helps me recalibrate when life gets stressful. Often, the exertion of an endurance activity can have an energizing effect that can carry into other aspects of life. In this regard, I’ve found a love for endurance sports that I did not appreciate until only recently. Events like the Mammoth Trailfest give me goals to work toward, but more importantly, they remind me that the trail running community is full of people who share a passion for the outdoors, physical challenges, and having fun.

For the 50k, I started with two 500ml soft flasks filled with Tailwind Endurance Fuel Mandarin and an empty 500ml soft flask in my running vest. My plan was to refill the empty flask with plain water at aid stations along the course and rely on my premixed Tailwind drink for most of my calories, with the occasional slice of watermelon from the aid stations. The 50k course features six evenly spaced aid stations offering plenty of pit stop options. After finally reaching the summit, I enjoyed the much-welcomed downhill miles, and both my legs and lungs began to come back to life. I crossed the finish line in just under six hours, beating my time from last year—a personal goal I had set.

One of the highlights of the weekend was running through the main village, lined with spectators, and crossing the finish line, where Tim Tollefson personally greeted every single runner, from the first to the last place finisher. Afterward, participants were treated to complimentary food and drink and had a dedicated area to relax and recover before rejoining the festivities.

Saturday also included a 1k kids' fun run in the village center, which was a hit with families there supporting runners.

Sunday capped off the festival with the 26k race, part of the Golden Trail Series, an international circuit that brings together some of the most elite trail runners in the world. This race is especially important for the pros, as it offers the chance to earn points toward the series final in Switzerland later in the year.

In my opinion, the real magic of Mammoth Trailfest lies not just in the races, but in the atmosphere of inclusion and community. Whether you’re a first-time runner or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone. The festival is family-friendly, with activities that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an event for all to enjoy, runners and support crew alike.

Anyone looking for a challenging trail race set against stunning scenery should absolutely put the Mammoth Trailfest on their bucket list. While I came into the weekend expecting to be broken down after racing, I left feeling invigorated and recharged (though my quads and calves might disagree!). 

This year’s festival was the third edition and by all accounts the most successful yet. It’s clear that the inclusive culture and the diversity of offerings are key reasons for this. 

As a relative newcomer to trail running, this event opened my eyes to the incredible community of endurance athletes and has me excited for the future of the sport. If you’re considering taking the next step in your own endurance journey, I highly recommend it — I know I’ll be back!

By Carter Shae: Finance Director