Tomorrow at 6 a.m., 175 runners will tackle a tough trail run in the Santa Rita Mountains: the Old Pueblo 50-miler. Although most runners are from Arizona, New Mexico, and other western states, a few competitors have travelled from Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. With high temperatures forecasted to be in the mid-70s, runners will enjoy near perfect conditions.

But even mild temperatures can feel hot after 10 or 20 miles of running.  Race regulations state that runners must carry at least one bottle of water (or use a back pack hydration system) at all times.

This race is not for wimps! In preliminary information for racers, Race Director Lynda Hendricks cautions: “Please be sure you are well-trained for the hills, rocks and remote nature of the event.”

Local Tucsonans to follow include ultra-running legend Pam Reed, her training partner Susy Bacal,  and Renee Webb.  Pam Reed was the first woman to be the overall winner of the Badwater Ultramarathon in 2002, when she set the course record for women that still stands.  She’s now Race Director of the Tucson Marathon.

In a presentation to Tucson Tri Girls club, Reed explained “I don’t really train, I just run whenever I can. I’d be a terrible coach for anyone.”

Webb, on the other hand, tracks her training in her Pink Corker blog. On February 20, she and a group reconnoitered miles 30 to 50 of the course with Race Director Hendricks.  These are “theharder miles of the race,” according to Webb. “Fairly rocky, stream crossings (although not much water this year) and in general, more slow-going terrain. But, very pretty in some sections.” She plans to finish the grueling course in 11 hours.

Tomorrow’s 50-mile course is on forest service roads and trails. The Arizona Trail makes up part of the course. Elevation at the Start/Finish at Kentucky Camp is 5142 feet, and ranges from 4031 and 5847 feet on the course with an average grade of 6%. It’s a hilly course with a total ascent of 8000 ft.

One of the toughest challenges of the race is a 1,600 foot climb that begins at mile 25 and ends at mile 32. Runners must complete the course in 15 hours to be considered an official finisher. Runners must hit the Box Canyon aid station at 7.5 hours to be allowed to continue.

The course includes nine aid stations with minimal snacks supplied to the runners. At some aid stations, runners may leave “drop bags” that include personal snacks, energy drinks, electrolyte tablets, clothing, and lights.

Last year, the top male finisher was Zach Thomas at 6:58:42 and the top female finisher was Jane Larkindale at 8:52:03.  Neither winner from last year is registered to race this year. Full race results from 2010 are available here.