Monterey Bay Area locals designed this beautiful course to highlight Fort Ord National Monument. You’ll run on just about every type of trail there is during this 50 mile tour. From wide fire road, smooth and twisting single-track, deep sand and rocky, rooty climbs you certainly won’t get bored. The course consists of a 35-mile loop and a 15-mile loop, with plenty of aid stations (and views) along the way. Make sure to read the “Course Information” tab for course details, headlamp/drop bag/pacer details and all the other nitty gritty.
Fort Ord was a U.S. Army post on Monterey Bay in California. It was established in 1917 as a maneuver area and field artillery target range and was closed in September 1994. Fort Ord was one of the most attractive locations of any U.S. Army post, because of its proximity to the beach and California weather. The 7th Infantry Division (Light) was its main resident for many years. When Fort Ord was converted to civilian use, space was set aside for the first nature reserve in the United States created for conservation of an insect, the endangered species Smith’s blue butterfly.
While much of the old military buildings and infrastructure remain abandoned, many structures have been torn down for anticipated development. California State University Monterey Bay and Fort Ord Dunes State Park, along with some subdivisions, the Veterans Transition Center, a strip mall, military facilities and a nature preserve occupy the area today.
50/50 Challenge: Are you interested in participating in our second annual 50/50 Challenge (Monterey Ultra 50 Miler and Marin Ultra Challenge 50 Miler)? You will get on our 50/50 leader board, and all finishers of the 50/50 get a commemorative backpack! When signing up for the Monterey Ultra 50 Miler you will be able to register for the 50/50 Challenge!
