On Saturday, October 19th, at 8:00 a.m. 25 hardy runners gathered at the Pioneer Monument at Donner Memorial State Park to kick off the 2024 edition of the DPMR Pub Run. It was a chilly fall morning and some were dressed for winter and others for the beach, but everyone warmed up on the gentle climb up Coldstream Canyon and onto JP’s trail, which had been recently rebuilt to optimize our flow.
During a welcome dip amidst the ascent, we cruised through the “grab-a-tree lollipop” segment which provided a sweet slingshot uphill. Upon gaining the ridge near Tinker Knob, we came to understand why the National Weather Service had issued a Red Flag Warning. It felt like the wind was blowing at 75+ mph (the weather station on Ward Mtn recorded gusts between 88mph and 103 mph). Out came the winter beanies and gloves as we crunched on a thin layer of snow. Back into the pack went the brimmed hats and other items that were at risk of becoming projectiles. The wind hurled grains of sand and small pebbles, making for a natural leg massage and some scratches on sunglasses. Leaning into the wind was the best strategy for straight-line travel. The old growth forest between Tinker Knob and Mt. Lincoln offered a welcome respite, followed by another blast atop Judah.
Down at the aid station near the Summit Haus, runners were treated to good cheer and a spread that ranged from homemade cookies (thanks, Angela!) to Jim Bean and Twix. An additional 15 runners joined the group at the aid station.
From there, the trail meandered over the hill to I-80, beneath the freeway, and gradually climbed toward the base of Castle Peak. Then it was time for more vert! With 35k on their legs, runners were treated to some steep sections that required equal portions of gel-based calories and summit fever. Upon gaining the summit* (or what passes for the top without free climbing), we enjoyed the high point of the day with the knowledge that it was all downhill from there. With the sun noticeably low in the southwest corner of the sky and Castle Valley in the shade, it was time to get our horses back in the barn and hoof it to the Donner Ski Ranch.
The final segment of trail passed three lakes as the distance clicked past 50km. When the “Skranch” parking lot came into view, my Garmin showed 55km. It was an epic course that delivered an all-you-can-run buffet of the finest trails our area has to offer. Chris Cloyd deserves our thanks for conceptualizing the route and putting pen to paper, or .gpx to smartwatch, to make it happen. Soon the snow will cover our favorite trails, but the fond memories of Pub Run 2024 will remain and inspire us to train for 2025.
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