Could you imagine a more sublime activity than an October trail run in the mountains above Truckee? What if the last 10km were downhill to the Truckee Alibi and you were pushed by a tailwind out of the west? That would be the best, and it just so happens to be this year’s Pub Run. So, join us on Saturday, October 17th at 8am at the Pub on Donner Lake! Adam has guaranteed the downhill finish, and Dave has a Polymarket wager in favor of the tailwind.
At 8am, we’ll leave The Pub at the west end of Donner Lake (park near West End Beach) and get warm in a hurry as we climb from Donner Lake to gain the ridge. From there, we’ll link up with the PCT and tag Judah Peak for one of the best views over Truckee. Then, we’ll head north through the I-80 tunnel to the Castle Peak trailhead, where we’ll have our refill of liquids and good vibes–and of course, whiskey for the unafraid. Then, we’ll high-five our beloved volunteers before dropping into the stunning, wide-open Castle Valley. At this point, runners may faintly hear Alibi calling their name, a helpful auditory cue to turn onto the Donner Lake Rim Trail toward Truckee rather than embarking on a PCT thru-hike. The Rim Trail will take us past Summit Lake and down into Johnson Canyon before offering another excellent opportunity to get warm on the climb up to Drifter Hut. From there, as they say, it’s all downhill — to Glacier Way, along the ridge above Donner Lake’s north shore, and onto the Trout Creek trail. At this point, runners may be tempted to run their fastest mile of the season thanks to smooth downhill asphalt and a healthy fear that the taps at Alibi might be more dry than their palate.
Great weather is virtually assured, since Dave just bought a fancy running jacket. This one’s a trail tour of many things that make this stretch of the Sierra worth living in — big Donner views, granite, smooth dirt, the I-80 corridor, friends outside, and as usual for our annual “season ender,” probably a chance of weather. Bring a GPX file (Caltopo or Strava both work fine on a watch or phone) because there is zero on-course marking, and the “trail junction, just go with your gut” strategy has ended a few fun runs.
For those who wish to join for a portion of the route, there are many options to enter and exit the trail, including Glacier Way, Johnson Canyon, the Boreal/Castle Valley parking area (this year’s Aid Station), and Summit Haus on Old 40. The entire route is 31miles (50K) and it’s 14 miles from the start to the Castle Peak Trailhead where you’ll find our whisky-only “aid station”, then 17miles from the Castle Peak Trailhead to Alibi.
Check out and download the route, first half and second half.
Keep in mind, this route is unsupported and unmarked. You’ll pass at least four water sources, none of which are safe to drink from without a filter.
Whatever distance you end up covering, the finish is the same for everyone: cold beers, tired legs, and good company at Alibi Truckee. First round is on us. Runners should start trickling in a little after 2pm. Most of us will be there by 4. Can’t wait to share some of Truckee’s best trails with you!
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