Date: August 12, 2012
Race Start Time: 7 AM
Location:
Mission Trail Regional Park
Equestrian Center
Santee, CA 92071
Course Description: The 5K trail is a flat, fast and sometimes slightly technical run that crosses over the San Diego River and runs past the historic Old Mission Dam before entering Oak Canyon. Here the trail becomes more narrow with a short technical area that will require runners to “trail hop” around rocks. The course will be a mix of double and single track trails with a section of about half of a mile on road.
The 15K is another story. 15K runners will ascend a steep, ¾ mile hill at mile 2 encountering their first aid station at the top. After reaching the top, runners will wind down into the canyon on a combination of narrow single track and fire road trails. After reaching the second aid station runners will descend into Suycott Wash making their way towards South Fortuna Mountain and the “Stairway to Heaven”. When runners reach the stairway they will ascend up South Fortuna on steps that have been carved into the mountain. Once at the top their efforts are rewarded with spectacular views of the valley. Runners now make their way to the 3rd aid station (which was also aid station #1) before descending the steep ¾ mile hill and entering Oak Canyon. Oak Canyon is rocky and technical but eventually eases up as runners make their way over historic Old Mission Dam and the San Diego River before turning left for a short half-mile of road. After turning left off the road you will finish with a stretch of double track trails returning to the finish area.
*****WARNING*****
THE 15K STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN IS A DIFFICULT, HILLY AND TECHNICAL COURSE. HOWEVER, IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING AND CHALLENGING TRAIL RUNS IN SAN DIEGO.
Course cut-off: The course cut-off time is 3 hours. No finisher awards will be given for any racer not completing the course within 3 hours.
Registration: Online registration available now by clicking here!
Entry Fee for 5K
$32 until June 12
$37 June 13 until the race sells out
Entry Fee for 15K
$42 until June 12
$47 June 13 until the race sells out
Aid Stations:
ALL 15K RUNNERS MUST CARRY SOME FORM OF HYDRATION! It can be a simple 12 ounce bottle of water or a 64 ounce backpack but it is MANDATORY that all runners carry hydration.
There will be one aid station for the 5K at mile 1.5
There will be 4 aid stations for the 15K. Mile 2, 4.5 and 6.5 AND 8.
There will be aid at the start/finish area.
Trail Map:
Click for 15K Course Map!
Click for 5K Course Map!
These are the courses that have been used in the past, however the courses are subject to change based on park approval, trail conditions, and at the race director’s discrepancy.
Directions to Start: The starting area is located at the Equestrian Center at Mission Trails Park. To get there exit the 52 fwy at Mast Blvd. At the off ramp turn west and drive straight into the equestrian center.
Click Here for Directions (Google Maps)
Parking: There is ample parking in dirt lots at the Equestrian Center right by the start line.
Packet Pickup:
- August 10 from 11AM – 6PM
- August 11 from 10AM – 4PM
San Diego Running Institute
4760-B Mission Gorge Place
San Diego, CA 92120
Unless you paid for race day pickup, packets must be picked up from the San Diego Running Institute.
MANDATORY Race Day Check-in: All race participants MUST check in on race morning. Failure to check in prior to starting the race will result in automatic disqualification. Race check in begins at 6AM.
Prizes: ALL runners will receive a commemorative BEER GLASS with race logo and date of event. These collectors’ glasses are the 3rd of a set that Dirt Devil Race series participants can earn. By completing All 4 Dirt Devil Grand Slam Races, runners can earn a set of all 4 glasses and Grand Slam Award.
To be eligible for the Grand Slam points series and the cash/prizes that go with it, you must participate in the Stairways to Heaven 15K race as well as the Coyote 5K, Sidewinder 10K and the Raptor Ridge Half.
For prizes provided to Overall and Age Group Winners please see the Race Prizes page.
Refund/Transfer Policy: Refunds, minus $10 cancellation fee, will be offered until 7/1/12. No refunds will be given after this date.
Traveling to San Diego for the Stairway to Heaven 5K and 15K?
San Diego has a long list of great attractions and activities for you and your family to enjoy. If you will be traveling to the race for the weekend here are a few hotels close to the start as well as some places the Dirt Devils love to check out after a run in the area.
Places to Stay:
Carlton Oaks Golf & Lodge
Roadway Inn Santee
Things to Do:
Cowles Mountain
Manzanita Brewing Company
Mission Trails Golf Course