New Mexico’s only 100-mile trail race in the Gila National Forest, taking you on an out-and-back journey where the scenery hits twice: once on the way out, and again when you earn it on the return.
We are in the process of updating this page to include FAQs, a runner’s manual, volunteer information, and more!
Please check back often for updates or contact us with any immediate questions you have.
We have an exciting update for this year’s Gila 100 mile run! Due to the much appreciated feedback from our runners, pacers, volunteers, and aid station support last year, we are shifting from a single out-and-back course to a double out-and-back format along the 50-mile course.
Don’t worry, the total distance and rugged challenge remain the same as the previous years! In fact, it’s even better. This section is truly the most beautiful leg of the course, and this will allow for better support, more accessibility, and a safer experience for all who participate. Since this change shortens our geographic footprint, it makes it easier to secure our Forest Service permits and keep the race on the calendar. Most importantly, a condensed course means better runner safety, more accurate tracking, and heavily stocked aid stations with incredible volunteer support. Plus, your crew will get to see you much more easily. On top of that, you can use your knowledge of the first half to perfectly pace your second half!
It also allows us to extend the cutoff time for the 50-mile runners, and offer the option for 100-mile runners to drop to the 50-mile distance* if the course is more challenging than expected.
You’ll start at Open Space Brewing, following a trail that leads into a mix of historic corridors, runnable dirt, and high-country trail systems along the Continental Divide. Both the Gila 100 and the Gila 50 have a 36-hour cutoff. For your safety, there will be cutoffs at each aid station, which are listed on the course map and in our runners manual.
*Please review the runners manual (to be published soon!) for all rules and FAQs regarding the race.
Start → Big Tree Aid (4 miles): through Bataan Park and historical Fort Bayard, then fast dirt as the mountains come into view.
Big Tree Aid → Signal Peak Aid (10 miles): through the Fort Bayard trail network, then a steep/technical climb toward Twin Sisters and up to the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).
Signal Peak Aid → Aztec Park Aid (6 miles): continuing along the CDT on a forested ridge as you descend toward the Mimbres Valley.
Aztec Park Aid → Sapillo Aid (7 miles): stay on the CDT as you drop out of the high forest toward the Mimbres Valley; no turns until the last mile, then a main left off the ridge and a winding descent into Sapillo Campground.
Sapillo Aid is the turnaround spot for our 50-mile course. There is approximately 7,387′ of climbing for the 50 miler (since it’s an out & back course there’s also approximately 7,387′ of elevation loss for a total of 14,774′ of elevation change).
You’ll run the same route as the 50-mile course, but once you get back to start/finish, you’ll complete the full out-and-back one more time!
There is approximately 14,774′ of climbing for the 100 miler (since it’s an out & back course there’s also approximately 14,774′ of elevation loss for a total of 29,548′ of elevation change).
Both the Gila 100 and 50-mile race are along the same out-and-back course. Please note that some aid stations are extremely remote and crew/pacers are not allowed at certain entry points to ensure the safety of your team, and ours.
*Please note this map is for the 50-mile distance only. If you are running the 100-mile race your mileage and elevation gain will double. We are in the process of creating a full 100-mile .gpx file for our 100-mile participants to be able to download.
All aid stations will have water and Hammer Nutrition products, plus all the go-too snacks and volunteer home-cooked meals. Expect healthier, locally sourced options.
Some aid stations are extremely remote and for your safety, we cannot allow crew or pacers at specific checkpoints. Please refer to the full runners manual for details.
The course will be heavily marked, including reflective elements for your night return. Due to the remoteness of this area, we highly recommend that you review the course map in detail and download a GPX file of your respective distance to have on your watch or phone during the race.
| Gila 50-MILE AID STATION CHART | |||||
| A/S name | Miles Loop 1 | Drop bags | Crew access | Cut-off time | |
| 1 | Start / finish | 0 | yes | yes | |
| 2 | Big Tree Trailhead | 5 | |||
| 3 | Signal Peak | 14.5 | |||
| 4 | Aztec | 21 | |||
| 5 | Sapillo | 27.5 | yes | yes | 10:00pm Saturday |
| 6 | Aztec | 33 | 2:00am Suday | ||
| 7 | Signal Peak | 39.5 | 7:00am Sunday | ||
| 8 | Big Tree Trailhead | 49 | 2:00pm Sunday | ||
| 10 | Start / finish | 54 | yes | yes | 6:00pm Sunday |
| ALL DISTANCES ARE APPROXIMATE | |||||
| Gila 100-MILE AID STATION CHART | |||||||
| A/S name | Miles Loop 1 | Miles Loop 2 | Drop bags | Crew access | Pacer pickup Loop 2 | Cut-off time Loop 2 | |
| 1 | Start / finish | 0 | 54 | yes | yes | yes | 11:00pm Saturday |
| 2 | Big Tree Trailhead | 5 | 59 | ||||
| 3 | Signal Peak | 14.5 | 68.5 | ||||
| 4 | Aztec | 21 | 75 | ||||
| 5 | Sapillo | 27.5 | 81.5 | yes | yes | yes | 8:00am Sunday |
| 6 | Aztec | 33 | 87 | 10:30am Sunday | |||
| 7 | Signal Peak | 39.5 | 93.5 | 1:30pm Sunday | |||
| 8 | Big Tree Trailhead | 49 | 103 | 4:30pm Sunday | |||
| 10 | Start / finish | 54 | 108 | yes | yes | 6:00pm Sunday | |
| ALL DISTANCES ARE APPROXIMATE | |||||||
| 24-hour pace is a 13:20 / mile pace, 36-hour pace is a 20:00 / mile pace | |||||||
But if you’re worried you might…
When it’s in the wee hours of the morning, you have only your headlamp to guide you, you’re unfamiliar with the countryside and there’s no trees or lush green undergrowth to line the trails, you could possibly wander off the course. We try very hard to mark the course as best we can. But it’s our observation that no matter how well you mark a course, people will still get lost. It’s also up to you to know the course and pay attention.
Nothing can guarantee that you won’t miss a trail marker in the middle of the night, we also can’t promise that vandals won’t mess with the markers. So, here are a few pointers to help minimize your chances of having to do extra, unwanted “bonus” miles:
Our #1 rule is BE NICE. To everyone. No exceptions.
We have rules for a reason. Mostly for your safety and the safety of our crew and volunteers. Please read the rules for the Gila 100/50 and adhere to them. Questions? Contact us.
Weather in the Southwest can be unpredictable and change drastically throughout a day and night. Rain, wind, and even snow is possible, and the one guarantee is temperature swings. In October, the Gila can climb into the 80’s during the day and drop below freezing at night.
Although we don’t have any mandatory gear to carry, we suggest packing all the layers: rain jacket, thermal layers, extra socks, and gloves. Drop bags are allowed at most aid stations. Poles are allowed. Basic first aid will be available at all aid stations, and we will have a medical crew on standby in the unlikely event someone needs medical attention.
All 100 & 50-mile race finishers will receive a buckle, and top finishers will receive a special one-of-a-kind aware made locally.
If you’ve been searching for a 100 mile ultramarathon in New Mexico or the kind of running in the Gila National Forest that reminds you why you started doing this in the first place, the Gila 100 is your race!
Dogs are not allowed to accompany runners on the course.
Pacers don’t have to sign up but they have to sign a waiver. They can get their pacer bib during packet pick up, or get one at the race start on Saturday morning. Pacers are ONLY allowed in the 100M race. Read the rules!
We do not offer race refunds.
Yes, they are. Please be careful while using them though! Those tips can be sharp.
We will be providing more information on lodging and camping soon!
All packets for the 100 and 50 mile races can be picked up the Friday before the race at Open Space Brewing from 4:00 to 7:00pm.
50 & 100-mile Packets that are not picked up on Friday will be brought to the race start on Saturday morning. Please come to the race start an hour before your event to check in and claim your packet!
If you come to pick up your packet late, you may not get a goody bag as they are first come, first serve.
The 100 mile, and 50 mile events start simultaneously on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Check Ultrasignup for the updated registration costs. There is also a small fee for online processing thru Ultrasignup.com. Pricing changes as race day gets closer.
You can only enter online via Ultrasignup. There is no paper mail-in registration. Late registrants may not get a shirt! Late online registration is available. There is an additional fee for registering during the late period. Registration closes when it closes, no exceptions.
The courses close at 6:00pm on Sunday for all runners. See the “rules and regulations” page for more details.
YES PLEASE!!!!! Contact us for more details. Volunteers who sign up early get a free volunteer shirt, 4 million “Thank You’s” and a reduced entry fee for an ultra-distance event. The week prior to the race we’ll have a volunteer meeting and then hand out instructions. During packet pickup Friday evening we’ll hand out Aid station supplies and gear. Also, you get the RD’s never-ending gratitude (which may or may not include a hug), and finally, helping out runners is fun!
To sign up to volunteer, email us at info@gilaadventureruns.com
Yes, the race fee includes a race shirt. The cut-off for being guaranteed a t-shirt is August 30, 2026. There may be extra shirts for sale at the finish after the race.
El Paso, is 2.5 hours from Silver City, New Mexico. Also, Tuscan is 3 hours from Silver City, New Mexico.
The start and finish for the 100 and 50-mile races will be at Open Space Brewing. The address is: 11990 US-180 in Santa Clara Armory, Santa Clara, NM.
Yes, but they need to have your name (the exact name used to enter), and birthdate. If you pick up a number for someone else, make sure he/she knows you’re doing so.
Yes! Hikers may have a difficult time finishing the longer races within the allotted time, but it is definitely possible.
Please check back soon for more information on lodging.
There will be several porta-potties at the start for last minute emergencies. There will also be a porta-potties at all aid stations.
Yes, go to the race tab above and click on the “crew directions” link within.
There will be first-aid kits at the aid stations for those runners that need minor first aid assistance on the course. There will also be first aid at the finish to take care of any needs.
We plan to have several food trucks/vendors with food for sale!
The proceeds from the Gila 50/100 go to several local non-profit groups that help maintain our trails and conserve the outdoors for recreation.
If your questions have not been answered here (or in the rest of this website) you can email your questions directly to the Race Director at ryan@gilaadventureruns.com
