Tortugas Mountain 24 Hour Challenge

The Tortugas Mountain 24 Hour Challenge continues to be the premier 24 hour trail race in New Mexico. Actually, we think it's the only 24 hour trail race in New Mexico. We will start on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 6 pm. This year will again be a free 'Fatass' race. Donations will be accepted as a fundraiser for the Southern New Mexico Trail Alliance. Funds raised by the SNMTA are used to provide trail building/maintenance work days and trainings, support local trail events, purchase tools, and provide advocacy for and education about trails and outdoor recreation.

Schedule

Friday, November 8th, at 5:30 pm Runner Check-in

Friday, November 8th, 6:00 pm - Race begins

Saturday, November 9th 6:00 pm - Race ends

Course Description

The Challenge will start at the Arroyo Loop trailhead at the Monte Vista Parking Lot and proceed clockwise around Tortugas Mountain covering four miles. Subsequent laps around the mountain will alternate direction. The trail is a rocky, rolling single track with some two-track. The route will be well flagged with orange or pink flagging with reflective tape, rock cairns, and brown BLM trail markers. Flagging and reflective tape will be continuously visible in line-of-sight. An aid station will be located at the start/finish under the covered picnic area, and at the 2-mile mark on the course. Aid stations will have water and Heed electrolyte drink, and minimal food. Participants should plan on providing most of their own food (hey, you get what you pay for). This will be a 'cupless' event, so bring your own preferred drink vessels (bottles, bladders, cups, etc.).

Crews: Participants can have crews and supporters at the start/finish aid station.

Distance and Timing

Participants will need to record each 4-mile lap they complete on a registration board provided at the start/finish. Mark the time of day completed for each lap corresponding to the official race clock positioned at the start/finish. There is no requirement to be present for the entire 24 hours to have an official finishing distance. Please mark yourself 'away' on the register if you leave the course. You can leave and return to run additional laps within the 24 hour period.

Link to course map