TrailRunAdvisor Presents the Crystal Peak Prize

Sierra Nevada off-season running isn’t something most people think of when they plan their training year—but it should be. When I first signed up for a week-long, low-key running camp during the quietest time of year, I was honestly just trying to stay fit. What I didn’t expect was to reconnect with everything I had forgotten I loved about running. Escaping the race routine By the time October rolled around, I was burnt out. Although I had pushed through a busy race calendar, ticking off finish lines and personal bests, it all started to feel mechanical. So when a friend mentioned a rustic training camp in the Sierra Nevada off-season, I was intrigued. No bib numbers, no sponsor banners—just trails, altitude, and space to breathe.

The Hardrock lottery is a beast of its own. As a runner who finally heard my name drawn after years of trying, I want to share what I’ve learned—not just about the process itself but about how to stack the odds (and tickets) in your favor. This isn’t just a technical breakdown; it’s the story of grit, strategy, and community, all wrapped in one of the toughest ultra lotteries out there. My first encounter with the Hardrock Lottery Back in 2018, I watched a video of the Hardrock 100 and immediately knew I had to run it someday. The terrain, the altitude, the sense of camaraderie—it struck a chord. But my dreams were quickly met with reality: this race doesn’t just require legs; it demands

Tor des Géants logistics are paramount for any runner aiming to conquer this legendary ultra-trail. Having completed the TOR330 in 2024, I can attest that meticulous planning around pacers and life bases can make or break your race. With the 2025 edition approaching, here’s an in-depth guide to help you navigate the final bibs, pacer strategies, and life base logistics. Securing the last bibs for 2025 The Tor des Géants is capped at approximately 1,100 participants, making entry highly competitive. Pre-registrations for the 2025 edition opened on February 1 and closed on February 14, 2025. If you missed this window, keep an eye on the official TORX Trail website for any updates or potential last-minute openings. Understanding Tor des Géants logistics The Tor des Géants

UTMB 2025 bibs are more than just race numbers—they’re your passport to one of the most epic ultramarathon experiences on Earth. As someone who was lucky enough to toe the line last year, I know firsthand the joy, nerves, and sheer planning it takes to get to Chamonix with a bib on your chest. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to get your hands on one, what it means this year with such a diverse field, and how the whole system works. An unprecedented global gathering As I stood in the crowd last year, surrounded by runners speaking every language you can imagine, I realized just how global the UTMB has become. For the 2025 edition, organizers confirmed that over 121 nationalities will