Best 50-Mile Races to Qualify for the Angeles Crest 100 (AC100)
A Los Angeles and Southern California focused list of the most practical 50-milers (plus a few 50+ options) that translate to AC100 conditions: sustained climbing, long runnable sections, heat, and late-race descending.
AC100 qualifying rules (plain English)
Baseline: Finish an official race that is 50 miles or longer with published results inside the current qualifying window. Virtual races do not count.
AC100 requirements change year to year. Use this page to pick a race, then confirm the current rules and submission deadlines on the official AC100 registration page before you commit.
Important: A 50K is shorter than 50 miles. Do not assume a 50K qualifies unless AC100 explicitly states an exception for a specific entry pathway.
What “official” usually means
- Results are publicly posted (UltraSignup or an official results page).
- The event is a real race (not virtual, not solo time trial).
What else you will likely need
- Trail work hours by the AC100 deadline.
- Proof of qualifier (link to results page).
Fastest path: Sterling Silver Ticket races (guaranteed entry pathway)
If you want a higher-upside route than the lottery, target races that award AC100 “Sterling Silver Tickets.” Most are 50 milers. A small number of top finishers earn guaranteed entry (still responsible for entry fee and trail work).
SoCal ticket races
- Ray Miller 50 Miler (Malibu)
- Avalon Benefit 50 Mile (Catalina Island)
- Sean O’Brien 50 Miler (Calabasas)
- Leona Divide 50 Mile (Lake Hughes / Santa Clarita)
- Pacifico Ultra 50K (Angeles National Forest, special ticket-series exception)
Southwest ticket race
- Old Pueblo 50 Mile (Sonoita, Arizona)
Old Pueblo is runnable but still punishing if you arrive undertrained. Treat it as an early season fitness test.
Best SoCal 50-milers (short drive from Los Angeles)
These are the most practical qualifiers for LA runners because travel is simple. They also build the exact skills AC100 punishes: long climbs, heat management, and durable legs for descending.
Top picks
- Griffith Park 50 Mile (Los Angeles): logistically easy, good “first 50” option, and you can simulate AC100 heat if the day warms up.
- Ray Miller 50 Miler (Malibu): runnable climbs and steady effort. Great as a controlled “time on feet” test.
- Sean O’Brien 50 Miler (Calabasas): classic SoCal trail running, usually competitive, solid prep for sustained pacing.
- Leona Divide 50 Mile (Lake Hughes / Santa Clarita): one of the best AC100-specific builders: climbs, exposure, and honest fatigue.
- Malibu Canyon 50 Mile (Malibu): long, steady, and a good way to practice nutrition pacing without massive travel.
- PCT 50 (Cleveland National Forest): higher elevation profile than many SoCal races, real trail, and a legitimate “mountain legs” day.
Wildcard (not a 50-miler, but relevant if you chase tickets)
- Pacifico Ultra 50K (Angeles National Forest): this is not 50 miles, but it appears in the ticket series as a special exception. Do not confuse this with the standard 50-mile qualifier rule.
Best West Coast 50-milers (smart travel)
If SoCal races fill up, these are strong backups with reliable organization and good terrain. They also make you tougher in ways that carry into the San Gabriels.
- American River 50 Mile (Folsom to Auburn): fast runnable miles, great benchmark for pacing and fueling discipline.
- Monterey Ultra 50 Miler (Monterey): variety of trail surfaces, steady work, and a full-day effort without extreme exposure.
- Outlands 50 Mile (Pilot Hill): rugged singletrack around Folsom Lake area, good for durability.
- Rim Rock 50 Mile (Napa): solid climbing and late-race leg fatigue practice.
- Cool Moon 50 Miler (Cool): a legit summer suffer-fest; treat it as heat and grit training.
How to choose the right qualifier
If this is your first 50-miler
- Pick the easiest logistics first (Griffith Park, Ray Miller).
- Prioritize finishing over racing. AC100 cares that you finished an official 50 miles.
- Choose a course that lets you keep moving even when your stomach gets weird.
If you want the best AC100-specific fitness
- Leona Divide or PCT 50 are closer to “real mountain work” than most LA-area options.
- Use the race to practice: early restraint, steady calories, and downhill control.
If you want a shot at guaranteed entry
- Target ticket series races and show up fit. Ticket spots are for top finishers.
Timeline: when to run your 50-miler before AC100
Simple target: run your qualifier 12 to 20 weeks before AC100. That gives you recovery time and a clean build into the race.
- 20-16 weeks out: best window if you want a full rebuild cycle after the 50.
- 16-12 weeks out: best window if you recover quickly and want sharper fitness closer to race day.
- Under 10 weeks out: doable, but you risk carrying fatigue into your final build.
If you are LA-based, you can add AC-specific training on local climbs (Mt Wilson, Baden-Powell, long descents) after the qualifier without flying anywhere.
FAQ
Do I need my 50-miler before I enter the AC100 lottery?
Often no. Many years allow you to enter first and submit proof later, as long as you meet the deadline.
Does a 50K qualify?
Normally, AC100 is a 50-mile-or-longer qualifier. A 50K is shorter than 50 miles. Only treat a 50K as valid if AC100 explicitly publishes an exception for a specific pathway.
What counts as “published results”?
Typically a public results page (UltraSignup or an official race website results page).
Tip: Build supporting pages for each race above (course notes, elevation, “who this is for,” logistics from LA, and a training mini-plan). This creates long-tail SEO that feeds into this hub page.