The Chimera is a figure eight course that starts and
finishes at
Blue Jay Campground, located in the Trabuco region
of the Cleveland National Forest. The camp is 22 miles east of San Juan Capistrano, Ca. and 5 miles North of the Ortega Highway
(RTE74). The race has over 32,000' of elevation change (16K Up and 16K down) and is considered one of the toughest trail 100K Races
in the Country.
The first nine mile loop starts and ends in Lower Blue Jay. This portion of
the course is single track with a few rocky stretches. The runners must be self sufficient on this loop. If the weather
forecast is for excessive heat (85+) there will be a water only aid station at mile five. The 2nd leg of the 100k follows
the Main Divide from Blue Jay to the summit of Santiago Peak. Note: Trabuco and Holy Jim Trails will not be included
in this years Chimera. This change in the course was made to reduce the amount of climb by almost 4000'. The runners continue
over the summit of Santiago Peak and to the junction of the Main Divide and the Maple Springs Truck trail. The runners will
turn right at the junction and will follow the Main Divide to the top of the Silverado trail. The runners turn left onto the
Silverado Trail and descend (steep and rocky) into Silverado Canyon. At the bottom of the Silverado Trail the runners
will turn left onto the (asphalt) Maple Springs Truck Trail. In three miles the asphalt turns to dirt. At the top of Maple
Springs the runners will retrace their steps back to Blue Jay Campground and the finish of the 100k.
Be aware that this is a
preliminary course description and may be modified up to and including race day if so directed by the Forest Service or if the course
is rendered unusable due to snow. An alternate course has been surveyed.
Race Date: December 12, 2009 Fee $90
until 1 November 2009 - 105 After.
We are restricted to 150 runners total... including pacers... pacing in the 100k is
discouraged but will be allowed under special circumstances... contact the Race Director.
The Chimera is a beast from Greek mythology. According to Homer it is part goat, part lion, and part serpent. The
question remains, which is the Chimera - the ultra-runner or the mountain?