UPDATES
AUGUST 31, 2021
56K and 31k Training Runs Cancelled
The training runs that were rescheduled for September 11 and 12 must again be cancelled due to the recent forest closure throughout all of California which was released yesterday. This state-wide temporary forest closure is in effect today, August 31, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. through September 17, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
For additional information on the temporary forest closure, please see the USDA Region 5 press release.
The training runs that were rescheduled for September 11 and 12 must again be cancelled due to the recent forest closure throughout all of California which was released yesterday. This state-wide temporary forest closure is in effect today, August 31, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. through September 17, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
For additional information on the temporary forest closure, please see the USDA Region 5 press release.
AUGUST 26, 2021
The 2021 event has been cancelled today due to several factors.
The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has surged in recent weeks, and with it many of the public safety and health policies have returned to our public spaces. We are currently experiencing one of the worst wildfire seasons in California’s history, and although there is currently no direct wildfire threat to the Headwaters courses, unhealthy air quality from these fires has been a near constant concern in Siskiyou County. In response to this historic and destructive wildfire season, nine national forests in Northern California have been temporarily closed to all recreation through Labor Day. It is uncertain at this time if these temporary forest closures will be extended beyond their current expiration. These events combined have led me to the decision to cancel this year’s race now, rather than postpone the decision to later and possibly still reach the same decision.
Please stay tuned for new dates in 2022.
The September 11 and 12 training runs announced below are still planned and will proceed depending on weather and air quality. Please join us if you would like to preview the new 56K and 31K courses.
The Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus has surged in recent weeks, and with it many of the public safety and health policies have returned to our public spaces. We are currently experiencing one of the worst wildfire seasons in California’s history, and although there is currently no direct wildfire threat to the Headwaters courses, unhealthy air quality from these fires has been a near constant concern in Siskiyou County. In response to this historic and destructive wildfire season, nine national forests in Northern California have been temporarily closed to all recreation through Labor Day. It is uncertain at this time if these temporary forest closures will be extended beyond their current expiration. These events combined have led me to the decision to cancel this year’s race now, rather than postpone the decision to later and possibly still reach the same decision.
Please stay tuned for new dates in 2022.
The September 11 and 12 training runs announced below are still planned and will proceed depending on weather and air quality. Please join us if you would like to preview the new 56K and 31K courses.
AUGUST 21, 2021
WILDFIRES
As of this posting, there are no direct threats from wildfire to any of the 3 Headwaters Trail Runs courses. The Lava Fire, which started on June 24, 2021 and burned 26,409 acres on the north side of Mt. Shasta, is currently 85% contained. Fire activity is minimal with smoldering and creeping towards tree line.
As of this posting, the nearest active wildfires are the Antelope Fire (approximately 20 miles northeast), and the River Complex (approximately 30 miles southwest). Please use the links for each fire above for current fire information.
AIR QUALITY
Smoke from wildfires is generally unpredictable beyond a day to two days. The NOAA Northern California Smoke Forecast Map is a good resource for modeling near surface smoke pattern forecasts and is updated hourly. It is important to remember that this resource is a forecasting tool and not a guaranteed prediction of future smoke patterns.
AirNow is a good resource for near-real-time local Air Quality Index (AQI) reports. AirNow's Fire and Smoke Map provides an interactive map display of near-real-time smoke patterns and AQI reports at specific geographic points where sensors are located. Click AirNow's Recent Trends button to display charts of AQI reports for the past 24 hours, week, and month for a particular geographic area.
Headwaters Trail Runs will use the AQI 150 as the threshold for our races. We will not hold the event if the AQI is greater than 150. An AQI greater than 150 is considered unhealthy and all populations are advised to reduce prolonged or heavy exertion, and take more breaks during outdoor activities.
JULY 23, 2021
JEREMY GILBERTSON COMPLETES BLACK BUTTE CHALLENGE
Jeremy Gilbertson completed the Black Butte Challenge in a time of 29:57, earning him a complimentary entry to this year's race. Congratulations, Jeremy!
jULY 15, 2021
56K AND 31K TRAINING RUNS ANNOUNCED
August 28th, 2021
We will run the entire 31k alternate course from start to finish. The 31k course is the 56k course without the 15-mile out-and-back section between North Fork AS and Deadfall Meadow AS.
This is a self-supported run - there will not be aid along the course. However, there is a reliable natural spring (even during the current drought) at about 10.1-miles. This is a natural water source - bring a water filter or drink at your own risk.
Meet at the Lake Siskiyou Campground marina (official race start/finish area) at 8:00 AM.
Note: The campground charges a $2 entry fee.
Link to driving directions: https://goo.gl/maps/aBoRAQT2imtLZicZA
August 29th, 2021
We will run the 15-mile out-and-back section between North Fork AS and Deadfall Meadow AS.
This is a self-supported run - there will not be aid along the course. However, there is a reliable natural spring (even during the current drought) at about 4.1- and 11.2-miles. This is a natural water source - bring a water filter or drink at your own risk.
Meet-up instructions:
- Meet at the Lake Siskiyou Trail parking lot located immediately north of Lake Siskiyou dam at 8:00 AM.
- From the Lake Siskiyou Dam we will caravan to the North Fork AS about a 35-minute drive on rough forest roads. All-wheel or four-wheel drive is recommended. Low clearance vehicles are not advised.