UTMB World Series Major ยท Big Bear Lake, California, United States
HOKA Kodiak Ultra Marathons by UTMB
The Kodiak Ultra Marathons is a UTMB World Series Major at Big Bear Lake, California, in the San Bernardino Mountains. The courses circle the lake at about 7,000 feet (2,100 m) and the 100 mile race climbs Sugarloaf Mountain at nearly 10,000 feet.
- Where
- Big Bear Lake, California, United States
- Month
- October
- Region
- Americas
- Longest race
- 100 miles, 100 mi, about 15,997 ft (4,875 m) of climbing
- Conditions
- Altitude above about 7,000 feet all the way, warm days and cold nights.
- Official site
- kodiak.utmb.world
Dates, distances and qualification rules change every year, so confirm on the official site before you plan.
What is the Kodiak Ultra Marathons course like?
Runners pass through three climates: subalpine pine forest, ridge lines above the trees and high desert with Joshua trees. The 100 mile course follows more than 20 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, crosses the remote Siberia Canyon and climbs Deadman's Ridge. The trails are technical, with flowing singletrack.
What are the Kodiak Ultra Marathons distances?
| Race | Distance | Climbing | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 miles | 100 mi | about 15,997 ft (4,875 m) | 8 October |
| 100K | 61.5 mi | about 10,236 ft (3,120 m) | |
| 50K | 30.4 mi | about 4,475 ft (1,360 m) | |
| 21K | 13.0 mi | about 2,231 ft (680 m) | |
| 10K | 5.8 mi | about 1,115 ft (340 m) |
How do you fuel the Kodiak Ultra Marathons?
Altitude above about 7,000 feet all the way, warm days and cold nights.
- Eat by the clock. At altitude appetite often falls. Set a timer and take carbs every 20 to 30 minutes.
- Drink more than you feel like. Dry mountain air hides sweat. Aim for your fluid target.
- Prefer easy foods. Drink mixes, gels, chews and salty snacks are easier to eat than solid food at altitude.
- Plan for cold nights. October nights are cool in the mountains. Warm broth at stations helps.
Work out your numbers
- Ultra fuel plan calculator: A whole race plan: per hour, hour by hour, race totals and a rough fuel budget.
- Fluid and sodium calculator: Fluids and sodium per hour from your weight, the weather and your sweat.
- Heat adjustment calculator: Heat index, WBGT and how much more to drink and salt in hot, humid weather.
- Night ultra nutrition
- How much to drink in an ultra
- The ultra drop bag packing list
What does a Major give you?
Majors award double Running Stones for the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix. See the official Majors page for the current rules, and the comparison of all of them.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Kodiak held?
In October.
Does it count towards the UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix?
As a Major it awards double Running Stones, which are entries to the Finals lottery. The top 10 men and top 10 women in the 50K, 100K and 100 mile races also get automatic entry. Rules change, so check the official Majors page.
How high is the course?
Between about 7,000 and 9,995 feet.
The other races
- HOKA Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB (April)
- HOKA Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB (May)
- HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB (July)
- Wildstrubel by UTMB (September)
- HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB (November)
- UTMB World Series Finals in Chamonix (August)
General information, not medical or dietary advice.