One of the most difficult races in California. It's approximately 8 miles long with a grueling 4,000 foot elevation gain. Starting close to 6,000 foot elevation in The Angeles National Forest with the finish line on the summit of Mt Baldy at 10,064 feet elevation.
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1217-749593.JPG)
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1241-786847.JPG)
Start line
Betty and Naomi at the starting line
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1220_2-716749.JPG)
Flaco and Arturo chat before the race.
(whooa... really cool shorts Flaco. Those sunflowers almost look real)
A BIG Congratulations to --
Carlos Larios 3rd Place Overall with an amazing time of 1:19
and
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1218-749632.JPG)
Arturo Valdez who finished 1:36. Arturo just ran the 50k Bulldog Ultra Marathon last week @ a blazing time of 5:07
Awesome job Arturo!
Mile 3
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1233-715922.JPG)
Mile 4
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1235-748690.JPG)
Mile 5 to the water station
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1237-748730.JPG)
View from mile 6
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1228-776191.JPG)
I am not walking, I am not walking, I am not walking...
okay maybe just a little
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/bald-751220.jpg)
The interesting series of these steep inclines make it easy to tell why they call it the Devil's Backbone Trail.
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1238-786776.JPG)
Almost there, finish line just to the (3rd) mountain top
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1245-791305.JPG)
Betty finishes 1:50
Naomi 2:07
Victor Carillo: Fast, crazy fast
(unofficial)
![](http://wildmountainrunners.com/uploaded_images/IMG_1250-721146.JPG)
Betty and Naomi wave good-bye to Chris as they take the ski lift down.
(BTW... No bib, no $5, no ride back down. Next time sign up Chris!)