20221223
2024-03-09

Mar 09, 2024 at 7:00 AM

King of the Hill Trail Runs

West Main St

Los Lunas NM, 87031

USA

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Entry Fee $30
(Lowest or Early Registration)

Entry Fee 2 $50
(Highest or Late Registration)

Prize Money: no

Distance(s):

  • 10K
  • 13.1M
  • 5K

Type: Trail

Participant Limit: 999

Starting Elevation: 5000

High Point: 5220

Percent of the course on un-paved trails: 100%

First Year of the Event: 2014

Description:

King of the Hill offers 100% trail running at 5k,10k, and half marathon distances. The races take place in the beautiful and challenging trails of El Cerro de Los Lunas Preserve. The courses feature beautiful views and large elevation changes on the 10k and half marathon courses. The eventhe 5K goes along our “Bowl Trail” on a mixture of crusher fine, hard pack dirt, and sandy trails. There are a few rolling hills. Runners will pass 2 water stations on this course right before mile 1 and mile 2.

The 10K shares the first .6 miles with the 5K, before heading west and ascending a steep hill to the “Overlook Trail”. Once on the Overlook Trail, runners will go up a steady incline until about mile 2.25 before hitting the high point of the course and descending back to meet the 5K trail to finish the race. This course is a mixture of crusher fine, hard pack, and sand with over 700ft of elevation gain. Once at the top, you will have great views of the valley and surrounding mountain ranges. You will hit water stations before mile 1, at mile 1.5, mile 2, mile 3, just before mile 4, and mile 5.

The Half Marathon is an extreme challenge. It shares the first 2 miles with the 10K course before ascending up the west face of El Cerro de Los Lunas. Runners will head up a few switchbacks before getting to the summit around mile 3. After summiting, runners will head down the east face of the hill, down the bluff road and hitting a flat and sandy stretch at the bottom. After the sandy stretch, runners will be on Huning Ranch west loop rd for a bit, heading out the gate and taking a couple of quick left turns before hitting the turnaround. After the turnaround you will do it all over again with the ascent of the east face which is the most challenging portion of the course. After making your second summit around mile 8, you are treated with downhill for most of the rest of the race as you descend down the switchbacks before reconnecting with the 10K trail. This course features 2100 feet of elevation gain on crusher fine, hard pack, sand, and a bit of paved roadway. You will hit water stations at before mile 1, mile 1.5, mile 2, mile 4, mile 4.5, at the turnaround, mile 6.5, mile 9, mile 10, before mile 11, and before mile 12. There will also be a portable restroom near the turnaround.

We will have tons of support on the course and you will never go more than .5 miles without seeing race staff. has grown every year and this being our 5th annual will be the biggest and best yet!

Photos

Race event photo
Race event photo
Race event photo

Map

Past Event Dates

Held on Mar 09, 2024

Held on Mar 11, 2023

Held on Mar 05, 2022

Held on Mar 07, 2020

Held on Mar 09, 2019

Held on Mar 10, 2018

Held on Mar 11, 2017

Held on Mar 12, 2016

Event Results