Do you have what it takes to ‘Reach the Peak?’
Experience the pinnacle of North County racing by conquering the area’s highest vista on Sept. 29 at the Double Peak Challenge
SAN MARCOS, CA – More than 700 people are expected to lace-up on Saturday, Sept. 29, for the third annual San Marcos Double Peak Challenge, a running event featuring a 10k, 5k and kids trail trot courses that wind through some of San Marcos’ most picturesque locations.
North County’s most challenging race will feature a 10K timed race, a 5K untimed event, and free kids trail trot starting from San Elijo Hills Park, 1105 Elfin Forest Road.
“Double Peak Challenge is a running event like no other in our area,” said Friends of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Board Member Nick Buck. “The event is a celebration of outdoor recreation where participants get to experience unparalleled beauty atop some of North County’s highest and most scenic points. Both the 10K and 5K courses offer a challenge—a proud accomplishment for every racer.”
With festivities kicking off at 7 am, runners can participate in a pre-race cardio stretch and warm-up.
Runners participating in the 10K Double Peak Challenge will set out at 7:30 am to begin a nearly 1,200-foot elevation gain up to Double Peak’s summit while winding along rugged hillside trails with sweeping views of North County.
While the 10K race will be a tough, timed event that will challenge even the most experienced runners, Double Peak Challenge will also offer a shorter 5K untimed course at 8 am and the kids trail trot at 9:30 am. All registered 10K and 5K participants will receive a commemorative Double Peak Challenge completion medal and awards will be given to the top 10K race finishers in each age category.
The event concludes with an expo and beer garden that will be located on the lower softball fields at San Elijo Park. 10K race participants over 21 years of age (identification required) will receive a complimentary beverage. Additional drinks can be purchased for $5 each.
Race proceeds will benefit the Friends of San Marcos Parks & Recreation, which supports events, programs, parks and facilities for the community, and The San Marcos Promise, a scholarship and career guidance program for students in the local school district.
“The funding generated from this collaborative event plays an integral role in perpetuating critical programs that allow students in our community to pursue a rewarding career and set a course for a prosperous future,” said Herbie Smith, Board Member of the San Marcos Promise.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Director Buck Martin echoed Smith noting that Double Peak Challenge is a fun, healthy and helpful way to support the community. Martin emphasized that “an added incentive is the beautiful, well-earned view from the top of Double Peak that simply cannot be beat.”
Register online at www.doublepeakchallenge.com or in-person on race day at 6:30 am. The race website also provides information about corporate sponsorships that are available along with additional race-day details.
