DyeStatCal - internet home of California track

Yellow = Mile 1
A flat and fast first mile, runners begin along a cement road known as
the "airpstrip", which veers slightly right into the entrance of the "Valley Loop."
This loop consists of two trips around a relatively flat, paved dirt road, where
the field barely begins to thin out. The mile is just beyond the end of the second loop.

Aqua = Mile 2
This is where the fun begins, immediately separating the men from the boys. A
small incline leads to a quick, right turn, which welcomes runners into a zig-zagging
ascent up a moderately steep and energy-sapping challenge named "Switchback Hill."
Upon reaching its apex, runners crest this dirt path for a bit of flat terrain, but soon
find themselves winding down the curl on Switchback Hill, ending on an asphalt road.
From here, runners enter "Spectator Alley", where as many as 1,500 rabid fans
line the route's barricades to welcome them across the halfway point. Runners then
take a left turn for about 80 meters before veering right and then left again for the
next menacing challenge: "Poop-Out Hill." A steep climb that has occasionally
slowed middle-of-the-pack runners to a walk, this dirt-paved hike is where one's
race pace goes to shreds. Near the top, the path winds right, to the 2-mile mark.

Red = Mile 3
The runners hit two miles along the back side and the descent of "Poop-out Hill",
leading into the farm road, where cattle are sometimes the only spectators to be
seen. Most of this soft-dirt path is flat, although some gently rolling bumps exist.
At the end of the farm road, the harriers swerve right and begin the ascent along the
final true hill: "Reservoir Hill," aptly named for the reservoir water tanks at the top.
This hill is actually two climbs separated by a short, flat portion. Truth be told, runners
are so tired at this point, most often fail to realize this fact. Once atop the hill, 800
meters remain to the finish, starting with a steep downhill semi-spiral, then a more
gradual downhill. Runners re-enter the airstrip, passing the start and then turning
right, where they make a final bee-line down a spectator-lined path. As if this
maddening route was not enough challenge, a small and very short "bump climb" is
situated about 15 meters from the finish -- one last challenge for the weak and weary.

	The Mt. SAC Course! A Cross-Country Course So Famous, Each Hill Is Named! Meet three new friends: Switchback, Poop-Out & Reservoir