Course section
The Chute
2.0 – 2.25 mi · 1,250 to 600 ft — mud, water, and the final drop
Distance
2.0 – 2.25 mi
Elevation
1,250 – 600 ft
Drop
650 ft
Character
Mud, wet rock, waterfall
The Chute is the steep gully below the scree that channels runners into the lower mountain — a mix of mud, wet rock, and a small waterfall that racers pass through or over. By the time athletes reach The Chute they've been racing for 30–40 minutes at near-maximum effort. The technical terrain of the gully provides a second gauntlet after the scree, and the mud makes footing treacherous at full descent speed.
The waterfall
A small waterfall in The Chute that racers run through or around — depending on conditions and their line choice. In wet years it adds mud and slickness to the descent; in dry years the rocks are still slick from use. Shoes and socks are soaked by the time runners emerge.
Second danger zone
After the adrenaline of the scree, The Chute catches racers who have lowered their guard. The mud and wet rock surface at steep angles sends many athletes sliding involuntarily. The combination of fatigue and tricky terrain produces some of the most memorable wipeouts of the race.
Exit to the streets
The Chute deposits runners onto the lower mountain where the terrain transitions back to trail and then pavement — the final sprint to 4th Avenue. The contrast from mountain chaos to city streets in the space of a quarter mile is jarring and exhilarating.
Pro tip
Watch The Chute exit from the lower mountain — you'll see the first moment runners leave the mountain terrain and realize they're about to finish. The surge of speed as they hit flat ground is remarkable.
Other course sections
The Roots
0.0 – 0.6 mi · 95 to 700 ft — the mountain begins
The Cliffs
0.82 – 1.02 mi · 1,450 to 2,050 ft — hands required
The Gut
1.02 – 1.25 mi · 2,050 to 2,550 ft — where runners break
Race Point
1.55 mi · 3,022 ft — the turnaround at the top
The Scree Run
1.55 – 2.0 mi · 3,022 to 1,250 ft — what people remember