Welcome to the Over the Hill Track Club website. We are a recreational club serving Ridgecrest, California and the Indian Wells Valley. Here in the high Mojave desert, we organize a year-round schedule of races, fun-runs and other activities. Most events are open to the public. We are most known for the High Desert Ultra 50K and 30K that we host in early December. Follow us on the Over the Hill Track Club Facebook Page Ridgecrest Running.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization, with the mission of promoting and encouraging running and related activities as a sport and healthy lifestyle within our community. Profits from our activities go towards supporting local youth running groups and community charitable organizations.
Race day was October 19, and we couldn't have asked for better weather -- a huge relief! The day before, while Brian and I were marking trail and battling winds and huge dust clouds, I was nervous. But we lucked out!
The group was small this year. Less than 20 people showed up. They were showered with breakfast, lunch and dinner -- drinks, pastries of all kinds, chips, salsa, cookies, taquitos, PB&Js, grilled cheese sandwiches, chili, and tomato soup. Nobody left hungry.
People chose their distance -- the event is open to everyone, any distance. We had completions that ranged from two miles to a full marathon (26.2 miles). Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and the camaraderie the OTHTC is famous for.
Two individuals completed an entire marathon, Brian Hildreth (6:15) and Connie Scanlan (6:24). There was one prize of a hundred dollars, open to anyone who finished a full marathon, chosen by drawing, and Connie Scanlan was the winner!
Other notable entrants were John Auborn and Karin Usko, along with their donkey friends (15.3 miles), Tony Scanlan, who couldn't quite bring himself to do "just one more loop" for a chance to win the hundred bucks (20.4 miles), and Joseph Peters and Brad Kasberg, who each completed roughly a half marathon. Everyone else did around 5 miles. On another special note, I'd like to acknowledge the Brown Family -- Bill, Vern and William -- Grandfather, Father and Son. They hiked a couple of miles. I've always said the Bucket List is open to anyone regardless of age or ability, and the Brown Family demonstrated that concept in excellent form. Way to go, guys! We had two out of town entrants -- Ruth Carter from down south, and John Carey, from Boron. Thanks for taking the time to get here!
A big shout out of thanks to the California Breakfast Burritos and the Ridgecrest Desert Classic, who donated entries to their events. Tony Scanlan won both, via drawing! We know someone who is going to be busy...
Carol and Brian Wolfe,
Race Directors for The Bucket List Marathon
11/9/2024
KO Half Marathon -- Cancelled
After much consideration, we regret to announce that the KO Half Marathon tentatively planned for November 9th will not take place this year. Although the Race Director was still "TBD" and no Facebook event page had been created yet, things seemed to be coming together over the past few weeks. However, we just learned a few days ago that there will be an OHV event happening the same morning with a course that does overlap ours significantly.
Although both events are registered with the BLM and have different start times, we feel that they are still too close for comfort. It was certainly not an easy decision, but considering the possible consequences, the choice was clear. Our sincere apologies, and we thank you for your support and understanding!
11/28/2024
OTHTC Turkey Trot
8:30am
Cerro Coso Gym Parking
Join us for the 2024 edition of the OTHTC Turkey Trot! This is a perfect way to start Thanksgiving Day! Run or walk the 5K course. Get some exercise before the feast. Bring your family and friends.
There is no charge for participating, but a $5 donation is suggested. All proceeds will go to support the Burroughs High cross country teams.
All participants will be entered into a prize drawing for some great items donated by local merchants.
8:30am
Cerro Coso Gym Parking