Angelenos discovered mountain recreation in the 1890s; the first two decades of the twentieth century were called “The Great Hiking Era.” Resort camps were opened in Big Santa Anita Canyon, families organized weekend outings, thousands took day hikes and the first mountain trail race was held in 1908. The race was not held regularly over the years, and discontinued in the 1950s.
In 1965 the city of Sierra Madre revived the race and “The Mount Wilson Trail Race”became a signature event for the city, and each year commands a significant number of participants. The race begins at Kersting Court on to Orchard Camp and back, a distance of 8.6 miles. The race is put on by a volunteer committee and is sponsored by local businesses and organizations. In 1993 the Sierra Madre City Council placed the Mt. Wilson Trail on the Sierra Madre Register of Historic Cultural Landmarks.
The Angeles Crest 100 Mile Race has been run every year since it began in 1986 and is the oldest 100-mile race in the country. Runners come from all parts of the world to run the 100 miles of mountain trails in one day. It begins in Downtown Wrightwood at 5 am and ends at Loma Alta Park in Altadena. Entry is limited 150 participants who must qualify by completing at least a 50-mile run in the previous year. Volunteers maintain all the mountain trails used in the race.
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Carol Libby and Karen Hou
Carol Libby & Karen Hou
Arcadia Historical Society