Course Overview

The 100-mile course at Javelina Jundred encompasses five loops on the Shallmo, Pemberton & Cinch trails, including a segment of the Escondido Trail in the first loop. These trails wind through rolling single track in the Sonoran Desert, offering scenic views of giant Saguaro Cactus, granite boulders, and dry wash-beds as you explore the McDowell Mountain Regional Park. For 100-kilometer runners, three loops await, while the Jackass 31k adventure unfolds in a single loop.

Each loop begins with a gentle climb from the start/finish at Javelina Jeadquarters to the high point near the foothills of the McDowell Mountain range, with a total gain of approximately 1,580 ft for each loop. The trail then meanders through wash beds on the far side before descending back to the starting point. Expect a diverse terrain underfoot, ranging from hard-packed granite to rocks and sand.

Course Description

The race kicks off at the Four Peaks Staging Area, also known as Javelina Jeadquarters, leading runners down the Shallmo wash. Crossing McDowell Mountain Park Drive shortly after, the trail unfolds with undulating hills and ventures through sandy areas, including Pemberton Wash.

Proceeding beyond the Tonto Tank Trail junction and the sandy stretch, the trail takes a sharp left turn at the base of a long hill. Afterward, it curves to the right, initiating an ascent. At the Coyote Camp aid station near a park service road, the trail transitions into a steady climb on a rocky path. As you continue, the terrain evens out, turning north towards the McDowell Mountains, where hills and valleys become more pronounced.

The trail’s next segment dips in and out of larger sandy washes and desert drainages, featuring elevation changes of 20 to 50 feet. While the path narrows, round logs prevent erosion, offering a relatively clear route compared to the rockier first section. Winding through the desert, you’ll encounter fascinating boulder formations before descending near Granite Tank, home to the Jackass Junction Aid Station.

Following the Pemberton Trail, departing from Jackass aid station, you’ll experience a gradual downhill single track parallel to the old Pemberton trail jeep road. This section leads to the next aid station at the North road crossing.

Located on the south side of the road crossing, the Rattlesnake Ranch Aid Station marks a pivotal point. For the first loop, the trail follows the Escondido trail back to Javelina Jeadquarters. Subsequent loops guide you along the Pemberton trail to the Cinch trail, ultimately bringing you back to Javelina Jeadquarters.

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Course Maps

Interactive & GPS Files

100 Mile & 100 Km

Both the 100 Mile and 100 Km courses will follow the same two loops. During the first loop, shortly after the Rattlesnake Ranch aid station, you’ll make a left turn at the junction onto the Escondido Trail, taking a slightly longer route back to Jeadquarters. For the remaining loops, you’ll continue straight through that junction. The 100 Km race consists of a total of 3 loops, while the 100 Mile race will complete 5 loops in total.

Jackass 31K

The 31K course follows a single loop, taking the shorter of the two loops used in the ultra-distance races. Keeping straight at the Escondido junction, runners run the same course as loops 2-5 of the 100-mile race.. 

Elevation Profiles

100 Mile Profile

100 Km Profile

31 Km Profile

Aid Station Distances

There are four aid stations per loop around the Pemberton Trail: Coyote Camp, Jackass Junction, Rattlesnake Ranch and Javelina Jeadquarters (Start/Finish). The longest distances between stations will be 6.5 miles between Coyote Camp and Jackass Junction, as well as 6.6 miles between Rattlesnake Ranch and Javelina Jeadquarters on the first loop. Please be prepared for this stretch by carrying a MINIMUM two bottles of water. If you plan to be running a 24-30 hour pace, we highly recommend a hydration pack or even more water capacity for this section in the heat of the day: 8:00am to 5:00pm. Water & ice will be available at all aid stations.

Food provided will include fruit, pre-packaged sweet & salty snacks, chips, soda, GU gels and drink, Gatorade, potatoes, bean burritos, PB&J, and soup. Additional meals of sandwiches & pizza will be served at Javelina Jeadquarters throughout the race.

Course Marking

The course will be marked with orange ribbon with black polka dots along the entire course.  Blue & white checkerboard ribbon will be placed at junctions or trails not a part of the race.  Bright yellow signs labeled with the Javelina Jundred logo and arrows will also be placed at all junctions on the course, with wrong way signs on trails that are not a part of the race.

During the night, reflective markers will be placed around the loop to further assist runners.

Additionally, all trails and trail junctions within McDowell Mountain Park are signed with permanent signs by the park.

Course Flyover 

Courtesy of Wes Plate