The Freetrail Podcast with Dylan Bowman The Big Alta 28k Preview Show | Course, Conditions, & Contenders
9 snips
Mar 19, 2026 A lively preview of the 28K course, its key climbs, aid stations, and record holders. Discussion of race-day strategy like pushing early climbs and using downhill momentum. Weather and hydration risks get focused attention. Profiles of top women and men to watch and notes on late scratches and race logistics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How Big Alta Was Born From A Training Loop
- Dylan Bowman started the Big Alta by discovering a 17-mile loop near his Marinwood home and pitching it to Daybreak Racing.
- That loop became the seed for the Big Alta races and is now used as the 28K single-loop course.
28K Course Packs Two Major Climbs In One Loop
- The 28K is a clean single-loop course that hits two major Marin County summits: Loma Alta and Big Rock Ridge.
- It includes two significant climbs, one aid station ~8.5 miles before the second climb, and no crew access.
Push Early Then Protect Your Effort On Downhill
- Race strategy for this sub-ultra: push on the first climb, hold momentum on the first downhill, then grind up the second climb and hang on to the finish.
- Avoid blowing up early; create separation without redlining on the initial ascent.