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On December 18, 2005, five of us
touched the ocean at El Moro, then turned around to run 32 miles to the
top of Saddleback Mountain (5,687 feet high at Santiago Peak). This was
our second annual "pilgrimage" from the lowest to the highest point in
Orange County. The sanctioned route, scouted and rescouted by the two
founders, begins seaside at the mouth of El Moro Canyon in Crystal Cove.
We run through El Moro Canyon, behind Laguna Woods, up Bake parkway (the
only pavement of the entire run), onto Sorrano Creek trail through Whiting
Ranch to Santiago Trail. By the end of Santiago trail at Old Camp we've
run approx. 28 miles, which is just the "warm up" for Joplin Trail, an
1,800' ascent up a 1.5 mile single track of loose rocks, boulders and
shrub. This part really sucks, but in a way this "climb" is the right of
passage for this journey. At the top of Joplin Trail, we proceed along the
main divide to the top of Santiago Peak, OC's most majestic
landmark.
Saltwater 5000 is a run, not a race.
But its more than just a run. There something cool about being able to
touch the ocean, run and climb 32 miles to the top of Santiago peak, then
look down and see how far you've come. Also, at 5,687 feet, you can see
the finish line at every turn! "There it is baby!" Once bagged, the peak
offers an incredible vista for the yearning soul. Catalina Island, Mts.
San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Baldy, Palomar and everything in between.
Take a look at some special moments we
captured on this day. Four of the five runners are over 50 years of age,
with youngest at 42 and the oldest at 64. Yes, 64! That rocks!
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