Earn Your Way In: The Sterling Silver Ticket Path to AC100

Earn your spot in one of the nation’s toughest 100-mile races—not by luck, but by determination. The Angeles Crest 100 rewards grit and talent. With the Sterling Silver Ticket series, you shape your own path to the starting line—no lottery needed.
Max Jolliffe climbing up Mt. Baden-Powell during the 2025 Angeles Crest 100, filmed by Sean Haworth. Photo by Orlando Baez.
2025 AC100 — Sean Haworth filming. Max Jolliffe climbing up Mt. Baden-Powell. Photo: Orlando Baez.

In the past three editions of AC100, Sterling Silver qualifiers haven’t just made it in. They’ve delivered. Wyatt Million, Michael Eastburn, Max Jolliffe, and Jian (Stella) Springer all secured entry through Sterling Silver races. Each went on to win AC100 outright. Beyond the podium, dozens more Ticket holders have finished under 24 hours. This route consistently draws top-tier competitors who don’t just show up — they show out.

Jian Springer, winner of the 2025 Angeles Crest 100. Photo Credit: Paksit Photos.

  2025 AC100 Winner Jian Springer. Photo Credit: Paksit Photos.
The Sterling Silver Ticket name originates from AC100’s iconic Sterling Silver Buckle — awarded to runners who complete the 100-mile course in under 24 hours, a feat achieved by fewer than 10% of entrants. The SST program was conceived by Dominic Grossman and modeled after the Western States Golden Ticket format. But while the WSER series has grown into a sponsored, international Series, AC100’s version has stayed true to its roots — competitive, local, and deeply connected to the Southern California trail scene.
2022 AC100 Dominic Grossman and Michael Eastburn.
2022 AC100 Dominic Grossman and Michael Eastburn.

 

Your spot on the AC100 start line is only fully secured after both requirements are met: paying the entry fee and completing 8 hours of trail work. If a top-two finisher already holds an entry or declines, the Ticket may be offered to the next highest eligible runner, but never beyond fourth place.

 
 

That’s No Moon: A True Test in the Santa Ana Mountains

 

On Saturday, September 20, 2025, That’s No Moon 50 Mile will launch the new series. It will award the first Sterling Silver Tickets for the 2026 AC100. Finish among the top two men or women and you’ll bypass the uncertainty of the AC100 Lottery. The lottery opens just one day before, on September 19. With a Sterling Silver Ticket, your spot at the start line is guaranteed — not just a hope.

 

Elevation profile of the That’s No Moon 50 Mile course, showing climbs up to 7,400 feet and descents of nearly 3,000 feet.

That’s No Moon 50 Mile — Course Profile

That’s No Moon begins at Black Star Trail, where you will navigate through the rugged terrain of the Santa Ana Mountains. At mile 17, you’ll make a loop through Trabuco Canyon before running all the way back. Be prepared for full exposure with minimal wind along the route.

 

Ubicación Distance (mi) Cutoff Elevation (ft) Aid Radio
Start (6:00 AM) 0 885 Full
Beeks Place I 7.7 2810 Full
Beeks Place II 9.5 2810 Full
Hagador 11 3300 Water Only
Motorway 17.6 3700 Full
plateado 20.6 12:40 PM 1900 Full
Four Corners 28.5 3:25 PM 4500 Full
Motorway II 34.5 5:15 PM 3700 Full
Hagador II 41 6:45 PM 3300 Water Only
Beeks Place III 42.5 7:45 PM 2810 Full
Finalizar 50 10:00 PM 885 Full

 

That’s No Moon features 50 rugged miles in the Santa Ana Mountains. Runners face remote trails, steep climbs, heat, and dust, with views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the AC100 course.

View of AC100 course from That’s No Moon Trail section.

Distant view of the Angeles Crest 100 course from the That’s No Moon trail section. Photo: Jamil Coury.
Though tough, That’s No Moon is known for strong aid support and a close volunteer crew. In 2025, it debuts as a Sterling Silver Ticket qualifier.

The 2025 race starts at 6:00 a.m., covers 9,440 feet of climb, and has a 16-hour cutoff.

 

 

Course preview courtesy of Jamil Coury and Run Steep Get High

 

Seize Your Chance

The first opportunity is just days away at That’s No Moon 50M. Winners will take home official Sterling Silver Tickets — foil-stamped, sleeved, and built to last as keepsakes. But more importantly, they’ll secure their place in the 2026 Angeles Crest 100.
If you earned a Ticket and haven’t heard from us, contact us to confirm your entry. Race directors interested in joining the program, email us to learn more and get involved.
Race at That’s No Moon, claim your Sterling Silver Ticket, and guarantee your AC100 entry.

 

Road to AC100:

  • That’s No Moon 50 Mile – Sept 20, 2025
  • Ray Miller 50 Mile –  Dec 6, 2025
  • Avalon 50 Mile – Jan 10, 2026
  • Sean O’Brien 100K – Jan 31, 2026
  • Sean O’Brien Mile – Jan 31, 2026
  • Old Pueblo 50 Mile – Mar 7, 2026
  • Leona Divide 100K – Apr 18, 2026
  • Leona Divide 50 Mile – Apr 18, 2026
  • Pacifico Ultra 50K – May 30, 2026

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