IDLEHOUR TO SAM MERRILL

MILES 84.4 - 89.9

Section Distance

2022 AC100 Vincent Gap 2 Aid Station Volunteers(normally Sam Merrill on regular course). Aid Station Leader- Sindi Torres:Andrew Arthur. Photo- Beth Snopek Townsend

2022 AC100 Vincent Gap 2 Aid Station Volunteers(normally Sam Merrill on regular course). Photo: Beth Snopek Townsend

COURSE DESCRIPTION

As an apt follow-up to the monster Winter Creek climb, Idlehour Canyon becomes the Bermuda Triangle of the course. The net uphill push through two canyons seems at moments to be never-ending. Leaving Idlehour on the footbridge, the trail climbs for 0.4 miles to a saddle before diving down narrow singletrack to Idlehour Campground, 1.7 miles PAS. After numerous stream crossings and climbing 900’ in 1.6 miles, runners exit the first canyon. From there, it’s a short 0.2-mile descent to another stream crossing, followed by the final 2.1 miles, 1100’ ascent to the aid station on the saddle – Sam Merrill, mile 89.9, elevation 4,483’. Watch for dead, overgrown poodle-dog bush on the last half mile.
px-2019 AC100 Sam Merril Aid Station Volunteers. Aid Station Leader Photo
Beth Snopek Townsend at Vincent Gap 2

I want to send a huge THANK YOU to the entire crew at Vincent Gap 2 aid station. As the last runner through their aid station and having missed the cutoff, they welcomed me with cheers, smiles, kindness and empathy. I especially want to thank the Gentleman that cut my bracelet and looked me straight in the eye and told me ”You didn’t drop” and I didn’t quit. Your words and kindness meant more than you know in that moment where my journey came to an end. They so kindly invited me to join their aid station picture too. ♥️ Thank you! I hope to volunteer at this aid station at a future AC100 to return the favor. The volunteers at this race were incredible and I’m so grateful for their support! Thank you!

2019 AC100 Sam Merrill Aid Station Overview. Photo: Bill Westphal

2019 AC100 Sam Merrill Aid Station. Photo: Bill Westphal

AC100 Idlehour Trail to Sam Merrill Checkpoint
AC100 Idlehour Trail to Sam Merrill Checkpoint
IDLEHOUR to SAM MERRILL-elevation
1 '
GAIN
1 '
LOSS
1 '
HIGH POINT
1 '
LOW POINT