Ridge Rambler Half Marathon

Bridgeport, California. Eastern Sierra. Twin Lakes. The Ridge Rambler Half Marathon returns on Saturday, September 26, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM PDT. A point‑to‑point course from the back side of Lower Twin Lake (7,100 ft) to the finish at 6,600 ft. Steady around the lake, then downhill to Buckeye Road, then a climb up the ridge with rolling hills to the highest point at 7,130 ft. All proceeds benefit Bridgeport Elementary School. After‑party in the works. Shuttle from finish back to start. T‑shirt and medal guaranteed for registrations by August 26.

Location — Bridgeport, California (Eastern Sierra):

• Bridgeport is a small town in Mono County, on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, about 30 minutes north of Mammoth Lakes, 2.5 hours south of Reno, NV
• The race starts at Twin Lakes (about 13 miles from the town of Bridgeport), on the back side of Lower Twin Lake
• Check‑in location: on South Twin Road, near the "Lower Twin Lake Boating Site" (Google Maps) — NOT at the starting line
• The course follows Twin Lakes, then Buckeye Road, then climbs a ridge before descending to the finish

Course — Point‑to‑Point, Rolling Hills, Ridge Climb:

• Start elevation: approximately 7,100 ft (back side of Lower Twin Lake)
• Course remains steady around the lake, then heads downhill toward Buckeye Road (6,800 ft)
• Turn left onto Buckeye Road and begin climbing the ridge
• From this point to the finish, there are rolling hills; highest point: 7,130 ft
• Finish elevation: 6,600 ft
• 3 aid stations with water along the course
• Water and snacks at the finish line, plus your finisher medal

Check‑In & Shuttle — Plan to Arrive Early:

• Check‑in opens at 6:45 AM, closes at 7:45 AM at the boating site on South Twin Road
• PLAN TO BE AT THE CHECK‑IN BOOTH at least 15 minutes before the race starts (to allow time to get to the start line)
• After checking in, you can take a shuttle to the starting line OR drive your own vehicle down the road alongside the lake and park on the side of the road
• The last shuttle to the start line will leave 15 minutes before the race starts (7:45 AM)
• Shuttle from finish line back to your car — please let the race director know if you will need a ride back (email Rebecca at [email protected])

What's Included ($70 registration before July 31, $80 after):

• Chip timing (net time)
• Finisher medal (guaranteed for registrations by August 26)
• Event t‑shirt (guaranteed for registrations by August 26)
• 3 aid stations with water on course
• Water and snacks at the finish line
• Shuttle from finish back to start (if requested)
• Parking at check‑in area

Proceeds — Bridgeport Elementary School:

• All proceeds from the race benefit Bridgeport Elementary School (local public school)
• Supporting education and youth programs in the Bridgeport community

After‑Party — Still in Planning Stages:

• Post‑race celebration details to be announced (stay tuned for updates)
• Follow Ridge Rambler Half Marathon on Instagram and Facebook for more information

Altitude — High Elevation Race (7,100 ft start, 7,130 ft high point):

• Runners coming from sea level should arrive 24‑48 hours early to acclimatize
• Expect thin air, cooler temperatures, and intense sun (Eastern Sierra in September is usually warm and dry)
• Carry water — aid stations are spaced but not every mile

Logistics — No Refunds? Check with race director:

• Registration closes Friday, September 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
• No refunds? Not specified — check with Rebecca ([email protected])
• No dogs allowed on the course (likely — Sierra wilderness area)
• Strollers not recommended on rolling hills and unpaved sections (the course is on roads, but strollers may be difficult on the climb)
• Hiking/walking allowed — half marathon is open to runners and fast walkers

What to Bring:

• Running shoes with good traction (some sections may be gravel or dirt)
• Hydration pack or handheld bottle (aid stations are spaced, but carry your own water)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (high altitude sun is intense)
• Layers (mornings in the Sierra can be cool — 40‑50°F at 7,000 ft, warming to 60‑70°F by mid‑morning)
• Cash for after‑party (if any, or for donations to the school)
• Phone/camera for photos of Twin Lakes and the Sierra Nevada

Nearby Attractions (post‑race — make a weekend of it in the Eastern Sierra):

• Twin Lakes — fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and camping (the race starts here)
• Bridgeport — historic town, restaurants, Bridgeport Reservoir, and the Bridgeport Ranger Station
• Bodie State Historic Park (20 minutes north) — well‑preserved California gold mining ghost town
• Mammoth Lakes (30 minutes south) — hiking, mountain biking, breweries, and the Mammoth Mountain gondola
• Yosemite National Park (Tioga Pass entrance, 1 hour west) — Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, and high Sierra hikes (seasonal — check if Tioga Pass is still open in late September; often open until October)

Contact: Rebecca — [email protected].