The 2026 Gomez Grind, taking place on March 14th-15th, 2026, is a unique trail event hosted at the Gomez Peak Pavilion and Gomez Peak Trailhead in the Gila region of the Southwest United States. Located in the vicinity of Silver City, the event offers participants a challenging and scenic 3.1-mile loop with an elevation gain of 495 feet per lap. The course begins and ends at the Gomez Peak Pavilion, weaving through public trails that are shared with hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The event is set against the backdrop of unpredictable March weather, with potential for rain, wind, or snow, and daytime temperatures expected to range up to 80°F, with nighttime lows potentially dropping below freezing. Participants can expect a mix of technical trail sections and scenic viewpoints, with a strong emphasis on navigation and endurance.
What is the 2026 Gomez Grind?
The 2026 Gomez Grind is a trail event featuring two distinct race formats: the Timed Last Runner Standing and the Untimed 24-Hour Endurance. Both formats take place on the same 3.1-mile loop, starting and finishing at the Gomez Peak Pavilion. The event is designed for runners seeking a challenge, with opportunities to test endurance and strategy in a unique and community-driven setting.
What distances are available for this event?
→3.1-mile loop per lap
What are the event formats available?
→Timed Last Runner Standing: Participants complete one 3.1-mile loop every hour, starting at 8:00 AM on March 14th, 2026. The winner is the last runner to complete a loop.
→Untimed 24-Hour Endurance: Participants have 24 hours to complete as many 3.1-mile loops as possible, starting at 8:30 AM on March 14th, 2026.
What are the rules for the Timed Last Runner Standing format?
→All runners must start each loop simultaneously.
→Earlier finishers receive longer rest breaks before the next loop.
→Missing the hourly cutoff means transitioning to a spectator/cheerleader role.
→The winner is the last runner standing and receives 10% of race entry fees, a locally-made award, and friends for life.
What are the rules for the Untimed 24-Hour Endurance format?
→Participants can take breaks, naps, or run at their own pace.
→The goal is to complete as many 3.1-mile loops as possible within 24 hours.
→Top male and female runners with the most laps receive a locally-made award and friends for life.
→Timed Last Runner Standing: Starts at 8:00 AM on March 14th, 2026, with one loop every hour.
→Untimed 24-Hour Endurance: Starts at 8:30 AM on March 14th, 2026, with a 24-hour time limit.
What is included in the registration?
→Access to the course and all race formats.
→Aid station at the start/finish line with water, Hammer Nutrition products, standard race snacks, and volunteer home-cooked meals.
→Basic first aid on-site.
→Navigation support through course markings and a downloadable GPX file.
What gear is recommended for the event?
→Rain jacket
→Thermal layers
→Extra socks
→Gloves (to be stored in a drop-bag at the aid station)
→Trekking poles are allowed
What are the weather conditions expected for the event?
→Southwest weather in March is unpredictable, with potential for rain, wind, or snow.
→Daytime highs are expected to reach up to 80°F.
→Nighttime lows can drop below freezing.
What awards are given for the event?
→Last Runner Standing (Timed): 10% of race entry fees, a locally-made award, and friends for life.
→Untimed 24-Hour: Locally-made awards for the top male and female lap leaders.
How can participants navigate the course?
→The course is heavily marked at trail crossings.
→Participants are advised to download the GPX file to their phone or watch for navigation backup.
→Signs reading "Gomez PK Parking Lot ->" guide the route.
Where is the event located?
→The 2026 Gomez Grind takes place at the Gomez Peak Pavilion and Gomez Peak Trailhead in the Gila region of the Southwest United States, near Silver City.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is 2026 Gomez Grind?
A: The event takes place on 14 March 2026.
Q: Where is the event held?
A: The event is held in Silver City, United States.
Q: What distances are available?
A: Available distances: Last Runner Standing, Gomez Grind 24 hr.
