2008 Furnace Creek 508

Welcome to the 25th anniversary, and 34th edition, of the spiritual odyssey known as Furnace Creek 508, the world’s premier ultramarathon bicycle race. Our 508 mile course serves as a dramatic forum for bicycle racing, personal achievement, and self-discovery. Some call it a “trans-personal experience,” while others call it “the hell of the west.” We think it’s heaven on earth. And everyone agrees it's "The Toughest 48 Hours in Sport!" 

The 508 was created in 1983 by John Marino, the godfather of ultramarathon bicycle racing and founder of the Great American Bike Race, Race Across America, and the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association. The race route was originally a 102 mile loop in the Hemet, CA area that was ridden seven times sequentially. The winners of the inaugural race were Michael Secrest and Kitty Goursolle. In the Fall of 1985, the race was moved to the roads between Tucson and Flagstaff in Arizona, where its first champion was Scott Fortner. It was also held twice a year for a number of years, which is why we are now celebrating our 34th edition after twenty-five years.

Since 1989, The 508 has been held on the world-famous Death Valley course that we use today. Its first champion was John Hughes and 1662 racers have now competed on this fabled route.

Since October 1990, The 508 has been proudly produced by AdventureCORPS, producers of the world’s finest endurance sports events held on the open road and “out there.” As a competitor on the Hemet route in May of 1985 and the Arizona route in October of 1986, plus serving as crew, staff, or race director, I have been part of 31 of the 33 races so far; I enjoy and love it more every time!

With over 220 racers and crews coming from all over the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, The 508 is truly a world-class race.

We look forward to sharing the weekend with you. Thanks for joining us!

Sincerely,
Chris Kostman, Race Director