The 508, the Original Qualifier for Race Across America – the World’s Toughest Bicycle Race, Returns to Southern California

February 13, 2025

The Original Qualifying Race for Race Across America Returns to its Roots

Boulder, Colorado. (February 12, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ –   Race Across America, Inc. announced The 508 – the original RAAM Qualifier – will return to Southern California. The 508 has taken place uninterrupted since 1983 – 42 years. The 50^th edition of The 508 will take place September 19-21, 2025 in Borrego Springs, CA, a community of 3,500, roughly 90 miles NE of San Diego.

The 50^th Edition of The 508

The 50^th edition of The 508 will be open to solo racers as well as 2 and 4-person teams. Solo riders may ride with or without a support crew. Teams must be accompanied by a support vehicle. The course will feature 4 loops totaling 508 miles with 38,000 ft of elevation gain. Each loop uses a portion of the RAAM route. Each loop will start and finish at the Borrego Springs Resort and Spa.

Participants will experience both the desert and mountains of Southern California. In September desert daytime temps should be 75-95 F, nighttime temps 50-75 F. In the mountains and valleys daytime temps should be 65-85 F, nighttime temps 50-65 F. Precipitation is unlikely in September. Perfect weather for bicycle racing.

The 508 Participation will be capped at 50 entries – 25 solo riders, 10 two-person teams and 15 four-person teams. Total participation – riders and non-riding support crew members – is projected to be 100 – 160 individuals.

Borrego Springs, California

Borrego Springs is a small desert community, friendly people, affordable lodging, plenty of dining options and low-traffic roads, great for cycling. The community is an “in-holding” in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California’s largest state Park, the 2^nd largest in America.

RAAM Executive Director, Rick Boethling, explained, “RAAM and The 508 have a long history with strong ties to Southern California. We took over the operation of RAAM in 2007 and The 508 in 2022. Both events originated in Southern California. The 2 events birthed the sport of ultra-bicycle racing. We are extremely proud to have both RAAM and The 508 back under the same roof and back home in Southern California.”

Boethling continued, “We’re really excited. But why should you come out and race? Most importantly, The 508 is great fun. But the 2025 event affords a unique opportunity. With a new course, there’s a good chance you’ll get your name in The 508 record books. But, remember, there’s a field limit. We expect the event to sell out fast. Registration opens March 1.”

History of The 508

In 1982, 4 individuals raced their bicycles from the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, 3,000 miles, coast-to-coast, across the USA, finishing at the Empire State Building in New York City. The Great American Bicycle Race (GABR) was covered by ABC Wide World of Sports. The coverage generated substantial interest and won many awards.

Few potential participants understood how difficult racing coast-to-coast across, the USA would be. GABR organizer, John Marino, a Southern California resident, one of the original 4 participants, decided to organize a “qualifying event”.

In 1983, the GABR became Race Across America (RAAM). That same year Marino organized a 750-mile RAAM Qualifier (RQ) – in Hemet, CA. Riders interested in RAAM would have to demonstrate their ability at the shorter distance before being allowed to enter RAAM.

The name, location, distance, and owner of the first RQ changed over its 42-year history. The event has taken place in CA, AZ and NV. Over the years thousands of riders from across the USA and around the world have participated. Ultra-cyclists the world over have come to know the first RQ as simply “The 508”.

More information … https://www.the508.net/

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Race Across America, Inc. owns and operates ultra-distance bicycle races, including Race Across America (RAAM) – the world’s toughest bicycle race, as well as 5 RAAM Qualifiers – 4 ultra-road races (Race Across the West, Race Across the East, The 508 and Longhorn 500) and the 6-12-24 Hour World Time Trial Championships. The Company also owns and operates Texas Hell Week – 7 days of the best springtime cycling in America – choose from 3 rides per day (50, 75 and 100-miles) – 21 rides in all. In addition, the Company manages a system of 45 independently owned and operated RQs in 17 countries around the world.

Race Across America, Inc.
5749 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 1A
Boulder, CO 80303
www.raamrace.org