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As expected, the weekend after Thanksgiving is slim on our UltraRunning Calendar—there’s only a baker’s dozen or so of races to choose from. The highlight, as it’s been for four decades, is the 40th Quad Dipsea in Mill Valley, CA, followed by the Derby 50k in North Carolina entering its third decade, as well a small handful of other races.
The Quad Dipsea, founded by “Tropical” John Medinger, turns 40 on Saturday, November 25. Close to 400 racers will make the journey from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach and back—over the historic Dipsea Trail—twice. In just 28 miles, participants will collect roughly 9,000 feet of ascent and descent in an attempt to burn off their Thanksgiving feasts. Last year’s runner-up, Kristina Randrup from Seattle, is in the field as well as the 2021 champion out of Canada, Arden Young. The 2022 men’s winner, Nick Handel of San Francisco, will be looking for a repeat, but will surely face some competition from Bend’s Mario Mendoza and others. The weather forecast is looking perfect for the milestone celebration and the race is sold out.
In Ellerbe, North Carolina, the 21st Derby 50k is entering its third decade of racing, also on Saturday. The course consists of three loops of rolling hills in a beautiful country setting with a mix of asphalt and dirt. This is a great event for those looking to complete their first ultra as there is no cutoff. Race director Mark Long says, “Derby Road is in the middle of nowhere, but travelers use it to get somewhere.” The 2019 champion Danielle Soroka from Salisbury, North Carolina, returns to the race for the first time in four years. Third-place finisher from last year, Joe Johnston, out of Clayton, North Carolina, is the top returning runner for the men. Registration is full.
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is home to the Bosque Bigfoot Trail Runs 50k taking place on Saturday at the Pueblo Montaño trailhead. The Bosque Trail Run is an approximately 8-mile clockwise loop that participants will run four times. It’s mostly flat with some roots and sandy sections, but not enough to consider it too technical. Registration is still open if you’re in the southwest and looking to race.
Other races in different places over the weekend include Ghost of Seattle Marathon 50k in Washington, Sunset 6/12/24-Hour Endurance Run in Benton, Arkansas, the Oxbow Ultra 6/12/24-Hour in St. Paul, Virginia, the Tooele Turkey Trail Trot 8-Hour in Ophir, Utah, the SISU 24-Hour and 100-miler in Monrovia, California, the Get Outside 8-Hour in Smithfield, Virginia, the Fountain City 50k in Columbus, Georgia, the Savannah Ultra Urban 50k in Savannah, Georgia, the Squatchy Leftovers Trail Race 50k in West Orange, New Jersey, and the Staunton Road Runners 6-Hour Endurance Run in Staunton, Virginia.
What’s Up in Ultra on your calendar that we forgot? Happy Thanksgiving wherever you are and watch for our Ultra Weekend Recap on Sunday for all the results from the weekend’s festivities.