Sponsored By
In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we feature Old School Ultras in California and Tennessee, a classic race in Colorado and a new edition to the ultramarathon scene in Oregon.
Miwok 100k
For our first Old School Ultra, we start in Stinson Beach, California, for the incredibly scenic (and hilly) Miwok 100k. First run in 1996, Miwok is a true gem of a race that rewards participants with stunning views, diverse trails and amazing support from volunteers. Just a few highlights include being serenaded by bagpipes in the coastal mist at the top of Cardiac Hill, running along dramatic cliffs with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge, passing through ancient redwoods in Muir Woods and finishing at Stinson Beach Community Center for a post-race meal served by celebrated runner and co-RD, Magdalena Boulet. While Miwok is mostly considered a “runnable” course, it is still plenty challenging with over 11,800 feet of elevation gain, a few technical sections and an aggressive 15:30 (and WSER qualifying) cutoff time.
Strolling Jim
Our second Old School Ultra takes us to Bedford County, Tennessee, where, for over four decades, on the first Saturday of May, runners have gathered for one of the most competitive road ultramarathons in the country, the Strolling Jim (41.2-miler). Founded in 1979 by Gary Cantrell (aka, the legendary Lazarus Lake of Barkley Marathons fame), the Strolling Jim begins in Wartrace, the hometown of the race’s namesake, Strolling Jim, who was the first Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champion. Now in its 46th year, the race attracts speedsters from across the world hoping to break the course record and engrave their finishing times in history books. Race challenges include over 3,000 feet of elevation gain, the potential for extreme heat, and the occasional stray dog. All finishers receive a medal, however, runners also compete for a colored finisher shirt that reflects their finish time—sub-7 hours (red shirt), sub-6 (blue shirt) and sub-5 hours (the coveted gold shirt).
Collegiate Peaks
Yet another classic ultramarathon taking place this weekend, the Collegiate Peaks Trail Run is back for its 24th running. Beginning and ending near the Arkansas River in Buena Vista, Colorado, this popular low-key event has attracted elite runners over the years looking to enjoy the spring mountain air and amazing scenery of nearby snowcapped peaks. Runners in the 50-mile ultra distance will tackle two 25-mile loops with just over 3,500 feet of elevation gain per loop. Much of the race takes place on wide, dirt paths and is not considered to be too technical, however, at an elevation of over 8,000 feet above sea level, participants will definitely be working hard on the two big climbs they’ll run on each loop.
Wild Card (Sisters Country)
For this week’s Wildcard Race (where we feature an event you may not be familiar with), we travel to Sisters, Oregon, for the inaugural Sisters Country 50k. Set among the picturesque Cascade Mountains, the modified lollipop course takes place on 85% singletrack trails and 15% gravel roads, with a total of 2,400 feet of elevation gain. The first half of the race consists of a gradual climb, while the back half is mostly all downhill testing your early season quads. This is a great spring race for runners looking to do their first ultra, as well as veterans chasing a 50k PR.
Some other races we’re keeping an eye this weekend include: Grayson Highlands (Grayson Highlands, VA), Outrun 24 (Kirtland, OH), McDonald Forest (Corvallis, OR), Wausaultra Backyard Ultra and Double Down (Wausau, WI), Folsom 100 (Granite Bay, CA), Island Time (Gregory, MI), Wild Horse Traverse (Kelowna, BC) and the Wildflower Trail Run (Bastrop, TX).
Please check out the full list of upcoming events on the Ultrarunning Magazine race calendar.