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The first weekend of November (and the last weekend to earn a 2025 Western States Endurance Race qualifier) kicks off with 65 North American races on the UltraRunning Magazine race calendar. In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we journey to California, Alabama, Virginia and Oregon. Let’s tear open the last pumpkin-spiced gel of the season and hit the trails.
Rio Del Lago
We start in Granite Bay, California, for the 23rd annual Rio Del Lago 100 Mile Endurance Run (100-mile and 50k races). Starting at Beal’s Point, just outside of Sacramento in the Sierra-Nevada Foothills, the classic 100-miler takes in portions of the famous Western States trails, while linking up two iconic West Coast races, the American River 50 and the Way Too Cool 50k. The 100-mile runners will have 30 hours to navigate rolling hills and 14,000 feet of elevation gain on a combination of single-track trails and bike paths to earn their finisher’s buckle and Western States qualifier. The 50k runners will begin with the 100-milers at Beal’s Point and run an out-and-back, turning around at Twin Rocks. Rio Del Lago race proceeds help benefit Protect American River Canyons (PARC) whose mission is “to protect and enhance the natural, recreational and cultural resources of the North and Middle Forks of the American River through leadership and collaboration.”
Pinhoti 100
Cruising over to the southeastern United States, we jump off in Heflin, Alabama, for the 17th running of the Pinhoti 100. The point-to-point 100-mile race begins in Heflin and heads southwest on the single-track Pinhoti Trail to the finish line at Sylaward Trail Head (Lake Howard) in Sylacauga, Alabama. Along the way, runners will have to navigate 14,000 feet of vertical gain and descent on a challenging course that includes plenty of rocks and roots, numerous creek crossings and a climb to the summit of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama. Race highlights include beautiful, wooded scenery, dedicated volunteers and incredible aid stations complete with tasty food menus, libations, firepits and the occasional SEC football game playing on a big screen. Runners have 31 hours to complete the course for an official finish and Western States qualifier.
Mountain Masochist Trail Run
Our next stop takes us to Montebello, Virginia, for one of the oldest and “best trail races in the East,” the Mountain Masochist Trail Run (50-mile and 50k races). Established in 1983 by ultrarunning legend, David Horton, MMTR still holds true to its rich tradition with amazing and supportive volunteers and an old-school ultra vibe. Despite several course changes over the years, the race still traverse some of the most beautiful trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both race distances feature modified out-and-back courses starting and finishing at Montebello Campground. Participants in the 50-mile race will have 13 hours to navigate over 9,000 feet of elevation gain on a combination of gravel roads, single-track trails and jeep roads, while 50k competitors also have 13 hours to tackle 5,600 feet of climbing.
Wildcard: Silver Falls 50k
In this week’s Wildcard race, where we feature an event you may not be familiar with, we venture to Silverton, Oregon, for the 11th annual Silver Falls 50k. Taking place in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon’s largest state park and famous for its majestic waterfalls and trails that pass underneath the flowing water, the 50k race sells out each year with runners looking for a challenging test in a truly majestic Pacific Northwest setting. During the race, runners will make their way through the park, passing by huge fir trees, over several bridges and creeks and up and down a series of climbs and descents totaling 4,100 feet of elevation gain and loss. Post-race festivities include complimentary food, warm drinks and a beer garden, with race proceeds helping to benefit the Drakes Crossing Rural Fire Department and Friends of Silver Falls.
Other Events this weekend include Austin Rattler Run (Smithville, TX), Icebox 480 (River Falls, WI), Fire on the Mountain (Flintstone, MD), RUTFest (Williston, VT), Bridge Burner Ultra (Canon City, CO), Chicago Lakefront: Fall Version (Chicago, IL), Peacock Challenge (Waialua, HI), Griffith Park Trail (Los Angeles, CA), Conquer the Castle (Willoughby Hills, OH), Antelope Island 50K (Syracuse, UT), TARC Stone Cat Trail Festival (Ipswich, MA), Mendon Trail Run (Mendon, NY) and Mountaineer Rumble (Clover, SC).
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!