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This week’s UltraRunning Magazine race calendar includes 26 ultramarathon races across North America. In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we hit the trails in Hawaii, Florida, North Carolina and Georgia. Let’s get to it.
Hurt 100
We kick things off on the Hawaiian island of O‘ahu, for the 25th annual HURT 100. Held in the rugged mountains above Honolulu, the name HURT, which stands for Hawaiian Ultra Running Team, usually takes on a different meaning for participants as they attempt to complete one of the most grueling and technical 100-mile races in the world. Beginning on Saturday, runners will have 36 hours to complete five 20-mile partial out-and-back laps. Along the way, they’ll have to navigate extremely steep climbs and descents totaling 24,500 feet of elevation gain and loss, gnarly terrain featuring slick rocks, ankle-grabbing roots, stream crossings and mud wallows, and the energy-sapping heat and humidity in the semi-tropical rainforest climate. Despite the challenging nature of the race (the race has an average finisher rate under 40%), HURT has become a bucket list race for many ultra runners because of its beautiful scenery, rich history and welcoming community. Read more in the 2025 Book of HURT.
Long Haul 100
Next up we head to Lakeland, Florida, for the 14th running of the Long Haul 100. Taking place in Colt Creek State Park, a 5,000-acre park in Central Florida’s Green Swamp Wilderness Area, participants will run six 16.7-mile loops on multi-use trails that travel through longleaf pine flatwoods, thick cypress domes and hardwood hammocks. In addition to the beautiful scenery, runners may encounter a diverse collection of wildlife, including bald eagles, alligators, gopher tortoises, bobcats and more. Long Haul is a great race for 100-miler first-timers and ultra veterans, with three fully staffed aid stations, one hydration station, and an amazing group of volunteers assisting runners on each loop. Entrants have 32 hours to complete the race and earn their finisher’s buckle but must cross the finish line under 30 hours to earn their Western States qualifier.
Southern Tour Ultra
Our third stop takes us to Wilmington, North Carolina, for the Southern Tour Ultra, a running festival featuring 50-mile and 50k races, a last person standing event and an age-graded team relay. Held on private property along the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, the unique race invites all types of people to gather and “enjoy yourself, let loose, have fun, run hard and simply enjoy life and running for 48 hours.” During the race, 50-mile and 50k participants will navigate a mostly flat 10-mile loop course that takes them through dense forests, scenic marshlands and along historic lands where George Washington’s historic Southern Tour once traversed. Off the trail, runners, crews, families and friends are invited to enjoy a Woodstock-like festival featuring live music, beer, camping, tailgating, bonfires and BBQ. Southern Tour Ultra is partnered with the Wilmington Health Foundation, which is “dedicated to creating healthier communities by connecting individuals and businesses with programs that empower positive change.”
Wildcard: Dark Anchor
In this week’s Wildcard race, where we feature an event you may not be familiar with, we travel to Savanah, Georgia, for the third annual Dark Anchor. The fun, “no DNF” event begins on Friday in Wormsloe State Park, where competitors will see how many 3.5-mile loops they can complete in 34 hours. Created for runners to “go longer and further than ever before,” participants are encouraged to push beyond their limits and see just how far they can go. On each lap, runners will have access to a fully stocked aid station, serving lunch, dinner and traditional runner fuel, as well as a Yeti Food truck. Times will be collected at the 25k mark and beyond, with a coveted 100-mile buckle awarded to all entrants who complete 100 miles or more.
Other events this weekend include: Pemberton Trail (Fountain Hills, AZ), Phunt 50KM Trail Race (Elkton, MD), Tsali Ultra (Almond, NC), MAD Backyard Ultra (East Ridge, TN), Coldwater Rumble (Goodyear, AZ), David’s Trail Endurance Run (Mountain Home, AR), Big Bend (Big Bend Ranch State Park, TX), Waterfall 50k (New Market, VA), The Shippey Endurance Runs (High Ridge, MO), and Ouachita Switchbacks (Big Cedar, OK).
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!