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In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we go chasing waterfalls in Oregon, taste vintage single-track in California wine country, run along one of Michigan’s first rail trails and race across state borders in the south.
Gorgeous Scenery
We begin in Cascade Locks, Oregon, for the Gorge Waterfalls 100k and 50k races. Set in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and surrounded by cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, dense forests and the Columbia River, the event is arguably one of the most scenic in the Pacific Northwest. Both races take place on mostly single-track trails with plenty of rocky and technical sections to keep you on your toes. Highlights include running above Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls and finishing along the river in Cascade Lakes Marine Park. The 50k is a point-to-point race with approximately 5,800 feet of elevation gain, and the 100k is an out-and-back with around 11,000 feet of climbing.
Relentless Rollers (& Fine Wine)
Next, we travel to wine country and Healdsburg, California, for the 15th running of the Lake Sonoma 50. This classic California race features “relentless” rolling hills that surround the beautiful Lake Sonoma. The course is an out-and-back taking place on 98% trails and 2% road, with just under 10,000 feet of elevation gain. Lake Sonoma 50 has historically attracted a fast field and this year should be no different with several recognizable names on the entrants list. LS50 is known to feature a festival-like atmosphere, with a full weekend of events including, of course, local wine tastings.
Kalamazoo Classic
Heading east we land in Kalamazoo, Michigan for the Kal-Haven 33.5-mile ultra. This popular local race is held on the multi-use Kal-Haven trail system that runs from Kalamazoo to South Haven on the shores of lake Michigan. Due to a trail closure, this year’s course will be an out-and back race, starting and ending in Kalamazoo (the original course ran the entire length of the trail as a point-to-point). Runners will still get to experience diverse scenery including farmlands, orchards and wetlands, while passing through busy towns and small villages. The course is flat and fast, with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain on crushed limestone paths.
Wild Card
For this week’s Wildcard Race (where we feature an event you may not be familiar with), we check in on the inaugural Southern States 200. One of only three point-to-point, 200-mile mountain trail races currently held in the United States, the race begins near Dalton, Georgia, and follows the Pinhoti Trail to the summit of Mount Cheeha in Alabama. Entrants will have 100 hours to complete the race, which features over 27,000 feet of climbing. As if running 200 miles wasn’t challenging enough, the race has plenty of creek crossings, rugged and rocky sections, and steep ascents and descents. Good luck to all runners on their 200-mile journey across the southern states!
Other races we’re keeping an eye on this weekend include: Peterson Ridge Rumble, Zion Ultras, Zumbro, Oriflamme, Ouachita Trail, Whiskey Basin Trail Runs, Mountains to Sea Challenge, Traprock and Desert Rats Trail Running Festival.
Check out the full list of events here, and let us know in the comments what you’re racing this weekend!