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In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we venture to a secluded gem in the Canadian Rockies, race alongside the Three Sisters Mountains in Central Oregon, explore the majestic Finger Lakes region of New York and head to western Pennsylvania to run with a group of folks helping to introduce the local trails to more members of the community.
Black Spur Ultra
Our first stop takes us to the picturesque town of Kimberley, British Columbia, for the Black Spur Ultra (108k and 54k distances). Starting and finishing at the Kimberley Alpine Resort in the Purcell Mountains, participants will be treated to spectacular single-track trails, stunning views of the nearby Kootenay Rockies, the chance to spot diverse wildlife and a welcoming community that embraces the spirit of outdoor adventure. Runners in the 108k distance will have 24 hours to navigate technical and rugged trails, steep climbs and descents and over 14,600 feet of elevation gain. The 54k runners will have 12 hours to tackle over 7,300 feet of gain. In addition to the two ultra distances, the Black Spur Ultra also features a kids’ race and team relay options.
Oregon Cascades 100
Starting in the popular outdoor recreation town of Bend, Oregon, and finishing in the scenic, Western-themed town of Sisters, Oregon, the Oregon Cascades 100 (100-mile and 50-mile races) is quickly becoming one of the state’s most popular trail running events. Now in its fourth year, the point-to-point 100-mile course takes runners along 90% single-track trails that pass under the shadows of the Oregon Cascade Mountains, including the Three Sisters peaks, Mount Bachelor and Broken Top. Entrants in the 100-mile race have 32 hours, 1 minute and 18 seconds to earn their finisher’s buckle and Western States qualifier while overcoming 10,700 feet of gain and 11,200 feet of loss. New this year, the Oregon Cascades 100 also offers a 50-mile point-to-point race that rewards runners with the same incredible views in half the distance. The 50-mile runners will have 16 hours to complete a quick course with 4,000 feet of elevation gain and 6,500 feet of descent. Both races end at Sisters Middle School for a post-race meal and beverages.
Twisted Branch Trail Run
Heading east, we travel to Naples, New York, for the Twisted Branch Trail Run. This classic, old-school 100k point-to-point ultra takes place in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New York, known for its parks, wineries, lakes and diverse trail systems. Established in 2015, the Twisted Branch Trail Run begins at Ontario County Park and ends at Champlin Beach in Hammondsport, New York. Along the way, runners will experience a variety of challenging and wild terrain and over 10,000 feet of elevation gain and 11,000 feet of loss. Runners have 20 hours to complete the course and earn their Western States qualifier. This is a great destination event for runners looking to take a late summer vacation with their families, complete with free camping before and after the race and a finish line celebration with trail tacos.
Wild Card: Baker Trail UltraChallenge
In this week’s Wild Card Race (where we feature an event you may not be familiar with), we head to Summerville, Pennsylvania, for the 20th annual Baker Trail UltraChallenge Taking place on a portion of the Baker Trail, a 134-mile hiking and backpacking trail that traverses six western Pennsylvania counties, the “challenge” of the race is to complete 50 miles and over 7,000 feet of elevation gain in under 14 hours. Event highlights include staying in an old farmhouse the night before and after the race, passing over scenic bridges and getting to meet supportive people who help to maintain and share their passion for the local trails. The Baker Trail UltraChallenge is presented by The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy, a volunteer-based nonprofit “dedicated to the development, protection and promotion of hiking, biking and walking trails throughout western Pennsylvania.”
Other great events this weekend include The Stoked Ultra (Revelstoke, BC), East Fork (Bethel, OH), Continental Divide Trail Run (Steamboat Springs, CO), Habanero Hundred (Cat Spring, TX), The North Country Run (Grand Rapids, MI), ScoCo50 (Long Grove, IA), Midwestern States 100 (Westboro, WI), Jackrabbit Jubilee (Buckeye, AZ), Ute 100 & 50 (La Sal, UT), Shawnee Hills 100 (Ozark, IL) and Moebius – Green Monster (Aurora, OH).
Check out the full calendar of events here and good luck to everyone racing this weekend.