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We’re getting close to the end of the year, but our North American UltraRunning Calendar still has some races where you can either line up at the start or simply follow along. This weekend, look no further than Desert Solstice 24-hour in Arizona, Lookout Mountain 50-miler in Georgia, the Woodside Ramble 50k in California and the Arctic Frog 50/50 in Wisconsin.
Phoenix, Arizona, is home to the Desert Solstice Track Invitational 24-hour and 100-miler at Central High School, starting on Saturday, December 16. This event is no stranger to records, competitive head-to-head battles, blazing fast times and last-ditch efforts to cement UltraRunner of the Year placings. The 2023 edition will again serve as a qualifier for the US 24-hour National Team. Check out live streaming of the event on Saturday and Sunday here.
The Lookout Mountain 50-miler in Georgia is also on Saturday and begins high atop the namesake mountain, offering a variety of tough climbs, some faster sections and mostly single-track trails. Views across five states and Southern hospitality make this a December ultra you won’t want to miss. Registration is still open for the race.
Out west we find the Woodside Ramble 50k on Saturday in Woodside, California. Starting just a stone’s throw south of San Francisco, this is the 12th edition of the race that runs among groves of Redwoods inside Huddart and Wunderlich Parks. The 50k course collects just under 6,000 feet of elevation gain making for a good pre-holiday challenge. The race is sold out.
If you’re seeking a chilly test, look no further than the Arctic Frog 50/50 in Maryville, Wisconsin. Mostly asphalt with roughly 20% trail and gravel paths, the Arctic Frog is not completely flat with the 50k gaining 1,300 feet and the 50-mile collecting roughly 2,300 feet. Registration is still open for both distances.
Other races to check out include the Ancient Oaks 100-miler in Titusville, Florida, the Buts Bearly Ultra 27-miler in Birmingham, Alabama, the Paramount Ranch Trail Runs 50k in Calabasas, California, the Naked Nick 50k in Leesport, Pennsylvania, the Frosty Looper 8-hour in Pennsauken, New Jersey, the Longest Night 50k/50-miler in Greenville, South Carolina, and the Christmas at the Track 6-hour in Venice, Florida.
Please let us know what we forgot and what you’re looking forward to in your ultrarunning community by commenting below.