One of my favorite things about writing this column is researching lesser-known ultramarathons. Often, I uncover real gems that make me want to travel across the country to run trails and meet the people who make these events so special. With no high-profile events taking place this weekend, it’s the perfect time to feature a few of them. In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we tear open the wrapping paper and see what’s inside the races in California, Georgia, Wisconsin and South Carolina. Good luck to everyone racing this weekend, and happy holidays!
Woodside Ramble
We begin in Woodside, California, in the heart of the San Francisco Peninsula, for the Woodside Ramble 50k. First run in 2012, the race features a scenic out-and-back course that takes runners through the forests of Huddart and Wunderlich Parks, where they’ll get to experience forested coastal mountain trails while running under a canopy of towering second and third-generation redwood trees. The majority of the race takes place on a combination of moderately technical single-track trails and runnable fire roads, with long, sustained climbs and descents adding up to 5,400 feet of elevation gain. The event kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, and participants have 8 hours to complete the course. After the race, runners are invited to stretch out, relax and enjoy some post-race snacks.
Lookout Mountain
Our next stop takes us to Lookout Mountain, Georgia, for the 17th annual Lookout Mountain Trail Race (50-miler). Beginning high atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia’s northwest corner, the race offers a little bit of everything including challenging trails, incredible views, rich history, amazing volunteers and genuine southern hospitality. Highlights include running along two exposed ridge lines where it’s possible to see five states on a clear day, the 120-foot Lula Falls, the Chattanooga National Military Park (home to historic Cravens House, a major focal point in the Battle Above the Clouds, one of the Civil War’s most decisive battles) and starting and finishing at the beautiful Covenant College campus. During the race, 50-mile runners will have to navigate creek crossings, a variety of challenging climbs and around 7,500 feet of elevation gain and descent. The event is hosted by Wild Trails, whose mission is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle through trail running, and to maintain and preserve local land and trails for outdoor recreation.
Arctic Frog Run (Wisconsin)
Jumping back into our ultrarunning sleigh, we fly up to Mayville, Wisconsin, for the 11th annual Arctic Frog Wisconsin (50-mile and 50k races). Not to be confused with the Arctic Frog (Illinois), the Wisconsin version takes runners on a scenic tour of the town of Mayville on a combination of trail, crushed limestone gravel and mostly pavement. Runners can expect winter conditions, with snow and ice being common this time of year, as they make their way around a rolling 5.16-mile loop course. The 50k runners will attempt to tackle six loops with 1,356 feet of elevation gain, while 50-milers will run 10 loops featuring 2,310 feet of gain. Runners will have access to an aid station in the White House by Fireman’s Park, where they can warm up with hot cocoa, chicken broth, chili and other goodies before setting back out on course. But don’t get too comfortable, all 50-mile runners must finish within the 15-hour cutoff to earn their coveted frog buckle, while 50k runners have 8 hours.
Wildcard: The Longest Night
In this week’s Wildcard Race, where we feature an event you may not be familiar with, we land in Greenville, South Carolina, for the Longest Night (50-mile and 50k ultra distances). Taking place on the winding trails at Lakewood Nature Preserve, the unique event begins at sunset and takes runners through the night, serenaded in the darkness by the preserve’s native nocturnal wildlife. Runners have 25 minutes to run a 1.5-mile lap on a cross-country style course, before setting out and doing it all over again. The 50-milers must complete 34 laps, while 50k runners have to finish 21 laps. Race highlights include running through the nature preserve, warming up with hot beverages by firepits during the race and finishing at a cozy barn where participants can hang out after and share stories from a night of running night.
Other events this weekend include Trail of Fears (Jackson, TN), Ancient Oaks (Titusville, FL), Texas Double (Dallas, TX), WV Winter Solstice Endurance Run (Helvetia, WV), Peace River 50k (Bartow, FL), Move: A Fat Ass Style Endurance Event (Huntersville, NC), Doomsday (Cool, CA) and Oakwood 24 (Raleigh, NC).
Check out all the upcoming events on the UltraRunning Magazine race calendar.