This week’s UltraRunning Magazine race calendar features 36 ultramarathon races in North America. In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we dive into events in Alabama, Minnesota, Utah and Oregon.
Mountain Mist
We start in Huntsville, Alabama, for the 31st annual Mountain Mist 50k. One of the South’s oldest ultramarathons, Mountain Mist starts and finishes on Monte Sano Mountain–Spanish for “mountain of health”–and takes runners on a tour of some of the best trails in northern Alabama. On course, participants will attempt to navigate extremely technical and rocky mountain trails, creek crossings, mud, unpredictable weather and just under 4,000 feet of elevation gain and descent. Despite the challenging terrain, Mountain Mist is one of the most popular races in the region, with 525 runners registered in this year’s event. The race kicks off at 7 a.m. Saturday, and participants will have 9 hours and 30 minutes to complete the course.
Arrowhead 135
Our second stop takes us to International Falls, Minnesota–one of the coldest cities in the lower 48–for the 20th annual Arrowhead Ultra 135. With the option of running, biking or skiing the 135-mile race, entrants follow northern Minnesota’s Arrowhead State Snowmobile Trail, beginning in International Falls and ending in Tower. Known for being one of the toughest races in the world, runners will face extremely harsh winter conditions, with temperatures known to dip below -60 degrees, but will be rewarded with outstanding scenery and a chance to spot a variety of wildlife. Those brave enough to attempt the journey will have 60 hours to finish the race, with nine trail waysides (aid stations) available to take refuge, each offering camping shelters, fire pits and sanitation facilities. Race proceeds help benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation Charity.
Arches Ultra
Stopping off in Moab, Utah, we check in on the Arches Ultra (50k and 50-mile). Both races take runners along the border of Arches National Park where they’ll experience a red rock wonderland of over 2,000 brilliant natural rock arches and formations, as well as stunning views of the nearby snow-capped La Sal Mountains. Participants can expect a variety of trail types, including smooth and fast, technical and rocky, and the occasional sandy sections. The 50-mile participants have to tackle 4,524 feet of elevation gain, while 50k runners will face 2,894 feet of climbing and descent. Entrants will receive a custom race shirt, trucker hat and a finisher’s medal for those who complete the course.
Wildcard: Spike Camp
New this year, Spike Camp is a 12-hour event held at Mount Pisgah, just outside of Eugene, Oregon. The free event, hosted by Recovery Strong, will challenge attendees to complete as many mountain summits as they can manage from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each loop is approximately 3 miles long with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. There is no time or distance requirement, and everyone is encouraged to attend the event, including non-runners and those looking to get into the sport.
Other events this weekend include:
Fort Ord Trail Run (Monterey, CA), Snow Bird Challenge (Seneca, SC), Ultra Trail Oso Negro (Santiago, Mexico), Cowboy YETI (Bastrop, TX), Wilson Creek Frozen 50K (Melba, ID), Calico Trail Run (Barstow, CA), Franklin Mountains Trail Runs (El Paso, TX), AZT Oracle Rumble (Tucson, AZ), Angela Ivory Memorial Runs (Felton, DE), Monroe Cross Trail (DeBary, FL), and Running the Rose (Tyler, TX).
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!