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The first weekend of 2025 kicks off with 20 great events on the UltraRunning Magazine race calendar. In this week’s What’s up in Ultra, we journey to Arizona, Maryland, Mississippi and West Virginia. Happy New Year!
San Tan Scramble
We begin in Queen, Arizona, located in the state’s southeast valley, for the 14th running of the San Tan Scramble (50k). Held in the foothills of the San Tan and Goldmine Mountain ranges, runners will have 9 hours to complete a 50k loop course to earn an official finish. Along the way, they’ll have to navigate 3,876 feet of elevation gain and descent, and a few extremely steep and rocky sections. Race highlights include sweeping desert views, running through Saguaro cactus-studded mountains and valleys, and with coveted glassware or wood medals at the finish line.
Mid-Maryland Trail Event
Our next stop takes us east to Elkridge, Maryland, for the 14th annual Mid-Maryland Trail Event. The 50k race takes place on Saturday at Rockburn Branch Park, where participants will run six 5.179-mile loops through the park’s wooded, single-track trail system. Runners may compete as individuals, or as a relay team, and have 8 hours to complete the race. In addition to its festive and welcoming vibe, the Mid-Maryland Trail Event is known for its excellent aid station offerings. This year’s entrants will all receive a Brooks zip-up hoodie sweatshirt.
The Great Scorpion Trail Run
Heading south, we arrive in Meridian, Mississippi, for the eighth annual Great Scorpion Trail Run (50k). The event is held in Bonita Lakes Park, a natural retreat featuring three lakes, miles of trails and a variety of recreational activities. Participants will run four 7.78-mile loops with beautiful views through the trees of the Bonita Lakes. Each loop features a mix of single-track and jeep trails, with around 600 feet of elevation gain per loop and enough rocks, roots and perhaps scorpions (native to the park), to keep you on your toes. The final leg awards runners with Mardi Gras beads and a fast downhill finish. Race proceeds benefit the National Alopecia Areata Foundation.
Wildcard: Frozen Sasquatch
In this week’s wildcard race, where we feature an event you may not be familiar with, we venture just south of Charleston, West Virginia, for the 15th running of the Frozen Sasquatch (50k). Taking place in the Kanawha State Forest, once the site of extensive mining and logging operations and now home to over 60 miles of hiking and biking trails and a wide variety of birds and plants, the race features a 25k loop course that runners will have to tackle twice. As the name implies, entrants will likely be running through a winter wonderland with ice and snow-covered trails but will get to warm up after they finish with a finish line feast complete with BBQ and plenty of hot drinks. Runners have 9 hours to complete the race.
Other events this weekend include: Just Survive 125 (Hobe Sound, FL), Croom Zoom (Brooksville, FL), Harbison State Forest Trail Run (Columbia, SC), GAC FA50 (Topsfield, MA), Wild Azalea Trail Challenge (Alexandria, LA), Yankee Springs Winter Challenge (Middleville, MI), Vista View 360 (Davie, FL), and Del Dios Trail Race (Escondido, CA).
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend and be sure to check out the complete list of upcoming events here.