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A fantastic weekend of ultrarunning action is on deck, with 39 events taking place across the US and Canada. In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we feature an Old School Ultra in Washington, a Grand Slam of Ultrarunning race in Vermont, a popular mountain 100-miler in Colorado and an adventurous alpine 52k in British Columbia. Let’s get to it.
Cascade Crest 100
Established in 1999, the Cascade Crest 100 has developed a reputation as one of the classic ultrarunning experiences in the country, earning it a place on UltraRunning Magazine’s list of Old School Ultras. Starting and finishing in Easton, Washington, the course takes runners along some of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic trails and features 30 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), endless views of the North Cascade Mountains and 2.5-miles of darkness through the Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel. Those lucky enough to gain entry will have 34 hours to navigate 23,000 feet of challenging climbs and descents, which includes the aptly named 5-mile “Trail from Hell” section. Proceeds from the race help support the Pacific Crest Trail Organization, Washington Trails Association, the Easton Fire Department and more.
Vermont 100
First run in 1989, the Vermont 100 Endurance Race is one of the original 100-mile races in the US and one of five races included in the Grand Slam Series of Ultrarunning. Starting in West Windsor, Vermont, participants will have 24 hours to complete the course to earn a coveted large belt buckle, and 30 hours for an official finish and a smaller belt buckle. Along the way, runners will be challenged with 17,000 feet of elevation gain, endless rolling hills and the potential for high heat and humidity. The 100-mile course features 68 miles of dirt roads, 30 miles of horse trails, and 2 miles of pavement. In addition to the 100-mile race, the Vermont 100 also offers a 100k distance with 9,000 feet of climbing and a 20-hour cutoff time. All race proceeds benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sport, whose mission is to “empower people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of ability to pay.”
High Lonesome 100
Our next stop is in Buena Vista, Colorado, for the High Lonesome 100. Quickly gaining in popularity as one of the premier 100-mile mountain races in the country, High Lonesome showcases some of Colorado’s best trails and most picturesque alpine scenery. Beginning and ending at the base of Mount Princeton, the course takes runners over five alpine passes, on 62 miles of the National Continental Divide and Colorado Trails, through high meadows, remote basins and ghost towns, and along exposed ridgelines with endless views of the Sawatch Range. In addition to technical trails, runners will have to overcome 23,000 feet of elevation gain while battling thin air at an average race altitude of 10,400 feet above sea level. Participants have 37 hours to complete the course to earn their finisher buckle and a custom-engraved bottle of whiskey.
Wild Card: Broken Goat
In this week’s Wild Card Race (where we feature an event you may not be familiar with), we head to Rossland, British Columbia, for the Broken Goat (52k). While many in the lower 48 are familiar with the Speedgoat 50k, also taking place this weekend, Broken Goat provides its own unique mountain running challenge in Canada’s Kootenay Rockies Region. The point-to-point course takes runners up four peaks and two ridges along the Seven Summits high alpine trail, with around 8,000 feet of climbing and 9,500 feet of descent. Race highlights include majestic mountain scenery, epic single track and a finish line BBQ with live music and dancing.
Other events this weekend include Speedgoat (Snowbird Resort, UT), Ouray 100 Mile Endurance Run (Ouray, CO), Jigger Johnson Ultras (Waterville Valley, NH), Wy’east Trailfest (Government Camp, OR), Tahoe Rim Trail (Carson City, NV), Many on the Genny (Castile, NY), Badwater 135 (Death Valley, CA – Monday), Hot to Trot (Canton, GA), Palisades Ultra Trail Series (Irwin, ID), Endless Summer 6-Hour Run (Annapolis, MD), Full Moon 50k (Perryville, AR), The Warriors UltraRun (New York, NY), Lake Macbride Trail Races (Solon, IA) and Big Chief 50k (Truckee, CA).
Check out our complete list of races here, and good luck to everyone running this weekend!