What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — July 4, 2026

Fourth of July weekend features only 13 North American ultramarathons on the UltraRunning Magazine race calendar. In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we highlight races in Wyoming,  Minnesota, Georgia, New York and Québec, Canada. If you’re a race director and would like your event to be featured in the calendar, register here.

Featured: Grand Targhee Wildflower Run (Alta, WY)

The Grand Targhee Wildflower Run returns to Grand Targhee Resort in Alta, Wyoming, this weekend, with the 50k race back for its second year. The course takes runners through the ski resort’s scenic trail system, where they’ll navigate high-elevation ridgelines and more than 4,400 feet of climbing and descending. Along the way, runners will pass wildflower-filled terrain with epic Teton Mountain views before crossing the finish line to live music at the Trap Bar & Grill. In addition to the 50k, the weekend also features a 1k kids’ race, 10k and 22k. Read more.

Other West Events:

Pacific

• Dale’s Trail 40 Miler (Wrangell, AK)
• Rancho Hills Trail Run – Summer (Morgan Hill, CA)
• Kill Bill’s Oyster Dome Challenge (Alger, WA)
• Hellz Bellz Ultra (Yacolt, WA)
• Popsicle Marathon (Bothell, WA)

Mountain

• No other Mountain races.

Featured: Afton Trail Run (Hastings, MN)

Established in 1994, Afton Trail Run has grown to become one of the most popular summer ultramarathons in Minnesota, with well over 200 runners completing the 50k course each year. The race consists of a 25k loop course that participants run twice on a combination of Afton State Park’s hilly gravel service roads and double and single-track trails, with a total elevation gain of 4,670 feet. Race highlights include beautiful views of the St. Croix River, a welcoming trail running community with great volunteers, a finisher’s medal and fresh-baked Neapolitan-style pizza. Race proceeds help the Afton Trail Run make an annual financial donation to the state park. Read the 2026 Participant Guide.

Other Midwest Events:

• No other Midwest races.

Featured: The Underground Circus 100 (Smyrna, GA)

The Underground Circus 100 is a no-DNF, fixed-time and fixed-distance urban race held on the Silver Comet Trail, a paved pedestrian rail trail located 13 miles outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Participants can choose to run 100 miles, 50 miles, 24 hours, 12 hours or 6 hours, with all events taking place on a 20-mile, out-and-back course. Runners and walkers have access to a full aid station at the start/turnaround and can utilize several local establishments along the route for bathroom breaks and additional food and beverages. The 100-mile finishers receive a custom brass buckle, while 50-mile and under runners get a finisher award and additional race swag. Read more on The Underground Circus 100 Facebook page.

Other South Events:

Southwest

• No other Southwest races.

Southeast

• No other Southeast races.

Featured: Finger Lakes 50s (Hector, NY)

Established in 1998, the Finger Lakes 50s 50-mile and 50k distances take place in the 16,032-acre Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, New York. Both races take place on a 16.5-mile loop course that starts and finishes at The Potomac Group Campground. On course, runners can expect 85% single-track trails, 5% grassy pastures and 10% dirt roads, with 1,300 feet of climbing per loop. After the race, participants are invited to hang out at the finish line and enjoy a delicious BBQ. The race is hosted by the Finger Lakes Runners Club, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization focused on promoting physical fitness and health through running. Read more.

Other Northeast Events:

• Red Wing Trail Challenge (Lagrangeville, NY)

Featured: Quebec Mega Trail (Beaupré, Québec)

One of Canada’s premier ultra-trail events, the Québec Mega Trail features three ultramarathon distances, including the flagship 135k race, which is part of the World Trail Majors, the 80k, which serves as the Long Trail Canadian Championship, and the QMT 50k. All three events showcase some of the most demanding trails in Canada, with rugged climbs, technical single-track and spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding areas. Runners in the 135k will tackle 6,000 meters of elevation gain, while 80k participants will navigate 3,370 meters of vert and 50k runners will take on 2,300 meters. Read more on the official Québec Mega Trail race website.

Other Events in Canada & Mexico:

• Old Tom Backyard (Blumenort, MB)
• Limberlost Challenge (Lake of Bays, ON)

Email corys@ultrarunning with questions about adding your event to the UltraRunning Magazine calendar.