What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — July 8

Summer hits its stride during the first full week of July on the UltraRunning Calendar. We’ve got a robust lineup of races to choose from, including events in Ashland, Oregon, Leadville, Colorado, Brecksville, Ohio and as always, much more.

In Ashland, Oregon, the 24th annual Siskiyou Out Back Trail Run (SOB) is on Saturday, July 8. Taking place high above the Rogue Valley there is a little something for everyone with the original 50k distance, 50-mile and 100k, and even a 15k. There’s some sweet singletrack and epic climbs in these races. Registration is closed. Read: Siskiyou Out Back: Finding Unity by Riley Davis. 

In Leadville, Colorado, on July 8, we have the out-and-back Silver Rush 50. Starting at 10,200 feet and reaching 12,000 feet in four different spots on the course, the event is a lung-buster. The race delivers 8,000 feet of elevation gain over 50 miles It’s also a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 Run in August, with a total of 50 qualifier coins up for grabs at this year’s race. Registration is full.

Heading east to Brecksville, Ohio, is the 29th annual Buckeye Trail 50k also happening on Saturday. Another out-and-back course, this event is primarily on single-track trails and features approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain and loss. Despite not boasting a ton of climbing, the race is deceptively challenging due to its rooted and rocky nature. The Buckeye is the fourth race in the six-race Ohio Endurance Series. The event is full but there is still availability on the wait list on RunSignup.

Additional races on the calendar on Saturday, July 8 include the Sinister 7 Ultra 50k/50m/100-mile races in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, the Whiterock Ultra in Coon Rapids, Iowa, the Dark and Dirty Miles 50k in Wilburton, Oklahoma, the Hell on Gravel Run 50k in El Dorado, Kansas, the Ironstone 100k in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, the Catoctin 50k Frederick, Maryland, Salt Point Trail Run 50k Jenner, California, and the Kill Bill’s Oyster Dome Challenge 50k in Alger, Washington.  

There are many options this weekend, but we still know we missed something. Please let us know where you’re headed to race and check back in on Sunday for the Ultra Weekend Recap. Subscribe to our UltraRunning Magazine newsletter, delivered to your inbox each Thursday morning for everything from the “voice of the sport.”