We’re just under two weeks away from the official start of summer, but many schools are already on summer break and vacation vibes are spreading across the country. On our UltraRunning Calendar we have over 40 races going down this weekend to help launch you into the last week of “spring training.”
Arguably the biggest event on the list is the 26th Kettle Moraine 100 Endurance Runs, 100k, 50k and 38-mile races on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12 in La Grange, Wisconsin. All courses are out-and-backs featuring approximately 80% wooded terrain with the remainder meandering through prairie and marshlands, with rolling hills and “silent killer” steep hills scattered throughout. There is a $250 prize purse for the female and male winners in the 100-miler as well as an additional $250 for any course record set.
In Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, we have the Laurel Highlands 70.5/50-mile team relays and individual races on Saturday, June 11. Both distances are point-to-point with the marquee 70.5-miler covering the entire Laurel Highlands hiking trail beginning in the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park and finishing in the Conemaugh Gorge. Proceeds from the event are donated to the Laurel Highlands Trail through the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation.
Located near the entrance of Yosemite National Park in Fishcamp, California, the 31st edition of the Shadow of the Giants single-loop 50k is going down on Saturday. The run takes participants past jaw-dropping, 3,000-year-old giant sequoias in the infamous Nelder Grove in the Sierra National Forest.
Up the coast in Parkdale, Oregon, we have the Wy’east Wonder 50-miler and 50k on Sunday, June 12. The point-to-point, net downhill courses are mostly flowy single-track trails with views of Wy’east (the Multnomah tribe’s name for Mt. Hood). The 50-miler has 7,000 feet of elevation gain and 10,000 feet of elevation loss, while the 50k has 4,000 feet of gain and 7,000 feet of loss. If the race wasn’t so close to Western States, we’d say this might be a perfect race simulation and tune-up opportunity.
Additional races of note found on our extensive UltraRunning Calendar this weekend include the Lumberjack 100m/100k/50m in Port Gamble, Washington, the Flagstaff Extreme Big Pines Trail Runs 54k in Arizona, the Lighthouse 100/50m in Petoskey, Michigan, and a brand new event this year, the Ring the Springs 100/50m in Colorado Springs, all on Saturday, June 11.
What races did we miss that you’re registered for this weekend? Keep us in the loop and happy trails wherever you are lining up for some fun.
2 comments
The Human Potential Running Series is hosting its 8th Annual South Park Trail Runs in Fairplay, CO. The race features a 38-Mile and Heavy Marathon (28 mile), all at 10,000’ topping out at 13,000’
Wow, that’s one high-up race John! Are you lining up?