In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we head to Wisconsin and California for two classic events, check in on a challenging mountain race in New Mexico and journey to North Carolina for the year’s first Hardrock 100 qualifier in the US.
Ice Age Trail 50
We start in La Grange, Wisconsin, for the 42nd annual Ice Age Trail 50 (50-mile and 50k races). One of the country’s oldest continuously run ultras, the event was conceived (like many great things) in a tavern back in 1981, with the first event taking place a year later. Today, Ice Age has become one of the most popular races in the country, often selling out within hours and attracting a dedicated group of runners every year (many of whom have finished the race more than 20 times). Both courses follow the Ice Age National Scenic Trail through a diverse trail system of dense forests, marshlands and open prairies. Along the way, runners will experience unique geologic landscapes, historic sites and amazing volunteer support. After the race, runners are rewarded with a post-race party of free beer, food and live music. Sign me up!
Quicksilver
Heading west, we travel to San Jose, California, to celebrate another classic event, the 40th annual Quicksilver Endurance Runs (100k and 50k). First run in 1984, Quicksilver is known for its challenging courses, friendly volunteers and excellent post-race BBQ. Both distances begin and end in Almaden Quicksilver County Park (where mercury mines operated from 1847-1976) and feature hilly, single-track trails and fire roads that take runners through forests, meadows and along ridge lines with scenic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Clara Valley. A Western States qualifier, the 100k distance tests runners with over 13,000 feet of elevation gain, while the 50k has just over 6,000 feet of climbing. Over the years, Quicksilver has raised over $100,000 for local charities.
Jemez Mountain
Next, we head to Los Alamos, New Mexico, for the 17th annual Jemez Mountain Trail Runs (50-mile and 50k races). Both ultra courses challenge participants with rocky and technical trails, steep climbs and descents and high altitude (with both races taking place between 7,000 and 10,500 feet above sea level). The 50k course boasts around 6,000 feet of elevation gain, while the 50-miler (closer to 53 miles) chalks in at around 11,000 feet of climbing. Proceeds from the race are donated to local organizations and scholarship funds.
Wild Card
For this week’s Wild Card Race (where we feature an event you may not be familiar with), we travel to Old Fort, North Carolina, for the Hellbender 100. Now a Hardrock 100 qualifier, Hellbender is an extremely challenging race that takes runners over some of the highest peaks on the East Coast and features five climbs and descents of over 3,000 feet or more, and a net elevation gain of 24,000 feet. The course consists of 71 miles of single-track trails, 29.7 miles of gravel and less than one mile on pavement. Hardrock hopefuls have 40 hours to complete the race.
In total, there are a whopping 43 events on the UR calendar this week. Some of the other races we’re keeping an eye on include Cocodona 250 (Black Canyon City, AZ – started on Monday), Quad Rock 50 (Fort Collins, CO), Galena Sky Trail Races (Galena, IL), Tillamook Burn Trail Run (Timber, OR), Knock on Woodstock (Greenville, SC), and PCT 50 (Cleveland National Forest, CA).
Good luck and Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms racing and volunteering this weekend!