In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we run to the southernmost city in the continental US, tackle the jewel of the Georgia mountains, check in on a classic 100-miler in Virginia and explore the trails of the Bluegrass State.
Keys 100
We start in the Conch Republic, aka, the Florida Keys for the 16th running of the Keys 100 (100-mile, 50-mile and 50k races). Starting in Key Largo, the 100-miler will travel the historic Overseas Highway, passing through 40+ islands and over dozens of bridges before ending in Key West. Along the way, runners will be rewarded with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean to their left and Florida Bay to their right, where they’re likely to see any number of aquatic species such as sea turtles, porpoises, sharks, parrot fish and tarpon. While this is a flat race, it still offers plenty of challenges including exposure to the tropical Florida Keys sunshine (there is very little shade on the route) and the potential for high winds. The Keys 100 also includes a 50-mile race that begins in Marathon, Florida (shout out to all my old pals in the Middle Keys), and a 50k race that begins in Big Pine. All races end at Higgs Beach in Key West for live music and a finish line celebration by the sea.
Cruel Jewel
Next, we head north to the Chattahoochee National Forest in the Georgia mountains for the grueling Cruel Jewel 100 (actually 104 miles) and 50 (actually 58 miles). Known for being one of the toughest races on the East Coast, the 100-mile event and Hardrock qualifier features 92 miles of trails, 12 miles of mountain roads and an impressive 33,000 feet of elevation gain. Runners can expect plenty of rocks and roots, as well as steep climbs and descents, as they attempt to make it from Blue Ridge to Blairsville and back in under 48 hours. The Cruel Jewel 50 is half the distance but also an extremely challenging race, with the point-to-point course totaling over 15,000 feet of gain and loss.
Massanutten
Staying on the East Coast, we head to the George Washington National Forest in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for the 28th running of the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 Mile Run. Taking place on 80% single-track trails, with the rest on a mix of gravel and paved roads, participants can expect extremely rocky trails and short but rugged mountain climbs and descents totaling over 18,000 feet of elevation gain. Runners have 36 hours to complete the course, with sub-24-hour finishers awarded with engraved silver buckles.
Yamacraw
Finally, we head to Stearns, Kentucky, for the popular Yamacraw Trail Runs. First run in 2015, the 40-mile ultra distance has recently averaged well over 200 finishers per year. The race features a point-to-point course that starts in the Daniel Boone National Forest and ends in the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Along the way, runners will tackle over 6,200 feet of elevation gain while journeying along beautiful single-track trails that pass by several rock formations and waterfalls. Unfortunately, due to extreme flooding in the area, two of the major water crossings are currently unpassable and course changes may be necessary. Race updates can be found on the Yamacraw Facebook page.
In total, there are 58 races on this week’s UltraRunning Magazine calendar. Other events we’re keeping an eye on include Quest for the Crest (Burnsville, NC), Superior Spring Trail Race (Lutsen, MN), Bryce Canyon (Bryce Canyon, UT), Sun Mountain (Winthrop, WA), Dances with Dirt – Gnaw Bone (Nashville, IN), Silver State (Reno, NV), Bishop High Sierra (Bishop, CA) and Run for Amma (Sunnyvale, CA).
Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!