As we honor the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day weekend, let’s take a moment to appreciate the time we get to spend doing what we love on the trails. There are several great events on deck, both in the US and Canada, so let’s check out what’s happening in this week’s What’s Up in Ultra.
Sugar Badger 50/50
We begin in Belleville, Wisconsin, for the Sugar Badger Trail Races. The 50-mile and 50k ultra-distance events begin at Belleville Community Park in southwest Wisconsin, and take place on the flat and fast Badger State Trail and Sugar River State Trail where runners will traverse scenic prairies, meadows, farmland and rivers while passing through several small communities along the way. Both races are out-and-back formats featuring 99% rail trail and less than 1% asphalt. The runnable course, combined with well-stocked and supported aid stations, makes this a great event for first-timers looking to tackle their first ultra. Free camping is allowed at the start/finish and free beer and pizza are provided to all runners after the race.
Sulphur Springs Trail Race
Next, we journey north of the border to Ancaster, Ontario, for the 32nd running of the Sulphur Springs Trail Race. Dating back to 1993 (Ontario’s longest-running ultramarathon), the event features four ultra distances including a 50k, 50-miler, 100k and 100-miler. All races take place in the rich natural environment of the Dundas Valley Conservation Area where runners will be treated to spectacular scenery as they run through dense forests filled with waterfalls, interesting geological formations and a variety of flora and fauna. All races are run on a 20k course with 1,500 feet of elevation gain per loop.
As a special note, Sulphur Springs Trail Race is making a bid to become Ontario’s first Western States Endurance Run qualifier. For this to happen, 100 runners must complete the 100-mile course in under 30 hours and/or 100 runners must finish the 100k race in under 18 hours. Good luck to all the runners in their quest to make this race a 2025 qualifier! There are still a few spots left in the 100k and 100-miler, but registration ends tomorrow (Thursday, May 23) so act fast!
Trail Festival at Pineland Palms
Back in the Northeast, we head to New Gloucester, Maine, for the fourth annual Trail Festival at Pineland Palms. Taking place on a working farm, business campus and educational venue that demonstrates responsible farming techniques, the event offers three ultra distances: 50k, 100k and 24-hour. Entrants in the 50k and 100k will run a 25k loop, while 24-hour participants will complete as many laps as they can on a 10k loop. All races are run on mostly double-track trails with rolling hills and a few rocks and roots to look out for. Finish line festivities include live music, delicious food and great local beer.
Wild Card: Bubbletown What the Duck Ultra
In this week’s Wild Card Race (where we feature an event you may not be familiar with) we head to Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, for the Bubbletown What the Duck Ultra. Taking place in Pennsylvania’s beautiful Cumberland Valley, the 12-hour timed race is held on a 1.42-mile stone path in Spring Meadows Park. This race caught my attention for the awesome swag, including the cool finisher’s buckle that individual runners receive if they complete 25 laps (35.48 miles), and the What the Duck hoodie awarded to participants who complete 25 laps solo or as part of a team. During their 12-hour adventure, runners will enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. The race is sold out, but runners can still register and participate (however, they won’t be eligible for the coveted buckle or hoodie).
Other races this weekend include Capital Backyard Ultra (Potomac, MD), Nanny Goat (Riverside, CA), Suffer on Centennial (West Hawk Lake, MB), Fools 50k (Peninsula, OH), Blackfoot Ultra (Edmonton, AB), Sweat, Swat ‘n Swear (Inverness, FL) and River’s Edge Trail Race (Georgetown, TX).
Good luck to everyone running this weekend!