What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — May 28

Memorial Day arrives on our UltraRunning Calendar as the unofficial first weekend of summer, even though the big kick-off is still three weeks away. Whether you’re celebrating your kids’ break from school with an ultra camping weekend or keeping it close to home, we’ve got you covered with the top events around North America during this three-day weekend. 

In Ancaster, Ontario, the Sulphur Springs 50k/50-mile/100k/100-mile races take place on Saturday, May 28. The races start at the Ancaster Community Center and weave their way through the trails of the Dundas Valley, one of southern Ontario’s most spectacular natural treasures. Highlights of the 1,200-hectare conservation area include lush forests, colorful meadows, stunning geological formations and a plethora of rare plants, birds and wildlife. All distances will use the same 20k loop.

Also in Canada, in Edmonton, Alberta, is the 19th Blackfoot Ultra 50k/50m/100k. The courses follow a 25k loop passing through wetlands, pastures, forests around several small lakes. “Death by 100 hills on the prairies,” is the tagline for these deceptively challenging races on Saturday, May 28.

Running from Thursday, May 26 to Sunday, May 29 in Renton, Washington, is the Pigtails Challenge at the Lake Youngs Watershed. Participants can choose from 100/150/200-mile race options all going down on a rolling 10-mile loop with 900-feet of elevation gain per lap. A great course setup to attempt your first 100-miler or push the distance and try your hand at doubling down.

Belleville, Wisconsin, is where we find the Sugar Badger 50k/50m out-and-back races on very flat rails to trails. Last year saw some smoking fast times at this first-time event, and there’s no reason not to believe that the 2022 edition won’t produce some of the swiftest 50k and 50-mile times of the year in North America.  

Another second year event, the Lake Sonoma 100k, has added a new distance, the 55k, in Healdsburg, California. Featuring 90% single-track trails weaving through relentless rolling hills, and oftentimes, surprising spring heat, this is one of the toughest events around. Proceeds of the races support the Children of Vineyard Workers Scholarship Fund that expands educational opportunities for local students.

Additional races on our UltraRunning Calendar this Memorial Day weekend include the Rocky Mountain 50k on Sunday, May 29 in Laramie, Wyoming, the Bryce Canyon 50k/60k/50m/100m races in Utah, the Three Sisters Ultra Festival 6/12/24-hour races in Maryville, Tennessee, the Highland Forest 1-2-3 30-miler in Fabius, New York, all on Saturday, May 28, and the Stumptown Trail Runs 50k in Portland, Oregon, on Monday, May 30.  

Are you planning to attend one of these events or ultrarunning somewhere else fun this long holiday weekend? Drop a note below and keep us in the loop.