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Thanksgiving weekend offers a lighter ultramarathon schedule, but 12 events are still on tap across North America, highlighted by the 42nd running of the Quad Dipsea. In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we feature races in California, North Carolina and New Jersey. If you’re a race director and would like your event to be featured in the calendar, register here.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at UltraRunning Magazine.
Featured: Quad Dipsea (Mill Valley, CA)
The 42nd running of the Quad Dipsea kicks off Saturday, November 29, at Old Mill Park in Mill Valley, California. A post–Turkey Day tradition since 1983, the challenging race sends runners up and down the historic Dipsea Trail four times for a total of 28.4 miles and more than 9,200 feet of elevation gain and loss. Considered to be one of the toughest short ultramarathons in the country, each out-and-back lap features steep climbs and descents, 686 stairs in each direction, and plenty of roots, rocks, and technical terrain to keep runners on their toes. Race highlights include scenic single-track trails through Muir Woods, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from the top of Cardiac Hill, interaction with fellow runners throughout the day (including many local trail running legends), and the opportunity to experience the local running community culture surrounding the event. Participants have 9 hours to complete the race for an official finish. Learn more.
Other West Events:
Pacific
- Boundiful Endurance Runs (Hemet, CA)
- Seattle Ghost Marathon (Seattle, WA)
Mountain
- Tooele Turkey Trail Trot (Ophir, UT)
No events this weekend.
Featured: The Derby (Ellerbe, NC)
Established in 2003, the Derby 50K is a low-key, community-focused race that gives runners a scenic tour of North Carolina’s rolling countryside. The event begins Saturday at the Derby Community Building in Ellerbe, North Carolina, and follows a three-loop course on a mix of trails and roads. The Derby is a great event for first-time ultrarunners thanks to its runnable course, supportive volunteers, chill vibe and the absence of an official cutoff time. Runner perks include on-site camping, well-stocked aid stations, custom finisher medals and a post-race spaghetti dinner hosted by local volunteers. Runners are also encouraged to bring dog or cat food, which the race donates to Richmond County Animal Advocates. Read more.
Other South Events:
Southwest
- Bosque Bigfoot Trail Runs (Albuquerque, NM)
- Colorado River Run (Lago Vista, TX)
Southeast
- Sunset 6/12/24 Hour Endurance Run (Benton, AR)
- Turkey Burn Ultra (Clermont, FL)
- Florida 48 (Ocala, FL)
Featured: Squatchy Leftovers Trail Race (West Orange, NJ)
The Squatchy Leftovers Trail Race, hosted by the crew at Sassquad Trail Running, gives runners a fun way to shake off their Thanksgiving food hangovers with multiple race options: a 50k, 25k, 10k, 5k and a one-mile kids run. All events take place at South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, New Jersey, and are run on a 5k loop course of wide, runnable carriage roads mixed with more technical singletrack trails. Each loop features around 290 feet of climbs and descents. The 50k begins at 8 a.m., and runners have 8 hours and 30 minutes to complete 10 laps for an official finish. Like all the Sassquad “trail parties,” the Squatchy Leftovers Race offers an accessible, friendly and community-driven atmosphere that’s great for newcomers to the sport. This year’s race benefits Bigger Than the Trail and MEND New Jersey, which supports a network of local food pantries. Runners are encouraged to bring donations of shelf-stable milk, canned tuna and chicken, and diapers in sizes 4,5 and 6. Read more.
Other Northeast Events:
- Fifth Street Cross – Black Friday 100 (Emmaus, PA)
No events this weekend.
Email corys@ultrarunning with questions about adding your event to the UltraRunning Magazine calendar.