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I want to kick off this week’s column with a thank you to all the men and women, past and present, of our armed forces. We have a large number of veterans in the ultrarunning community, and it’s been an honor to meet and share miles with many of you at races over the years. Thank you for your service.
In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we travel to Illinois, Maryland, Oregon and South Carolina. Let’s see what’s on deck.
Tunnel Hill
We begin in Vienna, Illinois, for the 11th running of Tunnel Hill (100-mile and 50-mile races). Known for being flat and fast, the USATF-sanctioned courses have produced blistering quick times over the years, including Camille Herron’s 100-mile world record (12:42:40), and Charlie Lawrence’s (4:48:21) 50-mile world record. The two races kick off Saturday at Vienna City Park and will feature an out-and-back 50-mile course on the Tunnel Hill State Trail that 100-mile participants will run twice. Race highlights include running past lush wetlands and swamps, over scenic train trestles, and through a historic 800-foot-long railroad tunnel. Both events allow runners 30 hours to earn an official finish, with prize money awarded to the top male and female runners and bonus cash given to anyone who sets a new world or course record.
Stone Mill
Travelling east, we visit Montgomery County, Maryland, for the 15th annual Stone Mill 50-miler. This popular race is a favorite for its low-key vibe, supportive volunteers and plentiful aid stations. Participants will start and finish on Saturday at Stedwick Elementary School and have 13 hours to complete the race. The course takes runners towards the Potomac River on the Muddy Branch Trail and returns via the Seneca Greenway trails where they’ll have to navigate rolling terrain, small stream crossings, close to 4,000 feet of elevation gain and descent, and a good chance of encountering sections of mud. Stone Mill 50 is a RRCA National Championship event, with the goal “to celebrate and shine a spotlight on well-run, community-focused events and to award their top performing runners.”
Run the Rock
Heading west to Terrebonne, Oregon, we visit the magnificent geological formations of Smith Rock State Park for the Run the Rock 50k. Now in its eighth year, Run the Rock is a favorite of both Central Oregon locals as well as runners from around the country looking for a destination race on some scenic trails. Race highlights include climbing the Misery Ridge Trail, running below popular rock-climbing routes (including the famous “Monkey Face”), taking in expansive views of the Cascade Mountain Ranges and enjoying a fun, old-school vibe complete with finish line burritos and local beers. Participants will have to navigate 5,500 feet of vertical gain on 85% single-track trails and 15% double-track, dirt roads. Race proceeds benefit the Ridgeview High School cross country team.
Wildcard: Prisoner of War Ultra (Canceled)
For this week’s Wildcard race, where we feature an event you may not be familiar with, we head to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for the Prisoner of War Ultra (50k). Unfortunately, due to damages to Croft State Park from Hurricane Helene, this year’s race had to be canceled, but we wanted to mention it for two reasons. First, the race takes place at Camp Croft where over 200,000 soldiers trained before going to battle in World War II. The race, held annually on Veteran’s Day weekend, is a tribute to our military heroes. Second, Prisoner of War Ultra is just one of dozens of ultramarathons that were canceled due to the hurricanes that hit the southeast. It’s a good reminder that as these communities try and get back on their feet, and race organizers look ahead to 2025, make sure to show them some love by signing up to run and volunteer at these events next year.
Other Events this weekend include Rosaryville Veterans Day 50k (Upper Marlboro, MD), Mamba 100 (Memphis, TN), Pass Mountain (Mesa, AZ), PhoMo 50k (Phoenix, AZ), Dogwood Canyon (Springfield, MO), Cantuckee Y’all 50K (Slade, KY), Willapa Trail Festival (Chehalis, WA), Mission Tejas Trail Run (Grapeland, TX), Rockledge Rumble (Grapevine, TX), Thunderbird Trail Run (Norman, OK), Red Rock Canyon (Blue Diamond, NV), and Kessel Run Ultra (Fruita, CO).
Check out our full ultramarathon race calendar here, and good luck to everyone racing this weekend!