The description included here outlines the 50 mile course from the Upper 528 Aid Station to the Swamp Section Aid Station and return to the Upper 528 Aid Station. The 50 mile race course (in order) travels from the start to the Upper 528 Aid Station, to Jennings Aid Station (matching 50k course), return from Jennings Aid Station to Upper 528 Aid Station (matching 50k course) and then travels on the Swamp section described here before returning to the Upper 528 Aid Station and then proceeding to McDanels for the race finish (matching the 50k course).
Upper 528 Aid Station to Swamp Section Aid Station
From the Upper 528 Aid Station (race course 21.5 miles), proceed north on the paved road for approximately 0.6 miles (repeating what was done heading to Jennings). Please be cautious and aware that cars will be travelling on the roadway north of the Upper 528 Aid Station as well as Barkley Road and Burton Road during the race. At the end of the roadway, turn right onto blue-blazed North Country/Glacier Ridge Trail. After a short section (approximately 0.1 miles) bear right onto the side grass trail (not on blue-blazed North Country/Glacier Ridge Trail). Proceed on this wide grass trail for approximately 0.5 miles, this trail ends at a parking area following which turn left and follow Barkley Road for approximately 0.2 miles and turn right onto Burton Road. Follow Burton road for approximately 1.3 miles and turn right at a metal gate onto an old roadway.
Please note that the horse trails in the eastern part of the park are provided trail numbers and posts are provided at intersections showing different trail directions (at intersections only. A sample picture of a horse trail marker is provided here. Follow the old roadway and right onto a long straight old railroad alignment for approximately 1.8 miles to an intersection with Horse Trail 1 and turn left. Continue on Horse Trail 1 approximately 0.9 miles until the tee intersection where you will turn right to continue on Horse Trail 1, proceed approximately 0.2 miles and turn right onto Horse Trail 5. Follow Horse Trail 5 approximately 0.5 miles to the end at a tee intersection where you will turn left onto Horse Trail 1 once again. Proceed on Horse Trail 1 for approximately 2.0 miles and turn right onto Horse Trail 2A. Proceed on Horse Trail 2A for a total of approximately 0.3 miles and turn left onto Horse Trail 2B. While on Horse Trail 2B it will enter a field area with mowed paths for approximately 0.2 miles. Keep to the left most mowed path through this area, turn left through the tree line and then turn right onto Horse Trail 1 once again. Proceed a short distance to the Swamp Section Aid Station (race course 30.2 miles).
Exit the aid station on the right hand roadway leading eastward from the aid station. After approximately 0.4 miles, turn right onto Horse Trail 1 which is a wide utility line area under tree cover. Proceed on Horse Trail 1 for approximately 0.5 miles and at the bottom of the hill turn right onto Horse Trail 2. At the end of Horse Trail 2, approximately 0.6 miles, turn right and return to the Swamp Section Aid Station for the second time (race course 31.9 miles). Exit the aid station heading west on Horse Trail 1 which was used to enter the aid station the first time. Re-trace all trail sections described here to return to the Upper 528 Aid Station (race course 40.6 miles).
Upper 528 Aid Station to Finish
The 50k race course description can be used for the return to the race finish at McDanels. Pass through the unmanned fluids-only aid station at Mt. Union Road (race course 45.9 miles). Follow blue-blazed North Country/Glacier Ridge Trail to the paved bike path and crushed limestone bike path then turn left onto the paved roadway at McDanels and proceed to the finish (race course 50.6 miles).
Awards: All finishers
1st Place – male and female
Crew – Permitted at Upper 528, Jennings, and Swamp Section Aid Station
Pacers – Permitted starting at Swamp Section outbound and Upper 528 outbound
Drop Bags – Permitted at Upper 528 Aid Station (50-milers will pass through three times)
Drop bags must be clearly marked with runner number and name and checked in at the start/finish Saturday.
Note: All distances should be regarded as approximate. We feel that in most instances, they are within a couple tenths of a mile, and will continue to verify distances and update course descriptions accordingly. This course includes the crossing of multiple paved roadways that will be open and in use during the race, use caution crossing all roadways.
Note: Runners who are expecting to be pushing the 14-hour race time limit will want to carry a light with them or have one in their drop bag at Upper 528 Aid Station for the final inbound leg to the finish. In early May, visibility may be difficult that last few miles and no additional trail markings will be provided.