PUBLISHED 01/12/2005
4 Fifties to Try
1. American River 50-Mile Endurance Run (April 2)
"More river, more bike trail, more scenery" makes this point-to-point 50-miler one of the West's most popular and beginner-friendly ultras. You start near the Cal State Sacramento University campus, follow the paved American River bike path for 24 miles, then switch to single-track horse trail for the final 26. Comes with aid stations aplenty and a generous 13-hour time limit. (run100s.com/AR50)
2. Mount Hood Pacific Crest Trail Ultramarathon (July 30)
Surrounded by the lush Mount Hood National Forest, you do your 50 miles out-and-back on the shady Pacific Crest Trail from Timothy Lake to historic Timberline Lodge--where part of the movie adaptation of Stephen King's The Shining was filmed. Good footing and gorgeous scenery balance out the "moderately difficult" 4,000 total feet of elevation gain. (pctultra.com)
3. Le Grizz Ultramarathon (October 8)
Courses just don't get more spectacular than this 50-mile point-to-point forest road loop around the Hungry Horse Reservoir in Spotted Bear, Montana. The (literal) highlight comes at mile 47 when you cross the reservoir's 564-foot-high spillway. It's the only 50 you'll run whose race packet includes "If You Encounter a Bear" instructions. (cheetahherders.com)
4. JFK 50 Mile (November 19)
Held in Hagerstown, Maryland, "America's Ultramarathon" is the nation's oldest and largest ultradistance event--and a scenic, point-to-pointer to boot with 13 miles on the legendary Appalachian Trail, and 26 on the historic B & O canal tow path with aid stations every four miles. (jfk50mile.org)
To find an ultra near you, see the coast-to-coast listings on www.ultrarunner.net or check out our Ultramarathon Event Calendar.
