Baker Ultra 50-miler

The 19th annual Baker Trail UltraChallenge 50-miler takes place on the scenic north section of the Baker Trail, which weaves through Cook forest and boasts amazing single-track trails. The race starts at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 26th, at the Baker Trail northern terminus, which is located in the Allegheny National Forest, north of Pittsburgh.  

As of mid March, the race is SOLD OUT (waitlist accessible on UltraSignUp)  and we are positioned to hit 50% women participation! For nearly two decades we've averaged only 20% women. Reaching gender parity is a huge milestone and a rarity for races of the 50-mile distance. 

Things to note: 

• Training runs. For the second year in a row, we are offering training runs, free and open to the public. These guided group runs provide an opportunity to acclimate to the race course and fine-tune nutrition and hydration strategies. In particular, three runs taking place in July will cover the entire, point-to-point, 50-mile course. (Surprise swag at these runs!) Details and sign-up for the July 15th Training Run #1: click here
• Increased female participation.  In 2022 we celebrated a marked increase in female participation with a rate of 35% women, up from a stagnant 20%. This achievement received national attention with an article featured in Ultra Running Magazine: Courage is Contagious: Women and Ultra Running. As of May 1, 2023, 48% of the registrants are female.  We have set aside a some entries for women which till get us to the 50% mark by early June. 
• Sunday, May 21st at 9:00 a.m. join us for Public Land's Women's Group Run, at which time a free raffle for a 50-mile Baker Ultra Entry will take place along with a 4-mile all-paces run. To register for this free event, click here.
• Gorgeous trails.  This year's 50-mile course is nearly all trail and arguably the most scenic of the three sections. With 6,300 feet of climbing, you’ll wind through Cook Forest, pass a waterfall, a landmark fire tower, cross onto the North Country Trail and meander along the Clarion River. The photo ops are endless, making this a popular race for photographers.

Quick links

• UltraSignUp site to get on the waitlist for the 50-miler event. (Relay event is sold out with no wait list available) 
• Participant information (including elevation profile and aid station chart)
• Photos and split times from the 2020 Baker Ultra which was on the same course as our 2023 race. (In 2022 we were on the southern section; 2021 on the central section) 
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