The Race
The Delaware River, framed by thousand-foot hillsides. Steeped in Native and Early American history. In the mid-1900s this whole valley was slated for a hydroelectric dam — public resistance plus a geological fault line killed the project, and the land went to public hands as a National Recreation Area.
The McDade Trail runs 32 miles point-to-point through the Gap. Rail-trail cinder path, some singletrack, non-technical and rolling. Mainly flat. Mainly fast. A perfect PR venue or a great first ultra.
Course
We stage at Smithfield Beach. The course follows a short loop around the parking lot, then drops onto the McDade Trail and heads out and back. Marked with pink survey flags — sparse on the open trail, denser at turns and intersections. We'll give a full briefing race morning.
The 50K turnaround has poker chips you'll need to grab and bring to the finish. The 25K turnaround is at the second aid station.
One thing: the 25K is slightly long. Heads up.
Race Day Schedule
- 7:00 AM
- 50K packet pickup
- 8:00 AM
- 50K start
- 9:30 AM
- 25K packet pickup
- 10:30 AM
- 25K start
- 4:30 PM
- Course cut-off
Aid Stations
Three aid stations on the course. Standard ultra fare — drinks, snacks, plus some Huma gels. Gel selection is limited since everyone prefers different brands, but there'll be enough.
We are a CUPLESS course. Please bring a cup. We might have a few for sale at the start but not many.
We track bib numbers at each aid station — please make your bib visible, and call out your number as you roll in. It helps.
- Park HQ AS1 · Mile 5.2 & 26.1 Open in Maps → Crew: YES
- Bushkill Access AS2 · Mile 8.5 & 22.9 · Drop bag · 25K Turnaround Open in Maps → Crew: YES
- Eshback Access AS3 · Mile 13 & 18 · 50K Turnaround Open in Maps → Crew: YES
Mileage listed is for the 50K. For the 25K, AS1 on the return is roughly 11.8 miles in.
Race Day Map
All the pins you need — aid stations, parking, turnarounds. Open in Google Maps for navigation.
Open the full map in Google Maps →
Drop Bags
50K runners can drop bags at Bushkill Access — accessed at miles 8.5 and 22.9. Mark them with your bib number and last name. Drop them in the marked bins at Smithfield Beach before the 50K start.
25K runners can use drop bags at the 8.5-mile turnaround (also Bushkill Access).
Drop bags don't come back until the final runner has cleared Bushkill. If you want yours sooner, you can stop and grab it post-race.
Bathrooms
Smithfield Beach (start/finish) has pit toilets and usually proper bathrooms — portos otherwise. Eshback Access also has pit toilets. Bring your own TP and respect the trail.
Post-Race
We're cooking — tacos (chicken or tofu), potatoes, black bean salad. Results posted by Sunday night, usually sooner.
What You Get
Entry covers event production, a unique finisher's gift, post-race food, and an event T (sizes guaranteed if you register before September 1). Five dollars of every entry goes back to the folks who maintain the trails we're using.
Crews & Pacers
All crew and pacer actions are the runner's responsibility. Runners must make sure their crew knows the rules — violations can mean a DQ or course removal of both runner and crew.
FAQ
Can I change distances?
Yes, up until Wednesday before the race. Go to UltraSignup → Account → Registration History → "Edit" next to your race. Direct link here →
After Wednesday before the race, you can change distances on race day with us.
When can I pick up my bib?
Race morning — 7 AM for 50K, 9:30 AM for 25K. No pre-race pickup this year.
Do you offer race-day drop-downs?
Yes. If you drop from 50K to 25K at the turnaround, you'll get an unofficial 25K time. Let the aid station captain know.
What's the deal with bathrooms on course?
Pit toilets or portos at the aid stations and the start/finish. Bring your own TP and respect the trail.
Can I pick up someone else's bib?
Yes — but you need their printed and signed waiver. Not a copy, not a screenshot, not a photo. Physical signed paper only.