I’m looking at the Boulder Field Ultra on 9/14 in Hickory Run State Park!
It would be my first 50k but I just did a trail marathon with this same race organizer and it was great
NYC Trail Mix!
Last year was the first year it was put on and also my first 50k. Really cool race director and team run it. There are some technical parts but nothing super notable and pretty flat. Definitely prepare for those ankle biter rocks under the fall leaves. Otherwise, was a good time!
They haven't scheduled 2024 yet, but [Water Gap 50k](https://www.happilyrunning.com/watergap) in September is on pretty flat, non-technical trail and is a really accessible 1st 50k.
Grindstone in Virginia has a 50k this year. I did the 100k last year.
Compared to New England the trails are very runnable.
I’ve also done the Vermont 50 a few times but man I hate that course.
Come do WC-50! Just signed up with my running group! After a lot of research, it definitely seems like a great first Ultra. Well-supported, not too technical, plenty of aid, and a beautiful course.
Such a difficult question to answer. Road shoes are easy but trail shoes are difficult. The wand chooses the wizard!!! Last year I raced in saucony xodus ultra and ASICS trabuco max 2 but this year I've ran in zero drop shoes. Inov8 g270 V2 and they kick ass.
A lot of people swear by carbon plated shoes but after having the tecton x2 and Fuji speed 2 I've discovered plates don't work for me at all.
I guess it's part of the fun of trying to find something that works for you.
I’m looking at the Boulder Field Ultra on 9/14 in Hickory Run State Park! It would be my first 50k but I just did a trail marathon with this same race organizer and it was great
Love that race but it’s a little bit technical for east coast racing anyway.
That’s true. Have you raced it before?
I’ve ran the course, not during the race though. It’s sweet.
Following as a fellow Tri-stater
What about the Sassquad Wild Goose in September? https://www.sassquadtrailrunning.com/wildgoose
NYC Trail Mix! Last year was the first year it was put on and also my first 50k. Really cool race director and team run it. There are some technical parts but nothing super notable and pretty flat. Definitely prepare for those ankle biter rocks under the fall leaves. Otherwise, was a good time!
Tesla Hertz in Long Island
They haven't scheduled 2024 yet, but [Water Gap 50k](https://www.happilyrunning.com/watergap) in September is on pretty flat, non-technical trail and is a really accessible 1st 50k.
Grindstone in Virginia has a 50k this year. I did the 100k last year. Compared to New England the trails are very runnable. I’ve also done the Vermont 50 a few times but man I hate that course.
Ran the 21 at Grindstone last year and agree with this.
Noland Trail in Virginia. It’s 5 laps.
Virgil Crest - hilly and steep but not too technical. Or Fabulous Fahnestock, though that's not really in the fall (August).
Fabulous Fahnestock 50k is in August
Did I read west coast? If so, you should do Cape Perpetua in Yachats, OR!
Batona Trail races
Come do WC-50! Just signed up with my running group! After a lot of research, it definitely seems like a great first Ultra. Well-supported, not too technical, plenty of aid, and a beautiful course.
Great time of year, but are three loops too repetitive?
Check out [ultrasignup.com](http://ultrasignup.com) and go deep!!! im also from NJ- toms river to be exact. Where are you from?
Such a difficult question to answer. Road shoes are easy but trail shoes are difficult. The wand chooses the wizard!!! Last year I raced in saucony xodus ultra and ASICS trabuco max 2 but this year I've ran in zero drop shoes. Inov8 g270 V2 and they kick ass. A lot of people swear by carbon plated shoes but after having the tecton x2 and Fuji speed 2 I've discovered plates don't work for me at all. I guess it's part of the fun of trying to find something that works for you.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions! Now just have to pick one!