Catoctin 50k

Race - Jul 11, 2020

As of 2019, the course was an out-and-back (16.5 miles both ways) and is much more difficult on the return trip. As of 2020, it will be starting at the Manor and turning around near the Tea room (reversed).

Locals will warn you of rattlesnakes and black bears. There are multiple roads that allow access to the trail for water caches placement or support. There are some streams, but I am unsure of water levels.

This race is purposely scheduled on the hottest day of the year. Luckily it is shaded from the summer sun and there are multiple stream crossings and great aid stations. Some sections are very rocky so take your time but remember to start running again afterwards or you'll be chasing cut-offs.

This course follows the blue blazes on the National Catoctin National Scenic Trail, and it is easy to get lost due to multiple intersections. The elevation gain and loss is almost equal at about ~5,600ft. The terrain varied throughout but in general is very rocky/technical trail. There were only a handful of times when I was able to open my stride on some smooth singletrack. This race is deceptively hard because the sections of runnable terrain is mixed well with technical aspects that keeps your stride constantly changing.