MUDDY CREEK TWP — The organizers of the Glacier Ridge Trail Ultramarathon at Moraine State Park are making changes in honor of its fifth year.

Jake Weiland, assistant park manager, said a new event next year will be a 50-mile relay race with five-person teams.

“That’s significant,” Weiland said.

The relay will have two 10-mile legs, two 11-mile legs and one 8-mile leg. Weiland said a relay will encourage more people to participate.

“Not everyone can run a 30K, let alone a 50-mile,” Weiland said.

He also said organizers are pushing the relay as “corporate wellness” event, encouraging companies to put teams together.

Additionally, the event will feature the traditional 30-kilometer race, 50-kilometer race and 50-mile race.

The race will be held May 5.

For the past four years, the race was held in April. Weiland said making it a month later means the weather will be warmer, the trails will be in better condition and it will allow for extra training time.

“That’s to encourage more people,” Weiland said.

This past April, the event had between 300 and 350 racers, representing 14 states, as well as Canada and Germany.

Weiland said organizers are shooting for 400 racers next year.

Registration for the event is open now.

Weiland said people who want to participate should begin training now.

Organizers also are working on some sort of recognition program for runners and sponsors who have been with the event since its beginning.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Moraine McConnells Mill Jennings Commission and the Moraine Preservation Fund. Both are nonprofit groups that support the park.

Over the past four years, the event has raised $50,000.

“It’s the single most beneficial event the Moraine State Park has held, in terms of project money and getting things done,” Weiland said.

Some work that is being funded with the money includes the construction of two Adirondack shelters along the North Country Trail near Link Road and the removal and relocation of 2.7 miles of trail from the road.

One planned project is a bridge spanning Muddy Creek carrying the North Country Trail near McDanel’s Launch. Weiland said the project is in the design phase.

“That’s a goal for the upcoming construction season,” Weiland said.

For information on how to register, visit www.glacierridgetrailultra.com.