On the Run
MUDDY CREEK TWP — The Glacier Ridge Trail Ultramarathon gets more popular each year.
The fourth annual event will be held April 12 in and around Moraine State Park.
The first year held, it attracted 177 runners. During the third event last year, there were 270 runners. Jake Weiland, assistant park manager, said he hopes this year’s race will bring in similar numbers.
The event will feature a 30-kilometer race, 18.6 miles; a 50K race, 31 miles; and a 50-mile race. All three races will begin and end at McDanel’s Launch on the park’s North Shore.
So far, runners are coming from 14 states, including California and Texas. At least six runners are coming from Canada.
Weiland said trail running is becoming more popular. He said the sport features a lot of elevation changes and obstacles such as roots and rocks that do not exist in road running.
“It’s a more challenging way of running,” Weiland said.
Although its been a cold, very snowy winter, the trails have gotten heavy use.
“I’ve seen people running through the winter,” Weiland said.
He said the North Country Trail Association has worked to keep the trails clear during the winter, but there is still ice melting, which likely will lead to wet trails.
“I think it’s going to be a muddy run,” Weiland said.
Because of the length of the races, they are not for beginners. Weiland said participants should be physically fit and prepared for what they are getting into.
Since the ultramarathon began, he said there have been no significant injuries, just small issues like muscle cramping.
He said that many experienced distance runners will run a 30K to train for longer runs.
The cost to register for the 30K is $85, the cost for the 50K is $95, and the 50 mile race is $105.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Moraine Preservation Fund and the Moraine McConnells Mill Jennings Commission, groups that help the park. Those groups volunteer at aid stations along the race course.
One of the goals of the event is to feature and highlight the different trails and different uses for them. Another goal is to raise money to build a trail that surrounds Lake Arthur.
In addition to all the work the preservation fund and commission do for the park, Weiland praised the sponsors of the races.
“That’s really what’s keeping this race in the black,” Weiland said.
For more information or to register, visit www.glacierridgetrailultra.com.
