Summit 50/50

Summit 50/50 is held in Salamanca, New York, on October 24, 2026. Three trail distances are on the program: a 50-mile race and a 50K (31 miles) that both start at 6:00 AM, and a 25K (15.5 miles) that starts at 9:00 AM. The organizer's website points to Reluctant Runner Racing. Salamanca lies in the hills of western New York, close to Allegany State Park, so a hilly, wooded course is a fair expectation.

Pairing a 50-mile and a 50K at the same start time is handy if you want a fallback: some organizers let you drop to the shorter distance, so check the rules. For the 50-mile, aim for a 20-week build with back-to-back long runs and regular hiking on climbs. The 50K suits a first ultra, and the 25K, with its later start, is a good choice for runners who want a long trail morning without the predawn alarm. Late October in the Southern Tier can be cold, so bring layers.