Red Barn Challenge

Red Barn Challenge is a timed trail running event in Lykens, Pennsylvania, held on October 2–3, 2026. Three durations are offered: the 24-hour race starts Friday, October 2, at 6:00 PM, the 12-hour race starts Saturday, October 3, at 6:00 AM, and the 6-hour race begins at noon on Saturday. In each case you cover as much distance as you can before the clock runs out, and the different start times mean every race finishes at the same moment.

Timed events are a friendly way into ultra running because there is no cutoff to chase and no distance you must reach. The 6-hour race suits anyone who wants to see how far they can go beyond a marathon, the 12-hour is a stepping stone to a 50-mile or 100K goal, and the 24-hour is a full overnight test where the challenge is as much staying awake and eating as it is running. Train for these by adding time on feet rather than speed: long, easy runs, walking breaks practiced on purpose, and a rehearsal of the food and drink you plan to use.