Ultra-distance trail running has come a long way in the past few years, with massive growth that has started to reach the attention of the mainstream. You know, your friends, family members, colleagues, and even fellow runners who have thought you’ve had a few screws loose with your passion for running extremely long races.
But the sport wasn’t born yesterday. There is a long and distinguished history of historic ultra-distance trail races that are worth celebrating, both because they’re great races and because they’ve endured the test of time. Ultrarunning Magazine has been recognizing a special group of ultramarathons that celebrate the culture cultivated by the sport of ultrarunning with a program called Old School Ultras.
This year’s class of Old School Ultras features 30 races across the U.S. and Canada, including 11 new additions. There is something timeless about these Old School Ultras, a magnetic pull that brings the community back season after season. At these events, every athlete is met at aid stations and finish lines by an uplifting culture that truly defines the sport.
Info & Registration for all 2026 Old School Ultras
New Old School Ultras
March 7, Stump Jump Trail Run, Chattanooga, TN — Info & Registration
March 21-22, Grasslands Trail Runs, Alvord, TX — Info & Registration
March 20-22, Three Days of Syllamo, Fifty-Six, AR — Info & Registration
April 11, Mad City Ultras, Madison, WI — Info & Registration
May 2, McDonald Forest 50K, Corvallis, OR — Info & Registration
May 16, Silver State 50/50, Reno, NV — Info & Registration
June 13-14, Kettle Moraine 100, LaGrange, WI – Info & Registration
July 11, Knee Knacker, West Vancouver, BC, Canada — Info & Registration
Aug. 2, Skyline 50K, Castro Valley, CA — Info & Registration
Aug. 20, Baker Trail Ultra Challenge, Vonwinckel, PA — Info & Registration
Nov. 7, TARC Stone Cat Trail Festival, Ipswich, MA — Info & Registration
Existing Old School Ultras
March 21, Chuckanut 50K, Bellingham, WA — Info & Registration
March 28, Crown King Scramble, Phoenix, AZ — Info & Registration
April 11, Diez Vista 50K, Belcarra, BC, Canada – Info & Registration
April 12, Peterson Ridge Rumble, Sisters, OR — Info & Registration
May 2, Miwok 100, Stinson Beach, CA — Info & Registration
May 2, Strolling Jim, Wartrace, TN – Info & Registration
May 9, Ice Age Trail 50, Palmyra, WI – Info & Registration
June 13, Laurel Highlands Ultra, Ohiopyle, PA — Info & Registration
July 17, Cascade Crest 100 Mile, Easton, WA — Info & Registration
July 17-19, Vermont 100, Stamford, VT – Info & Registration
Aug., 1, Waldo 100K Trail Run, Oakridge, OR — Info & Registration
Aug. 15, Tamalpa Headlands 50K, Sausalito, CA — Info & Registration
Sept. 19, The Plain 100, Leavenworth, WA — Info & Registration
Oct. 10, 2026 Le Grizz, Polebridge, MT — Registration & Info
Oct. 17, Man Against Horse Race, Prescott, AZ — Info & Registration
Nov. 21, JFK 50, Washington, DC — Info & Registration
Dec. 6, Pine Mountain Trail Run, Pine Mountain, GA — Info & Registration
Jan. 16-17, 2027, H.U.R.T. 100, Honolulu, HI — 2026 Results
Jan. 23, 2027, Mountain Mist 50K Trail Run, Huntsville, AL — 2026 Results
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