Elizabeth Furnace 50K
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Elizabeth Furnace 50 km
The Elizabeth Furnace 50 km is a mountain trail event held near the northern end of the Massanutten range. The course covers 30.5 miles with about 6,400 feet of total ascent and descent and runs mostly on technical single track with some fire road sections. Much of the route is forested and includes rocky, rolling ridge trails and exposed stream crossings in the Mudhole Gap area that can become significant in wet years. Snow and unpredictable late winter conditions are possible.
Aid is limited. Two staffed aid stations are located near 10.3 miles (Mudhole Gap) and 21.8 miles (Elizabeth Furnace). Runners are expected to provide most of their own supplies; the event requests that personal food be sealed and labeled in two bags for the two aid stations. A single common item for aid stations is also requested from each runner. Volunteers staff the aid stations and the finish area.
The course is marked only by trail blazes and contains many turns, including two ascents and descents over Meneka Peak. Organizers provide a downloadable turnsheet and a GPX file; the turnsheet will not be available at the start and is intended to be carried in printed form. Because some junctions are marked only by colored blazes, navigation demands familiarity with unmarked, technical mountain trails. Entry is limited to 75 runners and opens January 24, 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
