Surf the Murph
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Surf the Murph - Murphy-Hanrehan Park
Surf the Murph is a trail race held at Murphy-Hanrehan Park. The course is suburban and runs on trails with about two miles of single track; the south end behaves like single track because of horses, and one mile on the south end is half gravel and half asphalt. Each loop measures 16.7 miles and the terrain includes rolling hills, wooded trails, prairie and a beaver dam. The course has a difficulty rating of 3 and a terrain rating of 3. Course marking is on the left with flags and off-trail running is not allowed.
Distances:
- 5K - completes one loop of the 10K course.
- 10K - follows main course with two extra turns per lap.
- 25K - one loop (16.7 miles).
- Marathon - one loop plus 9.5 miles of additional trail.
- 50K - two loops.
- 50 Mile - three loops.
There are four official aid stations offering pre-packaged snacks, water, firepits and portable restrooms; aid locations include Start/Finish, North (2.9 miles), Horse Camp (5.6 and 13 miles) and Natchez (9.9 miles). Drop bags are allowed at the Start/Finish and Horse Camp aid stations. Pacers are permitted with organizer check-in at packet pickup and at the trail head building; muling is not allowed.
Registration opens June 1 and closes October 16; each registration includes a commemorative shirt and a branded finisher award. No refunds or bib transfers are issued. Flashlights or headlamps are needed at the beginning and sometimes the end of the race. The event runs rain or shine, though organizers may delay or cancel for park closure or unsafe conditions. Spectators can view runners at the Start/Finish and Horse Camp, both of which have parking. Trail users are asked not to leave trash on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
