Baker Trail Ultrachallenge

Baker Trail Ultrachallenge : Northern section, 2026

The Baker Trail UltraChallenge is a point-to-point 50-mile ultramarathon held on the Baker Trail in northwestern Pennsylvania. The 2026 edition covers the Northern section of the trail and is routed through deep forest, single-track that overlaps with the North Country Trail, and areas of Cook Forest. The course includes approximately 6,200 feet of climbing and follows varied surfaces, including footpaths, dirt roads, and paved country roads with occasional narrow shoulders.

The event accepts both individuals and relay teams of up to five members. Finishers who complete the race within the event cutoff receive a piece of a three-piece commemorative medal; completing all three yearly sections earns a holder to display the full set.

Basecamp operations are run from the Brookville Evangelical Methodist Church at 30 White Street, Brookville, PA, and include participant check-in, packet pickup, drop-bag collection, camping with porta-johns, shuttle service to the start, parking, and the finish area with a post-race picnic. Participant check-in is mandatory and is offered in both an evening slot and a race-morning slot.

The race organizer offers free guided training runs to help participants learn the course and test nutrition and hydration strategies. Training dates in 2026 are July 24, July 26, and August 1. The event maintains equity and inclusion guidelines, including reserved spots for women and policies for transgender and nonbinary participants and pregnancy and adoption deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.