Bel Monte Endurance Races

Bel Monte Endurance Races

Bel Monte Endurance Races are spring mountain trail events held in the Blue Ridge Mountains on March 20, 2027. The event program includes three distances:

• 50 mile trail race
• 50k trail race
• 25k trail race

The course runs mainly on trails in the George Washington National Forest. Less than one mile at the start is on pavement; the rest is trail, jeep road and gravel. The route is roughly 65 percent single track, about 30 percent jeep and gravel road, and under 5 percent pavement. Climbs are a notable feature; the longest sustained climb on the 50 mile and the 25k is about 5.5 miles. The route can change from year to year. All three races are UTMB index races. The start and finish are located at Sun Retreats, where cabins are available. Nearby Shenandoah Acres provides cabins, camping and RV parking.

Aid stations are stocked with a variety of single serve items and do not use communal M&M bowls. The event operates with a team of staff and volunteers, including course sweepers. Entries are limited. The races are organized by Bad to the Bone Sports, which has produced events since 2001. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.