Blues Cruise

Blues Cruise 50K Trail Ultramarathon and Relay

This event marks the 21st anniversary of the Blues Cruise 50K Trail Ultramarathon. The course circles Blue Marsh Lake near Reading, PA, and follows a roughly 31-mile loop that passes through woods and fields with rolling hills and single-track sections. Less than 0.5 miles of the route uses public roadway. The course includes one major climb called the Ski Slope with about 240 feet of vertical gain and one optional water crossing that can be run through or avoided via a bridge.

The event features seven themed aid stations that are stocked and serviced by local ultrarunners. A strict overall time limit of nine hours is enforced. Aid stations 5, 6, and 7 have specific cutoffs to meet that deadline, and a sweep vehicle will be available for runners who are cut; a wait for pickup should be expected. Camping is available for a small fee.

Relay teams of 2-4 runners divide the 50K into four legs. Team captains register the team and each runner registers individually. Approximate leg distances are 4.7 miles, 13.3 miles, 7.1 miles, and 6.75 miles. Prizes are awarded to the fastest relay teams. Post-race provisions include a buffet, drinks, physical therapy staff, and finisher swag. Race shirts are ordered for registrants signed up by August 31. Registration closes September 28 at 11:59 PM ET.

Optional refund coverage is available through a third-party Refund Guarantee that reimburses individual entrants who cannot participate for covered reasons; it does not cover event cancellation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.