Coopers Rock 50 Km

Event overview

The Coopers Rock Foundation is hosting a nighttime trail run at Coopers Rock State Forest on April 25, 2026. The event offers two distances:

• 50 km
• Half marathon (21 km)

The 50 km course uses nearly every trail on the south side of the forest, includes several overlooks of Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake, features large boulder formations, and has about 5000 feet of elevation gain. The half marathon follows a shorter version of the same trails with about 2000 feet of elevation gain. Neither course uses repeating loops.

Course, aid stations and rules

The 50 km course has six aid stations and the half marathon has three; aid stations are spaced about 3 to 7 miles apart and provide standard ultra food and drinks. Runners must carry water and food between stations and are encouraged to bring their own collapsible cup. Both events have cutoff limits (50 km: 9 hours 30 minutes total; half marathon: 5 hours total). Missing a cutoff requires following event staff instructions and leaving the course.

Because this is a night event, participants are required to carry a light source plus a backup, carry the cell phone number given at registration, install the Caltopo app for tracking, and be at least 18 years old. Pacers are not permitted. Crewing is restricted near Aid Station #3; drop bags are allowed for 50 km runners at Picnic Shelter #1.

Logistics and administration

Combined entry is capped at 250. Early registration fees and later fee tiers apply for each distance. Packets are available on race day at the Overlook Area. Entrants who register by March 8, 2026 will receive a technical shirt; shirts must be picked up in person. A 70% refund is available through March 8, 2026; transfers to another runner are allowed until April 17, 2026. Awards go to top men and women finishers and all finishers receive a finisher gift. Campsites and nearby lodging are available at Coopers Rock and nearby campgrounds. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.