Crystal Springs Ultra Races

Event details

The Crystal Springs Ultra Races take place on August 8, 2026, at Crystal Springs Recreation Area in Wytheville, Virginia. The event offers multiple timed options: 12 hour, 6 hour, 3 hour (Crystal Light), and The Leftovers Option. Registration closes on August 7. Packet pickup is scheduled the day before at Seven Sisters Brewery in downtown Wytheville. The race is a loop course.

Distances

• 12.8 miles per loop - 2,008 ft gain (12 hour and 6 hour options)
• 2.1 miles per loop - 351 ft gain (3 hour Crystal Light)

Course and logistics

The longer loop follows Crystal Springs Loop Trail to Boundary Trail, High Rocks Spur Trail, High Rocks Trail, a fire road, Boundary Trail, Waterline, then finish. The shorter Crystal Springs Loop can feature a waterfall when there has been sufficient rain. Trails are technical in some areas.

Due to limited parking, participants are required to use a race shuttle; shuttle parking is at 180 Pump Hollow Road. There is no parking at the start line; the start line address is 723 Pump Hollow Road. This is a cupless race - participants must carry a collapsible cup or bottle. Aid stations will offer PB&J sandwiches, bananas, pretzels, Oreos, hard candy, a limited number of gels, and hot food at select locations.

Policies and options

There are no refunds of entry fees. Entries may be transferred to another runner or between distances up to the day before the race, subject to fees for increasing distance. Rollovers are allowed for medical reasons, including pregnancy and post-partum. The Leftovers Option is a reduced package limited to 10 runners and does not include a race shirt. Awards are given for 1st through 3rd overall in Male, Female, and Nonbinary categories. Volunteers who work 3+ hours can earn future race entry credits. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.