Crystal Springs Ultra Races

Event overview

The Crystal Springs Ultra Races take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the Crystal Springs Recreation Area in Wytheville, Virginia. The event uses looped trail courses that run on High Rocks Spur Trail, Boundary Trail, Crystal Springs Loop Trail and connecting routes. Trails are technical in some areas. Registration closes August 7. Packet pickup is scheduled the day before in downtown Wytheville.

Distances

• 12-hour option - loop length 12.8 miles, 2,008 ft elevation gain per loop
• 6-hour option - same loop as 12-hour (12.8 miles, 2,008 ft per loop)
• 3-hour (Crystal Light) - Crystal Springs Loop 2.1 miles, 351 ft elevation gain per loop
• The Leftovers Option - limited entry, no shirt, includes leftover medal and bib

Course and logistics

The longer loop follows Crystal Springs Loop Trail to Boundary Trail to High Rocks Spur Trail to High Rocks Trail to a fire road, then returns via Boundary Trail and Waterline to the finish. There is limited parking at Crystal Springs; participants are required to use a race shuttle between the shuttle parking area and the start area. Start line address is 723 Pump Hollow Road; shuttle parking address is 180 Pump Hollow Road.

Aid, rules and other details

This is a cupless race; runners must carry a collapsible cup or bottle. Aid stations offer PB&J sandwiches, bananas, pretzels, cookies, hard candy, a limited number of gels, and hot food at select stations. No refunds of entry fees; transfers and limited rollovers allowed under stated conditions. Awards are given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall in Male, Female, and Nonbinary categories. Volunteers earn a race shirt and may earn transferable race-entry credits with sufficient volunteer hours. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.