Elkhorn Crest 50

Elkhorn Crest 50

Elkhorn Crest 50 is a trail ultramarathon held in Sumpter, Oregon, with two distance options. The course runs along the Elkhorn Mountain ridgeline through sub-alpine forests and grasslands and offers panoramic views of Baker Valley, the Wallowas, and the Blue Mountains. The ridgeline section has an average elevation above 7,200 ft and combines smooth single track with rocky, technical sections. The 50 Miler includes roughly 10,500 ft of climbing and almost 11,000 ft of loss over about 53 miles. The route has sustained climbs and descents where it veers off the Crest Trail.

The 50K follows the same route as the 53 miler for much of the course, departs near Aid Station 3 to finish sooner, passes Lost Lake, loops around Summit Lake, and includes about 6,500 ft of elevation gain and 7,100 ft of loss. The event is cupless to minimize waste.

Because of the remote mountain environment, participants must have completed a trail ultramarathon before race day; registration is allowed before meeting this requirement but it must be fulfilled prior to the event. Mandatory gear that each runner must carry at all times includes the ability to carry 1.5 liters of fluid, a jacket (for example a Houdini), an emergency blanket, and a headlamp with extra batteries.

No transfers to another runner are allowed. Cancelling at least 30 days before the race receives a 50% credit toward next year; there is no refund if cancellation is less than 30 days before the race. If the organizer must cancel and the event cannot be rescheduled, refunds or credits will not be given. Proceeds benefit the Baker City high school cross country and track team. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.