Pony Express Trail Run

Event overview

The Pony Express Trail 50 and 100 is an ultramarathon held in the west desert of Utah on the historic Pony Express Trail. The 2025 running is scheduled for October 17, 2025. Distances offered:

• 100 miles
• 50 miles

The course runs entirely on dirt roads and has about 3,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Finish awards include belt buckles for 100-mile finishers and medallions for 50-mile finishers. Registration is open for the 2025 race.

Course and logistics

Both races start at Lookout Campground west of Faust, UT. The 100-mile course goes out to Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge and returns, finishing at Simpson Springs. The 50-mile course follows the same initial route and finishes at the Blackrock Pony Express station site.

The course is remote and crew support is required. Crews typically "leapfrog" runners and provide food and drink; sharing crews is allowed but shared crews must keep the paired runners together or within four miles or face disqualification. Pacers and bicycles are allowed to pace. There are no staffed aid stations; water is available at mile 16.4 (Simpson Springs). Timing checkpoints are at Simpson Springs, Dugway Topaz Well, Blackrock, and Fish Springs. Cell coverage is spotty; checkpoints have ham radios and internet. Camping is permitted at the start area on BLM land; porta-potties are provided at the start and Blackrock. Crews should carry spare tire tools and be prepared for rough road spots. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.