Sweltering Summer Ultra

Pittsfield, United States • 8 Aug 2026

Sweltering Summer Ultra

The Sweltering Summer Ultra is an 8-hour timed track event held at Clapp Park, 215 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The course is a certified dirt and cinder track of 0.355 mile per lap. Runners begin counter-clockwise and change running direction at the event midpoint; running the full track width is permitted and use of the outside grass is allowed.

Chip timing is provided and includes a live leaderboard for real-time results. Aid support uses a signature bottle drop and individual table spaces trackside, with a no-contact bottle refill system for water and gatorade and prepackaged food items. Participants may set up personal areas along the course, provided placements are three feet from the outside edge of the track. Mid-morning ice pops and an afternoon pizza pickup are planned.

Awards are presented to overall champions and age divisions: 0-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+. Lifetime longevity and mile awards are also given. All runners receive a marathon split after the first 74 laps.

A virtual race option may be offered with a 12 hour format; virtual runners would be required to provide proof of distance and may pay an additional fee for a shirt. Proceeds benefit the AYJ Fund. Entry deferral for one year is allowed if requested in writing before July 1. Volunteer roles are available for race operations and aid station support. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

8 hr
8 Hours
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

A 15K trail race at Grafton Lakes State Park covering about 9.3 miles with 900 ft of elevation gain. The technical yet runnable spring course can be muddy and is described as accessible for new trail runners.

Hit the trails in Pittsfield State Forest for the Tails & Trails run, supporting local animal rescues. Choose from 50K, 25K, or 5-mile distances on a scenic course through pine woods and past boulders. Camping is available onsite for a full..

Annual May trail races on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail including a marathon, half marathon, 8K and a free kids Mo Mile, with proceeds supporting trail maintenance in Pittsfield and event perks for participants.

Explore the hill towns of western Massachusetts on a mix of trails and dirt roads. Choose from a 50k, 30k, or 10k distance, with all proceeds supporting the Franklin Land Trust's conservation efforts at the scenic Edge Hill Conservation Are..