Sweltering Summer Ultra

Event overview

The Sweltering Summer Ultra is an annual 8-hour track event held at Clapp Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The event uses an 8-hour time limit for all participants; no partial laps count. The event is described as walker friendly and 8-hour entrants may run or walk as many laps as they choose. Runners receive a marathon split for their first 74 laps.

Course and support

The course is a certified dirt and cinder track with a 0.355-mile loop. Racers start counter-clockwise and switch directions at the 4-hour mark. Participants may use the full width of the track and run on the outside grass surface. Chip timing is provided by MCM Timing with a live leaderboard. A trackside bottle drop system provides individual table space and a no-contact bottle refill for water and sports drink. Prepackaged food items are available, runners may set up personal areas along the course (must be 3 feet from the outside edge of the track), and ice pops and afternoon pizza are provided during the event.

Competition, awards and proceeds

Overall awards and age-division awards are given, with divisions for 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 handed out. The event is part of the BURCS BADASS race series with points and cumulative awards. Proceeds benefit the AYJ Fund. A virtual option may be offered with an eligible date window of August 1 to August 14; virtual entrants must provide proof of distance and are not eligible for age-group awards. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.