Baker Ultra Training Runs

Baker Ultra Training Runs

Three runs in July on this year's 50-mile course.

The 20th Annual Baker Trail UltraChallenge takes place on August 24, 2024. Consider joining us for one (or all) of the training runs this July.  These runs are open to anyone, whether you are registered for the race, on the waitlist or simply a trail runner who wants to share miles with a fun group on a beautiful trail.  We will have pop-up aid stations with water and snacks, simulating the aid stations on race day. Once you register for a training run, you'll be on the email list to receive additional details.  All training run attendees will get Baker Trail UltraChallenge stickers! And there may be a raffle or two! 

Any questions? Email Amy Nelson at Amy.NLSN@yahoo.com

Training Run #1

  • When: Saturday, July 13
  • Time:  7 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 
  • Distance: The first 16 miles of this year's race course (1,800 feet of climbing)
  • RSVP:  click here  (please let us know so we can plan better!)
  • Logistics: Runners will meet at 7:00 a.m. at the training run finish point (AS3 Rt 839).  We will carpool to the starting point (Redbank Valley Trail Parking Lot in Summerville, PA), with the goal of starting our run at 7:30 a.m. 

Training Run #2

  • When: Friday, July 19
  • Time:  7 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 
  • Distance: The next 17 miles of this year's race course (2,800 feet of climbing)
  • RSVP: click here (please let us know so we can plan better!) 
  • Logistics: Runners will meet at 7:00 a.m. at the training run finish point (Dayton/Smicksburg Rd). We will carpool to the starting point (AS3 Rt 839, which is where we left off in Training Run #1) with a goal of starting the run at 7:30 a.m.  

Training Run #3

  • When: Sunday, July 21
  • Time:  7 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 
  • Distance: The final 17 miles of this year's race course. (2,400 feet of climbing)
  • RSVP:  click here (please let us know so we can plan better!)
  • Logistics: Runners will meet at 7:00 a.m. at the training run finish point (Race Finish Line Farm House). We will carpool to the starting point (Dayton/Smicksburg Rd, which is where we left off in Training Run #2) with a goal of starting the run at 7:30 a.m. 
  • Accommodations: new this year, runners are able to rent "The Artist's Cabin" (which is more like a house) that is only 2 miles from where training run #3 ends and also quite close to the finish of training run #2. If you are coming from out of town, you may want to rent the cabin for the entire weekend.  Click here for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Can I still register for the race? 

Answer:  We are sold out but offer a waitlist. Due to the nature of training for a 50-mile race, we expect to see withdraws due to injuries and other conflicts.  We strongly encourage you to put your name on the waitlist if you are interested in running the 50-miler. (The relay event is sold out with no waitlist)  Please go to our registration page on UltraSignUp, click on the Register button and follow directions to get on waitlist. We have a women's division and a men's division to allow for equal space of genders. We also have adopted policies for nonbinary and transgender runners, as described on our registration page. 

Question: Will there be pace groups on the training runs? 

Answer: While we don't have formal pace groups, we have noticed each year that the runners tend to spread out and naturally form pace groups, based on speed.  If you are interested in volunteering on any of these runs as a pace group leader, please email Amy Nelson.   

Question: What if I can't keep up?

Answer: Once you RSVP, you will receive an email with more information including a GPX file of the run.  If you are concerned about pace, you should plan to use the GPX file to help you navigate.  We will also provide a contact number to all participants at the start of the run in case of emergency. (Not to be used as a planned shuttle service.) We are fortunate enough to have dedicated volunteers on these runs who will provide food and water at two locations.  

Question: Is the course easy to follow? 

Answer:  While the trail is marked with yellow blazes, please know that these runs are taking place before our (tireless volunteer) trail stewards have had a chance to refresh blazes on the entire 50 miles.  By race day (August 24), the course will be well marked and cleared of fallen trees. But for the training runs, please know that there could be some faded blazes and high weeds.  If this is something that concerns you, please reconsider attending the run.  

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