Dirty Dozen 50K

The Dirty Dozen 50K returns to New York City on August 29th, offering a grueling yet rewarding challenge for endurance runners of all levels in Forest Park's scenic Orange Trail loop.
Located within the heart of Queens, this race unfolds along the hilly and wooded stretches of the trail. At dawn on race day, runners will encounter an atmosphere tinged with early morning light filtering through dense foliage and the quiet anticipation that comes before a long-distance event begins. The air can be humid even in cooler temperatures, with occasional drizzle or sunbreaks adding to the unpredictable conditions.
Since its inception, the Dirty Dozen has become a cornerstone of New York's ultra-running community, attracting hundreds of participants each year who push their limits for eight hours on a challenging course. Over the years, it has evolved into more than just a race—it’s a celebration of grit and camaraderie among runners and volunteers alike.
The 50K route consists of twelve laps around a 2.5-mile loop in Forest Park, featuring rolling terrain that accumulates over 3600 feet of elevation gain throughout the course. Each lap includes steep climbs followed by gentle descents through shaded woodland paths where quiet pockets allow for brief respites from the relentless pace.
Aid stations are strategically placed at the end of each loop to provide essential supplies such as water, energy gels, and snacks. Volunteers offer enthusiastic support, ensuring runners have everything they need to continue their journey across challenging terrain under varied weather conditions.
Weather in Forest Park during late August can range widely from mild temperatures with lower humidity levels early morning to hotter days by mid-morning accompanied by higher UV exposure due to clear skies. Runners should prepare for potential heat and high humidity as well as the possibility of sudden rain showers that could affect footing on loose trail surfaces.

The Dirty Dozen 50K is a singularly challenging race offering participants an opportunity to test their endurance limits over 31 miles in one of New York’s most scenic urban parks. The event requires thorough preparation, with registration available at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=139049 for $100 per entrant until the cutoff date.
Bib pickup and race briefing take place on-site near My Buddy Statue in Forest Park before the start time of 7am. Participants should bring a valid photo ID to collect their bib number at the designated location. Age requirements vary, but all runners must be prepared for an intense physical challenge across rugged terrain with significant elevation changes.
The Dirty Dozen 50K concludes on August 29th in New York City’s Forest Park. This event stands out not just because of its distance or technical difficulty, but also due to the unique sense of community fostered among participants who support each other through grueling conditions and long miles.