Glacier Hills Ultra 50K

The Glacier Hills Ultra 50K returns to Canton, South Dakota on November 7th, offering runners the chance to experience a challenging yet rewarding course through Newton Hills State Park. This event traces its origins back to 2015 when Jay initiated it as the Newton Hills Ultra, aiming to fill an ultra-running void in the area. After transitioning into the hands of Karen, Natalie, and Nancy — known collectively as ‘Tres Hermanas’ — for several years, a group of friends has taken over the event's organization since 2023.
Runners can expect a course that winds through trails within Newton Hills State Park, featuring firm yet slightly soft terrain. The race begins at dawn on November 7th with an early start time to accommodate shared horse trail usage later in the day; thus, all runners must complete their respective distances by 2 PM sharp due to scheduled horserunners taking over from that point onwards. This strict adherence to timing ensures both safety and fairness for participants sharing the course.
Since its inception, the Glacier Hills Ultra has grown steadily each year, becoming a significant part of the ultra-running community in South Dakota. Initially established as a way to encourage runners to take on longer distances, it now supports local trail conservation efforts while fostering camaraderie among competitors who share an appreciation for nature and endurance sports.
The course itself is marked by its diverse terrain within Newton Hills State Park, known locally for its scenic beauty and challenging trails that wind through the woods. Participants will navigate a mix of flat stretches and slight inclines as they traverse approximately 4 miles shared with horse trails before branching off into unique paths specific to each race distance offered.
On November 7th, temperatures are expected to be mild in Canton, South Dakota, with an average UV index around low levels (2.0), making for comfortable running conditions despite the early morning start time of 6 AM and a firm cutoff at 2 PM to clear trails for horserunners. These specific weather parameters should translate into relatively cool but sunny skies without excessive humidity or wind chill factors affecting performance.