The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge • Cliff Cave

The Cliff Cave 50 Mile Challenge invites endurance enthusiasts to navigate through the rugged trails and limestone bluffs of Cliff Cave Park. This continuous race is part of The Next Loop Endurance Series, offering runners an immersive experience on a scenic 3.1-mile loop that winds its way through dense forests and rocky outcrops.
Competitors will complete 16 laps over the course of approximately 50 miles, with each lap featuring fully stocked aid stations every five kilometers to ensure seamless access to fuel and hydration. The race is designed for strategic pacing, mental resilience, and continuous effort, culminating in a firm 12-hour cutoff that challenges runners to maintain steady energy levels throughout.
Participants can stage their gear at either their vehicle or the designated athlete area within the park, allowing them to focus on dialing in their strategy lap by lap. Pacers are permitted after 4:00 PM, providing additional support as the race progresses into its later stages.
The Cliff Cave 50 Mile Challenge caters specifically to ultra runners seeking a loop-based format with consistent aid station coverage and dedicated athlete staging areas. It is ideal for athletes who value pacing precision, strategic planning, and crew accessibility during long-distance events. With age group divisions available—Open, Masters (ages 50-69), and Grand Masters (70+)—the race offers a competitive yet supportive atmosphere tailored to the needs of endurance runners.
This event promises raw, focused ultra experience where every loop is an opportunity for growth and achievement in one of Missouri's most picturesque trail settings.