Water Gap 50k and Half

Nestled along the Delaware River, the McDade Trail Ultra offers runners an unforgettable adventure through rolling hills and scenic trails. The race begins at Smithfield Beach in Pennsylvania, where participants embark on either a 25K or 50K journey across the Gap's picturesque landscape.
The course is marked with pink survey flags that become more prominent as you approach turns, guiding runners along both rail-trail cinder paths and some singletrack sections. The terrain remains largely flat but offers rolling hills to challenge endurance runners looking for a perfect venue to set personal records or tackle their first ultra race.
Race day starts early at 7:00 AM with packet pickup for the 50K participants, followed by the start of the longer distance event at 8:00 AM. The shorter 25K route begins its registration and run at 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM respectively. Each runner is advised to bring their own cup as this is a cupless course.
The McDade Trail Ultra features three aid stations, providing essential ultra fare including Huma gels and water for runners along the way. Drop bags are available at Bushkill Access for those tackling the full 50K route, allowing them to store extra gear or supplies needed later in their journey. For shorter distance competitors, a drop bag is accessible at the turnaround point.
Upon crossing the finish line, participants can look forward to post-race festivities with food options such as chicken and tofu tacos, potatoes, and black bean salad served up by volunteers. It's an ideal setting for swapping stories of triumphs and challenges faced during the race while enjoying a well-deserved meal.
The McDade Trail Ultra not only celebrates runners but also welcomes volunteer support from friends and family members interested in contributing to the event’s success. Volunteer hours can be redeemed as credits towards future Happily Running events, fostering community engagement among participants and supporters alike.
For those unable to attend on race day, deferral options are available up to 8 weeks before the event start date for a full year of eligibility without losing out entirely due to unforeseen circumstances like military deployment or pregnancy. Full details regarding policies can be found online through Happily Running’s official website.