Sheltowee Trace Ultras

A RACE FOR EVERYONE

50M - 50K - 10M

APRIL 27, 2024 | MOREHEAD, KY

on the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail

NOTE: Final results will be posted on Sunday 4/28 to Ultrasignup.com

RACE INFO

GENERAL INFO

The Sheltowee Trace Ultras are run on an out-and-back course that runs from beautiful downtown Morehead to the northern terminus of the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail and back.  50K-ers and 10 Milers turn around sooner.  

This race will give you a little bit of everything:  rolling meadows, steep climbs and descents, rugged terrain, creek crossings, fast forest roads, and amazing spring views of the surrounding Appalachian foothills.  

Pre-Race Bib/SWAG Pickup (Friday)

Friday BIB/SWAG PICKUP

Due to low registration numbers, there will be no Friday packet pickup or check in. Everything is happening on Saturday!

Race Day Check-In & Bib Pickup

Location: Laughlin Building Front Lawn, Morehead State University

Times: 50M: 6:00am-6:50am; 50K: 7:15am-7:50am; 10M: 8:15am-8:50am*

*Runners: Please do not attempt to check in before your allotted time window on race morning!

Last Minute Announcements

Time: 10 minutes before each race’s start time at the start line.

Crews, Pacers, & Drop Bags

Crews

50 Mile runners may have a crew. 50K and 10 Mile runners may not due to parking/traffic limitations. 50 Mile runners can see their crew at two points along the route:

1. Big Perry Aid Station - Mile 10 & 40

PACERS

Only 50 Mile runners may have a pacer. 50 Milers can pick up their pacer at:

1. Big Perry Aid Station - Mile 40

Runners and pacers must plan their own travel and transportation logistics. The race does not offer shuttles for pacers to/from the aid station.

Drop Bags

50 Mile runners and 50K runners may have drop bags. 50 Milers can have 3 drop bags. 50K runners may have 2. Drop bag locations are:

1. Big Perry Aid Station - 50K & 50M

2. Dry Branch Aid Station - 50K & 50M

3. Terminus Aid Station - 50M Only

**Please reference the Event Guide for drop bag requirements and restrictions.

Cupless Race

In accordance with our commitment to be environmentally conscious and leave no trace, the Sheltowee is 100% cupless. Aid stations will not provide cups for runners. Runners will be required to carry their own bottle or cup for water, electrolyte, and soda.

Awards

All finishers receive a finisher award.
Top 3 men and top 3 women in each race receive a special podium award.

There are no age groups or age group awards at the Big Turtle.

COURSE INFO

COURSE UPDATE FOR 2024

Due to road washout, the Elk Lick Aid Station is inaccessible by vehicle and will no longer be a part of the 2024 50 Miler route. Please prepare for the 10 mile stretch between the Dry Branch and Terminus Aid Stations

The Sheltowee Trace Ultra is an out-and-back route along the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail.  All runners start in downtown Morehead on the campus of Morehead State University.  50 Milers will run The Trace all the way from downtown Morehead to the trail’s northern terminus in northern Rowan County.  50k runners will turn around at the Dry Branch Aid Station (mile 15.6) and 10 Milers will turn around at the mile 5 Forestry Ridge Aid Station.

The race will start and finish on the lawn of the Laughlin Building on the campus of Morehead State University.  Runners will run approximately a half mile through the Morehead State University campus before reaching the trailhead at Eagle Lake.

The 50-mile course has approximately 8,000 feet of elevation gain and equal descent.  The 50K course will give you approximately 3,800 feet of elevation gain and equal descent.  10 Milers will see approximately 1,600 feet of elevation gain and descent.* 

*All distances and elevations are based on GPS data and are approximate.
**Downloadable .gpx files can be obtained via the course map above.

Location

The Sheltowee Trace Ultras take place along Kentucky's long trail:  the Sheltowee Trace.  The races will start and finish on the lawn of the Laughlin Building on the campus of Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky.  Race day parking for racers will be available at the University overflow parking lot at East Wilkinson Blvd. and University Blvd.  Runners make a short walk to the Laughlin Building for the start of the race.

For directions to the parking lot use the following address and/or GPS coordinates:

Overflow Parking, University Blvd., Morehead, KY 40351

GPS Coordinates:  38.186480, -83.429045

The start and finish lines are at the Laughlin Building, University Blvd., Morehead, KY 40351. (see Parking map above)

RACE RULES

All runners must abide by and follow the official rules as specified in the Next Opportunity Events Race Participation Policy.

All participants must agree to the Race Participation Policy as part of the registration and waiver process. Please review the rules set forth in the Race Participation Policy to avoid disqualification and to ensure we have a safe, fair, and enjoyable event.

FAQ