FORMAT
50 Mile and 50K trail races.
The North Fork 50 Mile and 50K
The North Fork 50 Mile/50K is 100% trails, mainly single track and some double track, starting and finishing along lovely Buffalo Creek, in the mountains about 50 miles southwest of Denver.
This is a pure ultra, a very special and unique race, deliberately kept small so each runner gets personal attention.
There are no non-ultra distances and no crowds on the beautiful trails.
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Elevation Gain/Change
- 50K = 3,890/7,780 ft.
- 50 Mile = 6,640/13,280 ft.
Weather
- Date: First weekend in June
- Avg: Low: 35
- Avg High: 69
- Record Low: 24 (2007)
- Record High: 87 (2012)
- Avg Precipitation: 1.90”
- Avg Snow: NA
Parking
Parking will be at the Start/Finish area with detailed maps/instructions in the race guide. PLEASE CARPOOL! Space is limited, and this will ensure our volunteers can get everyone parked before the race starts.
Cup-Free Racing
In an effort to minimize trash on the trails, North Fork 50 is a CUP-FREE RACE. We will not provide paper cups for water and electrolyte drink, and all runners will be responsible for carrying their own refillable hand-held bottle or hydration system. Paper cups will be provided for soda, however you will be required to throw your cup away before leaving the aid station. Also, following the trail runner mantra of “leave no trace”, any runner found intentionally littering on the trail will be disqualified from the race.
Drop Bags
Runners may have a drop bag on course at the Buffalo Trailhead Aid Station. (Miles 27.5 & 36.7 for the 50 Mile. Mile 18.3 for the 50K.)
Course Cutoffs
| Buffalo AS – 5:15pm | Miller Gulch AS – 6:25pm | Miller Gulch AS (2X) – 7:25pm | Finish Line – 9:00pm | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50M | Mile 36.7 (2nd time) | Mile 41.0 | Mile 44.7 | Mile 50.2 |
| 50K | Mile 18.3 | Mile 22.6 | Mile 26.3 | Mile 31.8 |
Pacing & Crewing
Pacers are not allowed, and runners may receive crew support from designated aid stations ONLY. With ample aid stations for the 50 Mile (9) and 50K (6) and a drop bag on course, this race is very well supported and pacers & crew are really not needed. Spectators may hike up Buffalo Creek Rd. to join their runner for the final mile into the finish line.
Aid Station Grub
- Water
- Gatorade
- Soda
- Cookies
- Fig Newtons
- Pretzels
- Chips/Crackers
- M&M’s/Skittles
- PB&J Sandwiches
- Bean Tortilla Wraps
- Bananas, Oranges, Watermelon
50 Miles or 50K, 100% Trails!
Registration
- LET’S GO!
- EARLY BIRD (Thru 2/28)
- REGULAR (3/1 – 4/30)
- LATE (5/1 – 5/28)
- WEEK OF (5/29 – Race)
- 50 Mile
- $155
- $165
- $175
- $185
- 50K
- $135
- $145
- $155
- $165
Proceeds of the race benefit the North Fork Volunteer Fire Department, which protects this scenic area and for whom the race is named, Dumb Friends League animal shelters, and Tunnel to Towers Foundation for military & first responders.
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Results
Record Holders
| Women – 50 Mile | Men – 50 Mile | Women – 50K | Men – 50K | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | Elizabeth Gold (2017) 8:30:21 | Michael Hewitt (2017) 7:17:58 | Margaret Walsh (2017) 4:28:17 | Gabe Joyes (2019) 4:01:05 |
| 29 and under | Maria Petzold (2010) 8:33:47 | Davis Gaul (2016) 8:37:25 | Marianne Hogan (2016) 4:41:03 | Jeff Cuno (2019) 4:19:37 |
| 30-39 | Leila Degrave (2010) 8:45:58 | Zachary King (2019) 7:19:40 | Margaret Walsh (2017) 4:28:17 | Gabe Joyes (2019) 4:01:05 |
| 40-49 | Elizabeth Gold (2017) 8:30:21 | Michael Hewitt (2017) 7:17:58 | Kelly Harrington (2012) 5:09:29 | Chuck Radford (2014) 4:18:49 |
| 50-59 | Cindy Stonesmith (2014) 9:17:09 | Daniel Schmidt (2010) 8:38:37 | Cindy Stonesmith (2015) 5:37:43 | Corky Dean (2012) 4:54:55 |
| 60-69 | Keith Grimes (2019) 10:55:14 | Jane Potter (2011) 6:45:05 | Mark Perkins (2014) 5:58:29 | |
| 70 and over | Suzi Cope (2019) 13:59:51 | Alfred Bogenhuber (2015) 7:19:03 |
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