 Map Decades ago, huge coal trains steamed up and down these trails. Those trains didn't turn quickly. If you can imagine those locomotives, you can picture most of the course--wide, sweeping turns and few elevation changes. There are, though, a few detours. Sometime within this past year's rainy season, some of the course washed away down the Starucca Creek and probably all the way to the Atlantic, and these sections are now closed to the public, which includes us. So, we've had to make adjustments to the first couple miles. Race veterans will be disappointed to notice that the course no longer features the rickety old bridge of terror. Instead, there's a nice new hill. So, please check out the map. This map is a rough draft. We'll notify all entrants when the course is finalized. Distance Options This year, the 50-mile option is back. So, each runner can enter to run 50, 100, or 200 official miles.
Terrain Beginning at the Starrucca Viaduct in Lanesboro, PA, the course is a somewhat challenging series of out-and-back laps, mostly on stony, unimproved rail trail. Although four-wheeler traffic has made two nice gravel tracks along much of the course, there are areas where rocks are impossible to avoid. Because many sections are rocky, decent trail-running shoes are recommended for most runners. Gaiters can help to keep out the gravel and cinders. The overall elevation change is gradual, and there are two dips where trestles (bridges) used to be. Including the Bucks Falls section, the total elevation change is about 950 feet for each 12.5-mile section. From the start to the turnaround, it's up, and it's down for the return. There's also a new hill near the start, due to the course change. The course map has a profile graph below it. Weather The daytime high temperatures are usually in the range of 70 to 100 degrees F. The day will probably be humid. During midday hours under a cloudless sky, significant periods of direct sunlight are unavoidable. Please bring lots of fluids and electrolytes to drink on course run. In the weeks before the race, any heat training or midday running that you could do would also probably improve your results. During the morning, late afternoon, and evening, the trees provide plenty of shade. At night, it generally drops about 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit from what it was during the day. Clear nights are usually cooler than cloudy ones. To sum up, plan on wearing summer running attire during the day and mild-winter gear for the night. Wildlife Wildlife encountered in past Viaduct Ultras: bees, whitetail deer, black bears, off-leash dogs, cooper hawks, turkeys, crows, bluebirds, squirrels, chipmunks, bunnies, newts, bats, millipedes, and a skunk that mercifully let runners pass unmarked. Not yet encountered but possible: bobcats, coyotes, owls, rattlesnakes, eagles, and many others. Although we have yet to have a serious animal-caused injury, carrying pepper spray and bee-sting remedy are smart self-defense options. Just don't try to mace the bees. Facilities There are permanent outdoor pit toilets in Luciana Park, near the start/finish. For any unplanned stops along the course, make sure that you're well off the trail and use good wilderness techniques to cover it all up. Getting Here GPS coordinates for the start/finish (pulled from findlatitudeandlongitude.com): Latitude: 41° 57.923 Longitude: -75°34.968 Here are some driving directions: From Thompson, PA (the town in which the course turnaround is located):
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