Based on data from station USC00367409 (2 mi away)
The Black Forest Ultra, set for October 4, 2026, in the heart of North Bend, Pennsylvania, presents a "diabolically epic" challenge to ultrarunners. This renowned 100K race, often touted as one of the toughest trail ultras in the Northeast, leads participants through the rugged and beautiful Black Forest Trail within the Pennsylvania Wilds. Runners will tackle a brutal lollipop-shaped course boasting over 13,400 feet of elevation gain, with some ascents climbing more than 1,000 feet in under a mile. The course reverses direction each year, with 2026's counter-clockwise route ensuring the major climbs hit earlier in the race, offering astounding vistas of surrounding peaks and valleys ablaze with peak fall colors, traversing through diverse forest types including pine plantations, giant hemlocks, and red spruce.
What truly sets the Black Forest Ultra apart is its raw, unsupported nature. Kicking off with a midnight start, the race enforces a strict 19-hour cutoff and famously prohibits crews, pacers, and spectators, demanding a mandatory kit and fostering a true PA wilderness experience. Runners must carry their own reusable cups for aid stations, which are nonetheless well-stocked with fluids and a variety of foods, with drop bags available at every aid station. Typical race day conditions in early October offer crisp highs around 68°F and lows near 47°F, with a mere 15% chance of precipitation, creating ideal, though challenging, running weather for this demanding event.
The Black Forest Ultra isn't just a race; it's a profound test of grit and endurance, recognized as a Pennsylvania classic and a significant part of the Pennsylvania Triple Crown and Blacklist challenge. Runners consistently describe the challenging terrain, marked by typical Northeastern rocks and roots, as more runnable than anticipated, yet with incredibly steep major climbs that truly test mental fortitude and physical limits. Finishing this 64-mile endeavor is an accomplishment reserved for those who can truly "exorcise their demons" on one of the state's most challenging trails.