Embark on an epic journey through the heart of Pennsylvania's wilderness at the Laurel Highlands Ultra, set for June 13, 2026, starting in scenic Ohiopyle, PA. This historic event, celebrating its 47th running for the 70.5-mile course and 21st for the 50K, challenges runners with both individual and relay options for each distance, traversing the rugged and acclaimed Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Typical race day conditions in mid-June offer pleasant highs around 79°F and lows near 56°F, with a 20% chance of precipitation to potentially add to the adventure.

The Laurel Highlands Ultra is renowned as a true test of grit and endurance, taking participants on a point-to-point adventure across technical singletrack trails laden with rocks, roots, and challenging climbs. The 70.5-mile course, extending from Ohiopyle to Seward, PA, boasts an impressive elevation gain often exceeding 9,000 feet, while the 50K finishes at the 31-mile mark near Route 31, accumulating over 6,000 feet of ascent. The initial miles are particularly demanding, featuring the majority of the significant climbing and technical terrain. Beyond the strenuous physical demands, runners are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, including vast forests, fern-laden trails, rhododendron tunnels, and monolithic boulders, making it one of the prettiest stretches of running in the East.

This race holds a special place in the ultrarunning community, known for its rugged charm and as one of the few East Coast qualifiers for prestigious events like the Western States Endurance Run and Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. Aid stations, though strategically placed, are spaced further apart than many ultras, demanding self-sufficiency and careful planning, but they are typically well-stocked with a variety of fuel options to keep runners going. Finishers are uniquely awarded a wooden obelisk, a distinctive trophy reflecting the race's character and deep roots in the Pennsylvania trail scene. The Laurel Highlands Ultra promises not just a race, but a profound exploration of personal limits amidst spectacular natural beauty.