Prepare for an exhilarating challenge at the Ouachita Switchbacks, set for January 17, 2026, in Hodgen, OK. Widely regarded as "Oklahoma's toughest and most beautiful ultra," this race offers distances of 50K, 25K, and 10M, promising an unforgettable journey through the rugged and scenic Ouachita Mountains. The course is almost entirely technical singletrack, winding along the Ouachita Trail and marked clearly by blue blazes. Runners will confront substantial elevation changes, including a highlight ascent up Winding Stair Mountain featuring 33 grueling switchbacks that provide incredible, unexpected views of Oklahoma's wilderness. Expect diverse terrain, from rocky sections to numerous creek and even a small river crossing, all beneath a canopy of cedar and oak.

The Ouachita Switchbacks course is known for its difficulty, with the 50K boasting 4763 feet of elevation gain and the 25K challenging runners with 2982 feet. A notable landmark on the course is a spectacular rock glacier, serving as the turnaround point for the 10-mile race. Aid stations are strategically placed, including fully stocked stations at the Highway 259 Trailhead and Horsethief Springs, with a more limited (but often featuring hot food) aid station at the summit of Winding Stair Mountain. For the 50K, a self-service turnaround aid station requires runners to tear a page from a book as proof of completion. After conquering the trails, runners can look forward to a vibrant post-race celebration at the Pashubee Trailhead, complete with a warm fire, vegetable soup, chili, hot dogs, and cornbread, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.

Typical race day conditions in mid-January can see highs around 49°F and lows near 27°F, with a modest 13% chance of precipitation, creating a crisp and invigorating atmosphere for your run. Runners consistently praise the Ouachita Switchbacks for its "rugged, remote, and low key affair" feel, friendly race community, and generous swag, which often includes hoodies for all participants, custom finisher mugs, and trucker hats for 50K finishers. With its challenging yet rewarding trails and beautiful scenery, the Ouachita Switchbacks is a premier event for those seeking to test their limits and experience the hidden beauty of the Ouachita National Forest.