Embark on an extraordinary running experience at the Salt Flats Endurance Runs, set for May 1, 2026, in the iconic expanse of Wendover, UT. Offering distances for every ambitious runner, from a swift 5K to challenging 50K, 50M, 100K, and the ultimate 100M ultra, this event plunges you into a landscape unlike any other. Starting and finishing at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats Speedway, where land-speed records are etched into history, runners will spend the initial 13 miles traversing the brilliant white, hard salt crust, followed by a stretch of mud-flats. Typical race day conditions in early May often see comfortable highs around 64F and lows near 33F, with a minimal 5% chance of precipitation, though the desert environment can offer unpredictable weather from warm to cold.

The course then evolves as you reach the "Islands," mountain peaks that dramatically rise from the salt, creating a surreal, almost lunar landscape that some describe as "magnificent desolation". While the 50K offers one of the flattest trail courses imaginable, reversing its path from the "No Post" Aid Station, the longer 50M, 100K, and 100M routes introduce significant climbs and rolling hills across 95% unpaved terrain. The 100-miler takes you even further, crossing into Nevada along a historic emigrant trail. Aid stations are strategically placed, with numerous manned and unmanned stops to support your journey, though crew access is restricted at some points, and 50K runners will need to be self-sufficient as drop bags are not permitted for this distance.

Runners consistently praise the incredible organization and the dedicated volunteers who make this challenging event possible. Prepare for direct sun exposure, as shade is minimal, and potentially persistent winds that can chap the skin; proper hydration, sun protection, and gaiters are highly recommended. The stark, wide-open vistas, though stunning, present a unique mental test, with optical illusions making distant aid stations appear deceptively close. However, the payoff is immense, including breathtaking views and, for the ultra-distances, a phenomenal, light-pollution-free night sky. The Salt Flats Endurance Runs promise an unforgettable journey through one of America's most distinctive natural wonders.