About

The Hook Mountain Ultra began as a physical challenge, but has become an official running event sanctioned by USATF and organized by trail runners for trail runners. In 2025 we had 15 starters, and 0 finishers due to time. Our goal is to organically grow the event while keeping the community group run vibes. This event is for the athlete who wants to test themselves at the 50 mile or marathon distance, needs a qualifier for another event, or is simply looking for an adventure close to home without breaking the bank. You are enough if you start, you are enough if you complete 1 loop or all 4, but only athletes who complete the full 50 mile or 27 mile courses will be listed as official finishers. We will continue to update this registration page with more information leading up to the run. If you have any questions, please email the race director: Phil Germakian at PGERMAKIAN@GMAIL.COM

Course Description

The Hook Mountain Ultra is a 50 mile trail race with approx. 9,700 feet of elevation gain! Our course is trail running heaven offering big climbs, exposed ridges, winding singletrack, scenic river views, runnable gravel, and steep descents! The 50 mile event is intended for experienced ultra runners. If you are new to ultrarunning, please consider our 27 mile Mountain Marathon!

The 50 mile course begins with a 4 mile out and back to spread out the field before entering the singletrack trail, followed by four consecutive 11.5 mile loops that gain 2,431 feet of elevation per loop. The 27 mile marathon option has approx. 4,900 feet of elevation gain! It begins with the same 4 mile out and back, followed by two consecutive 11.5 mile loops that gain 2,431 feet of elevation per loop.

11.5 Mile Loop Strava Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/14437500324

Each loop starts and finishes at the Nyack Beach State Park trailhead, and begins with a 1.6 miles climb to the summit of Hook Mountain.
Starting from the trailhead parking lot, you run North along the Hudson River on the bike path trail for 2 miles, then return. On the return you will make a right turn at AS#1 onto the Summit Trail (White Blaze), stay to the left at the first junction to continue up. After about 1 mile this trail ends, and make a sharp right turn onto the Long Path Trail (Aqua Blaze), which you follow up and down along the top of the Palisades ridge line. At about 3.8 miles in, you will come to AS#2 and the only road crossing on the loop (Landing Road). Go across it and continue on the Long Path Trail (Aqua Blaze) for an additional 2.7 miles. At about 6.5 miles into the loop you will turn right off the Long Path onto the Treason Trail (White Blaze) down to the river. This is a technical and steep 1/2 mile descent back down to the river trail. When this trail ends, turn right onto the gravel bike path, and you will see AS#3. Leaving the Aid Station continue South 4.5 miles back to the start and AS#1. Repeat this loop 3 more times for 50 Milers and 1 more time for Marathoners, and you are finished! Congratulations! There is a 14 hour cut-off time, because the fun has to end sometime. This decision is to keep you safe, so nobody is out running ridges in the dark. If you don’t finish within 14 hours you will be counted as a DNF. 50 Milers will also have a 7-hour cut-off at mile 27.

Aid Station

There will be 3 aid stations set-up on the 11.5 mile looping course that you will pass every 3 to 4.5 miles.
Aid Station #1 will be set-up at the start of the loop along the River Trail. 50 Milers will pass this aid station 4 times at miles 4, 15.5, 27, 38.5. Marathoners will pass this aid station 2 times at miles 4 and 15.5.
Aid Station #2 will be set-up 3.8 miles into the loop when the Long Path Trail crosses Landing Road. 50 Milers will pass this aid station 4 times at miles 7.8, 19.3, 30.8, 42.3. Marathoners will pass this aid station 2 times at miles 7.8 and 19.3.
Aid Station #3 will be set-up 7 miles into the loop when the Treason Trail ends at the River Trail. 50 Milers will pass this aid station 4 times at miles 11, 22.5, 34, 45.5. Marathoners will pass this aid station 2 times at miles 11 and 22.5.

All aid stations will be stocked with water, sports drink, and energy gels. You can store your own personal drop bag at Aid Station #1 as well. Please label your bag clearly with your race number. There is also a water fountain, and bathrooms nearby at the Nyack Beach parking lot.

Crewing: is allowed at Aid Station #2 Only, due to parking limitations. Please abide by parking signs along Landing Road.
Address in Google Maps for AS#2:
88 Landing Road
Valley Cottage, NY 10989

Parking & Lodging

In 2026, we have partnered with the Marydell Retreat Center to help us with race day parking and overnight accommodations for race participants. Their parking area is a quarter mile from the Nyack Beach State Park entrance. There will be signage to direct you to the parking area on race day morning.

If needed, you can call them to reserve lodging for the weekend of Sept. 18-20. Cabins that sleep up to 4 adults with a private bathroom can be reserved for $95/night. Their information:

Marydell Faith & Life Center
640 North Midland Avenue
Upper Nyack, NY 10960
845-358-5399
Website: www.marydell.org

Event's current local time: 10:00 AM ET