The Dirty Dozen
Are you ready to join the ranks of the Dirty Dozen? In the heart of New York City’s Forest Park, an ultra challenge awaits that tests not only your endurance but your grit. The Dirty Dozen 50K isn’t just another looped race—it’s a battle of mind and body, packed into one of NYC’s most deceptively hilly green spaces. Whether you're an ultra veteran or a brave newcomer, this is your mission if you choose to accept it.
Course
The course consists of a 2.5-mile loop along the scenic Orange Trail, completed counterclockwise for a total of 12 laps. While it may seem tame on paper, don’t be fooled—each loop packs in 300 feet of elevation, amounting to a cumulative climb that’s no joke. You'll weave through shaded woods, rolling terrain, and the quiet pockets of Forest Park that make you forget you're still within city limits. The familiar rhythm of the loop becomes both your comfort and your challenge as the miles add up.
Aid Stations
After every loop, you’ll pass a fully stocked aid station offering hydration, nutrition, and encouragement to keep your engine running. Volunteers will be there with smiles, supplies, and support—ready to help you push through to the next lap.
Runner Experience
Expect a grassroots, no-frills atmosphere filled with tough, gritty runners who thrive on challenge and camaraderie. This race is part competition, part community—and 100% fun. Whether you're chasing a PR or just trying to finish all 12 loops within the 8-hour cutoff, you’ll be cheered on every step of the way. The repetitive nature of the course creates a unique bond between runners, volunteers, and spectators alike. And at the end, you'll have more than just tired legs—you’ll have earned your place in the Dirty Dozen.
Practical Details
Registration is open now, and space is limited. The race takes place on August 23 in Forest Park, Queens—easy to reach by public transportation or car. Be sure to arrive early for bib pickup and race briefing. Weather in late August can be unpredictable, so come prepared for heat, humidity, or sudden rain. And yes, you'll want trail shoes—those hills are real.
About the Organizers
The Dirty Dozen 50K is organized by a passionate team of New York-based ultrarunners who believe in creating grassroots, accessible, and tough-as-nails races within the five boroughs. Their mission is to challenge runners while building community—and Forest Park is their proving ground.
Event's current local time: 6:23 AM ET
