About
The Hook Mountain Ultra began as a physical challenge, and has become an official running event sanctioned by USATF organized by trail runners for trail runners. Our goal is to organically grow the event while keeping the community group run vibes. Our 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 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! The 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 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 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 miles descent back down to the river. When this trail ends, turn right onto the gravel bike path, and continue South 4.5 miles back to the start. 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 the ridge in the dark. If you don’t finish within 14 hours you will be counted as a DNF.
Aid Station
There will be one aid station set-up at the start/finish area. You will stop at this aid station 5 times to refuel and record your lap time when you complete each loop. The aid station will be stocked with water, sports drink, and energy gels. You can store your own personal drop bag here as well. There is also a water fountain, and bathrooms nearby.
Loop 1: 0 - 5.7 miles
Loop 2: 5.7 - 17.2 miles
Loop 3: 17.2 - 28.7 miles
Loop 4: 28.7 - 40.2 miles
Loop 5: 40.2 - 51.7 miles
Event's current local time: 8:37 AM ET
