About

Salt City Trail Racing, in partnership with Allegany State Park, is pleased to announce the 6th annual running of Nelson's Summit 50/50. Named after race founder Iain Nelson of Reluctant Runner Racing, Nelson's Summit 50/50 is on track to become our most popular event of the year- don't miss out!. Prices increase in January and then again one month before the race.

The largest of New York State parks at almost 65,000 acres, rugged, majestic Allegany State Park will leave you amazed, in awe, and wanting to come back for more adventure and exploration. Situated on the Northern Appalachian Plateau, the state park abuts Allegheny National Forest over the Pennsylvania border, forming a half million acre natural area that provides habitat to bobcats, American black bears, and elk, among more common animal species.

The course (and park) provides an opportunity for the front of the pack runners to turn in a fast time while still providing enough elevation to make you know that you've done some work. Choose from 50 miles, 50km, or 25km on a course made up of both groomed trail, single track, and rolling hills. For runners who prefer the back of the pack, the runnable nature of the course and generous cutoffs (9 hours for the 50km, 14 hours for the 50 miler) means there's a high likelihood you'll finish the race but you'll certainly have to work for it.

If you're not breathless from the running and "rolling" hills, you will be as you peer through the trees and vistas at the surrounding valleys. As you make your way around the course, you'll be supported by an amazing group of trail and ultra runners, volunteers, friends, family, and 2 well-stocked aid stations.

Nelson's Summit 50/50 is USATF sanctioned & insured, Trail Sisters approved, and is a UTMB Index race.

Race Details

All runners will receive a pair of highly coveted SCTR socks. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers for each distance in each gender division.

Aid station offerings will include ice (if temperatures merit), water, Skratch, orange slices, bananas, pickles, PB&Js, potato chips, pretzels, oreos, and candy. A limited selection of hot foods (e.g., ramen, grilled cheese, pierogi, etc.) will be available for 50 mile runners after mile 34.

The race begins and ends at the Art Roscoe warming hut at the heart of the Summit trail system in the Red House area of Allegany State Park. The course is a looped course, covering a distance of about 16 miles with approximately 2,250 feet of elevation change, so yes, you'll be slightly over your distance, which equals extra fun and adventure in the woods! But don't worry, the course will be marked with flags and signs to keep you on track!

25km
Distance: ~16.1 miles
Elevation change: ~2,244 ft
Cutoff: 3pm (6 hours, hard)
Course: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3111492

50km
Distance: ~32.2 miles
Elevation change: ~4,537 ft
Cutoff: 4:30pm (9 hours, hard)
Course: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3111493

50 Miler
Distance: ~50.2 miles
Elevation change: ~6,873 ft
Cutoffs: start last lap by 3pm (soft), leave Bova aid station by 5pm (hard), leave Ski Patrol aid station by 7pm (soft), and finish race by 8pm (14 hours, hard)
Course: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/3111497

Refunds, Deferrals, and Distance Changes

Refunds will not be granted under any circumstances. Deferrals are available in case of pregnancy, injury, or electing to volunteer at the race provided volunteer slots remain. Distance changes are permitted until online registration closes.

Event's current local time: 5:43 PM ET