The Next Loop 40/50 Mile Challenge
The Lake Carl Blackwell 50 Mile Challenge is a gritty, no-nonsense test of pacing and patience on a scenic 3.1-mile (5K) loop trail in Wrentham, MA.
This is a continuous 50-mile trail race run alongside The Next Loop Endurance Series. Same fully stocked Start/Finish aid station every lap. Easy fueling. Simple logistics. All the support, every time through.
You’ll knock out 16 loops to hit 50 miles (trail measurements may vary slightly). A 12-hour cutoff keeps things moving and rewards smart pacing, with steady energy and a strong community vibe all day long.
You can stage gear at your vehicle or in the designated staging area. Pacers are welcome after 4:00 PM.
Chasing a PR? Eyeing your first 50-miler? Just looking for a long, honest day on trail? The New England 50 Mile Challenge delivers the full ultra experience, one loop at a time.
Race Format
- Distance: 50 miles
- Race Style: Continuous run (not hourly)
- Time Limit: 12-hour hard cutoff
- Start: Mass start with other 50-mile competitors
- Field Limit: 75 runners
- Course: Trail-based loop; minor distance variation is expected and accepted due to terrain
Athletes Support & Logistics
- Dedicated 50-mile staging area, separate from the hourly loop athletes
- Access to:
- Main aid station every 5K loop
- Personal staged gear each lap
- Medical and safety oversight consistent with ultra-distance standards
Age Group Divisions
The Next Loop 50-Mile Endurance Challenge recognizes longevity and sustained performance with dedicated divisions:
- Open
- Masters: Ages 50–69
- Grand Masters: Ages 70+
Who is this race for?
- Ultra runners seeking a fast-moving, loop-based 50-mile format
- Athletes who value precision timing, personal pacing strategy, and crew accessibility
- Competitors who want the energy of a multi-event endurance environment without sacrificing race integrity
Timing & Results
- Chip timing
- Splits recorded and posted for every completed 5K loop
- Overall finishing time determines placement
- Real-time loop splits allow athletes and crews to track pacing, fatigue, and performance trends
Important Notes
- The 50-Mile Endurance Challenge is a standalone race and is not scored using the hourly loop format
- Participants must meet experience and readiness standards appropriate for a 50-mile ultra
- Strict cutoff enforcement ensures athlete safety and event flow
Pacers
- Pacers are permitted beginning at 4:00 PM
- Pacers may accompany athletes on the course only after 4:00 PM
- Pacers must:
- Check in at the designated pacer station
- Wear an official pacer identification
- Enter and exit the course at the start/finish area only
- Pacers may not carry gear or nutrition for the athlete beyond what is allowed under standard trail-running rules
- Each athlete may use multiple pacers, one pacer at a time
- Pacers are intended to support athlete safety, pacing, and morale during the later stages of the race while preserving fairness and course flow
EverFurther Events
The Lake Carl Blackwell 50 Mile Challenge is produced by EverFurther Events, co-founded by veteran endurance athletes Joe Johnson and Terry Madl. EverFurther was created to reimagine what endurance events could be — inclusive, progression-focused, and built for real-world athletes at every stage of their journey. Unlike traditional races that require a fixed distance commitment, EverFurther’s loop-based model emphasizes personal growth over elimination, and celebrates every mile earned. With decades of racing, directing, and life experience between them, Joe and Terry are on a mission to build events that are accessible, repeatable, and centered on community — giving athletes the freedom to define success on their own terms.
Event's current local time: 8:18 AM CT
