01 · The Race
The Delaware River, framed by thousand-foot hills.
The McDade Trail runs 32 miles through the Gap. Rail-trail cinder, some singletrack, non-technical and rolling. Mainly flat. Mainly fast.
Out-and-back from Smithfield Beach, PA. Three aid stations. Cupless course — bring a cup. 25K and 50K, same start area, same trail, same vibe.
A perfect PR venue. A great first ultra.
02 · The Trail
Course
Stage at Smithfield Beach. Short loop around the parking lot, then onto the McDade Trail and out. Marked with pink survey flags — sparse on the open trail, denser at turns. We give a full briefing in the morning.
50K turnaround: grab a poker chip and bring it to the finish. 25K turnaround: at the second aid station.
Heads up — the 25K is slightly long.
View Course Map →
03 · Race Day
Schedule
7:00 AM50K packet pickup
8:00 AM50K start
9:30 AM25K packet pickup
10:30 AM25K start
4:30 PMCourse cut-off
04 · Fuel Stops
Aid Stations
Three aid stations on course. Standard ultra fare plus some Huma gels. Gel selection is limited since runners have preferences — but there'll be enough.
We are a CUPLESS course. Please bring a cup. A few might be available at the start for sale, not many. We track bib numbers at every aid station — call yours out as you roll in.
StationMile (50K)Crew
Park HQ5.2 & 26.1YES
Bushkill Access · Drop bag · 25K turn8.5 & 22.9YES
Eshback Access · 50K turn13 & 18YES
05 · Drop Bags
Drop Bags
50K runners can drop at Bushkill Access — accessed at miles 8.5 and 22.9. Mark with your bib number and last name. Drop in the marked bins at Smithfield Beach before the 50K start.
25K runners can use drop bags at the 8.5-mile turnaround — same spot.
Bags don't return until the final runner clears Bushkill. Want yours sooner? Stop and grab it post-race on your way home.
06 · At The Finish
Post-Race
We're cooking. Tacos (chicken or tofu), potatoes, black bean salad. Hang out at the finish, eat, swap stories.
Results posted by Sunday night, usually sooner.
07 · Help Out
Volunteer
Always need help out there. Bring a friend or family member who'd be up for an aid station shift, course marshaling, finish line, or sweeping. Volunteer hours earn race credit for future Happily Running events.
Sign Up to Volunteer ?
08 · Plans Change
Refunds & Deferrals
No cash refunds. Deferral credits up to 8 weeks before the race, good for 365 days. Exceptions for military deployment and pregnancy.
Full Policy ?
Event's current local time: 7:48 AM ET
