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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

Worlds End Ultramarathon 50K

Basic Listing
  1. Iron Forged Runners
  2. 2026 Edition

The fastest-selling 50K on the East Coast — punishing Loyalsock singletrack through the Endless Mountains

Directions
Registration OpensDecember 06, 2025
DeadlineMay 22, 2026
This event took place on May 30, 2026

Nearby races

Other trail races within 189 miles

Worlds End Ultramarathon 100K
Qualifier Req

Worlds End Ultramarathon 100K

100K
Forksville, PA, US
May 30, 2026
62.14 miles
12,400 ft gain
Loop
Crew
Pacers
Dropbags
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Qualifier Req

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100 Mile
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Aug 8, 2026
103.02 miles
20,000 ft gain
Loop
Crew
Pacers
Dropbags
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other
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66.95 miles
9,680 ft gain
Point to Point
Crew
Pacers
Dropbags
189 mi away
All trail races in Pennsylvania→
May 30, 2026
Saturday 7:00am EDT start
Forksville, PA
United States
30.1 miles
Loop Course
5,580 ft
Elevation Gain
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Challenging
Some ultra experience recommended
Fills Up Fast
High demand — register as soon as possible
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube
2015
Established
200
Field Size
88%
Finish Rate
4:40 M / 5:35 W
Course Record

What Makes It Great

The Worlds End 50K is a demanding, highly sought-after trail race through Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains, following the Loyalsock Trail and connecting side trails through Loyalsock State Forest and Worlds End State Park. The course packs roughly 5,900 feet of cumulative gain onto predominantly technical singletrack, threading past scenic overlooks like Butternut View, High Rock Vista, and Canyon Vista, plus waterfall features including Alpine Falls and Double Run. Despite its shorter distance compared to the 100K, the race is explicitly not for beginners — rocky terrain, narrow cliff-side ledges, swampy sections, and precipitous descents demand trail experience and focused footwork throughout.

Difficulty

Intermediate
6/10

Some ultra experience recommended

Technical Terrain
Steep Climbing
Technical Descent
Variable Weather
Sun Exposure

Race Highlights

Sells out in 6–12 minutes
Over a decade of extreme demand — 200-person field fills within minutes of registration opening each December
5,900 ft of deceptive climbing
No single massive climb, just an endless supply of shorter punchy ascents that quietly rack up a formidable total
Waterfalls and mountain vistas
Passes Alpine Falls, Double Run, Butternut View, High Rock Vista, and Canyon Vista in a single Loyalsock loop
Trail Sisters Approved
Certified for its welcoming, inclusive race environment for women trail runners

Worlds End Ultramarathon 50K

Forksville, PA, United StatesMay 30, 2026

May 30, 2026
Course map for Worlds End Ultramarathon 50K
DistDistance30.1 mi
GainElevation Gain5,580 ft
LimitCutoff12 h
Steep ClimbingTechnical DescentVariable WeatherSun Exposure

Entry Timeline

Registration OpensDecember 06, 2025
Registration DeadlineMay 22, 2026
Race DayMay 30, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

This event does not require a qualifier for entry.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.

Terrain

Surface Types
Singletrack90%
Unknown5%
Doubletrack5%
30.1 mi
Distance
Loop
Route
12h
Cutoff Time
1,631 ft
Average Elevation
5,580 ft
Total Ascent
5,590 ft
Total Descent
1,988 ft
High Point
1,079 ft
Low Point
Course map
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations

LocationMileElevation
Start
Start
0.01,115 ft
High Rock
Aid Station
3.81,860 ft
Iron Bridge
Aid Station
11.11,342 ft
Devil's Garden
Aid Station
14.51,785 ft
Worlds End
Aid Station
18.40 ft
Canyon Vista
Aid Station
21.11,745 ft
Coal Mine
Aid Station
24.61,762 ft
Worlds End
Finish
30.11,115 ft

Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.

Dogs Allowed

No pets allowed on the course. Pets are welcome at the start/finish area and with crews at aid stations but must be leashed within the state park.

On-Site Camping Available

Camping available at Worlds End State Park (same park as start/finish line) — cabins and campsites bookable via ReserveAmerica. Loyalsock State Forest also offers roadside, rustic, and primitive backpacking campsites (permit required via DCNR). Pioneer Campground and several B&Bs and motels available within a few miles in Forksville/Dushore.

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

No Pacers Allowed

Crew Rules

  • Crew access allowed at designated aid stations only. One drop bag location available at Worlds End. Crews limited to one vehicle; park at Sullivan County Fairgrounds and take the shuttle.
  • No crew support between checkpoints or anywhere along the race route.
  • RVs and motor-homes are not permitted at any aid stations.
Weather

Race day falls on Memorial Day weekend in late May when Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains transition from spring to summer. Daytime highs typically range from 65–85°F (18–29°C) with overnight lows of 47–60°F (8–16°C). The 7AM start means cooler morning conditions that warm through mid-race. Historical data shows mostly dry conditions, but afternoon thunderstorms are possible and spring weather in this region can shift rapidly. Wet rocks on the technical singletrack significantly increase difficulty.

Heat Training Recommended

Daytime highs can reach 85–90°F in late May; exposed ridge sections and midday running amplify heat stress

Rain/Wet Conditions

Spring thunderstorms possible; wet rocks on the technical trail dramatically increase difficulty on descents

Gear Rules

Trekking poles allowed

Required Gear

  • GPS device (Required per state park permit. Must have the official course GPX downloaded for offline use; verified at bib check-in. Phone, watch, or other satellite tracking device accepted.)

Recommended Gear

  • Headlamp (Mandatory if running after dark. Runners may not depart an aid station after dark without a lighting device.)
  • Reusable cup (Cupless race — no disposable cups for water at aid stations; bring your own.)
  • Rain jacket (No runner shelter at any aid station. Check weather and plan accordingly.)

Videos from other Worlds End Ultramarathon events

Run Like There's No Tomorrow | Worlds End Ultra 2021
Run Like There's No Tomorrow | Worlds End Ultra 2021
Worlds End Ultramarathon 100K
Worlds End Ultramarathon•2021
A Curious Tale of In-Between | Worlds End Ultra 2021
A Curious Tale of In-Between | Worlds End Ultra 2021
Worlds End Ultramarathon 100K
Worlds End Ultramarathon•2021

Race reports from other Worlds End Ultramarathon events

The 2023 Worlds End 100kWorlds End Ultramarathon 100K
By Kevin Slifer • 2023

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Register•May 30, 2026