Catoctin 50k Trail Run
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Catoctin 50k Trail Run & Half Cat, Frederick, MD
The event offers two trail distances:
- 50K
- 25K (Half Cat)
Both races use an out-and-back route on the Catoctin Blue Trail through Cunningham Falls State Park, the Frederick watershed, and Gambrill State Park, with a turnaround near High Knob. The course is rocky, slow underfoot, and blazed with light blue trail markers rather than ribbons. The route includes multiple stream crossings and dense tree cover that provides extensive shade.
Three aid stations provide a total of six aid opportunities on course, with water, soda, Tailwind sports drink, simple snacks, bananas, electrolyte caps, and other basic supplies. Runners are responsible for their own medications. All entrants must carry at least one 20 oz water bottle; carrying two bottles is recommended and hydration equipment will be checked at bib pickup.
Field limits are enforced by distance. A permanent trail re-route in the watershed adds approximately 1.4 miles to the overall course; cutoff windows at some aid stations are increased by a total of 20 minutes to reflect this change. Crews are permitted only at the Start/Finish (Manor), Hamburg Road aid station, and the High Knob turnaround; crews at other locations lead to disqualification.
Facilities include toilets at Manor and High Knob. Refunds are available at 75 percent before the listed refund deadline; no bib transfers or deferrals are offered. Awards are informal and include a wallet-sized Cat or Half Cat card. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
