Coopers Rock 50 Km
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Coopers Rock 50 km and Half Marathon Night Run 2026
This is a nighttime trail event held at Coopers Rock State Forest with the start and finish at the Overlook Area. The courses are rocky and scenic, traverse nearly every trail on the south side of the forest, and include overlooks of the Cheat Canyon and Cheat Lake along with large boulder formations. The 50 km route has about 5000 feet of elevation gain and the half marathon has about 2000 feet of elevation gain. Neither course uses repeating loops.
- 50 km: nearly every trail on south side, 5000 feet elevation gain.
- Half marathon (21 km): shorter version of same trails, 2000 feet elevation gain.
The 50 km course has six aid stations and the half marathon has three aid stations spaced three to seven miles apart. Runners should carry water and food between stations. Aid stations provide standard ultra fare such as cookies, chips, pickles, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, water, and sports drink. Participants are encouraged to bring a collapsible cup to reduce disposable cup waste.
Because the 2026 event is at night, participants must carry a light source and spare batteries or an extra light. Runners must carry the phone number given at registration, install the Caltopo app, and scan a provided QR code for event tracking. Entrants must be at least 18 years old and provide real legal name and contact information; photo ID may be checked. Runners must follow the marked course, check in at each aid station, wear a visible bib on the front, and obey volunteers and cutoff procedures. Pacers are not permitted. Crews have restricted access near Aid Station 3 and parking rules apply.
Both races are capped at 250 combined entries. Packets are available on race day at the Overlook Area. Entrants who register by March 8, 2026 receive a technical shirt that must be picked up in person. Awards to the top men and women are presented as they finish, and all finishers receive a finisher gift. Drop bags are allowed for 50 km runners at Picnic Shelter number 1, which serves as Aid Station number 2. A post event meal of meat or vegetarian sandwich burritos and dessert will be provided to registered runners; extra meals may be purchased. Finishing times are posted on Coopersrock.org and Ultrasignup within a few days when available. The Coopers Rock Foundation is a volunteer non profit; any profit from the race supports trail and facility maintenance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
