Glacier Hills Ultra 50k
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Glacier Hills Ultra 50K : Newton Hills State Park, Canton, SD
Glacier Hills Ultra offers three trail race distances:
- 50K
- 30K
- 20K
Each race uses a 10 km loop through the Newton Hills trail system. Each loop has roughly 850 ft of elevation gain; the races are composed of multiple loops (2, 3, or 5 loops to reach the listed distances). The start and finish are near the picnic shelter, which also serves as the main aid station. Runners pass the full aid station at roughly every 6 miles and can access water on each loop at about mile 4.
Part of the route shares horse trails for approximately four miles, so horses may be present on the course. The organizers enforce time cutoffs by distance (50K 8 hours, 30K 7 hours, 20K 6 hours) because of shared trail use and limited volunteer capacity. The course is marked with signs, pin flags, and tape; directions repeatedly advise staying right. Terrain includes steep climbs and descents, erosion boards, tree roots, rocks, possible dust or mud, and occasional horse waste.
This is a smaller, grassroots event. Drop bags may be left on a tarp beside the aid station and must be labeled; runners are responsible for their belongings. Horse camp parking is recommended for 50K runners to access a vehicle as an informal aid option. Packet pickup is to be determined. Swag includes a Bella Canvas hoodie; the swag order is placed by October 1. A multi-year challenge called the Betty requires completing all three distances within cutoffs across years and notifying the race directors in advance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
