Hone Quarry Ultra
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About the race
The Hone Quarry Ultra is a trail endurance race held in the Shenandoah Valley with a return date of March 25, 2028. The course begins and ends at Briery Branch and routes into the George Washington National Forest around the Hone Quarry Recreation Area.
The route is a large loop with a few out-and-back sections and covers roughly 40.0 miles with about 8,000 feet of ascent and descent. Terrain is a mix of single track, doubletrack and paved sections (approximately 64% trail, 21% doubletrack, 15% paved). The course includes notable features such as the Hidden Rocks trail, Lover’s Leap overlook, a 15 foot waterfall, Flagpole Knob at about 4,360 feet, Oak Knob and Pond Knob, plus exposed ridgeline running on the Heartbreak and Big Hollow trails.
There are six fully stocked aid stations and three permitted drop bag locations at Union Springs (mile 12.7), HQ (mile 19.5), and Big Hollow (mile 28.4). Crews and pacers are not allowed because much of the course is remote. Trekking poles are permitted and may be left at the mile 28.4 drop bag. Runners should expect several stream crossings and technical climbs and descents; the organizer notes the route can feel comparable to a 50 mile race. A 13 hour 15 minute final cutoff applies. Registration is nonrefundable but transfers and limited deferrals are available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
