Water Gap 50K & Half

About the race

The Water Gap event offers two distances on the McDade Trail through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, following the Delaware River beneath steep hillsides. The course is an out-and-back that begins and ends at Smithfield Beach and uses rail-trail cinder path with some singletrack. The terrain is non-technical, rolling, and described as mainly flat and mainly fast. The route is marked with pink survey flags, sparser on open trail and denser at turns and intersections.

Distances

• 50K out-and-back on the McDade Trail
• 25K out-and-back; 25K turnaround at the second aid station

There are three staffed aid stations with standard ultra fare, drinks, snacks, and some Huma gels. Aid station locations for the 50K are Park HQ (mile 5.2 and 26.1), Bushkill Access (mile 8.5 and 22.9; drop bag location and 25K turnaround), and Eshback Access (mile 13 and 18; 50K turnaround). The event is cupless; runners should bring their own cup. Bib numbers are tracked at each aid station and should be visible.

Drop bags for 50K runners are accepted at Bushkill Access and are returned after the final runner clears that aid station. Bathrooms are pit toilets or portos at aid stations and the start; bring personal toilet paper. Post-race food includes tacos, potatoes, and black bean salad. Entry fees cover event production, a finisher gift, a T-shirt (sizes guaranteed if registered before September 1), and five dollars from each entry supports trail maintenance. Crew and pacer actions are the runner's responsibility and rule violations can lead to disqualification. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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