Most people don't know NYC has a forest hilly enough for a legitimate 50K, and Forest Park's oak ridge is it — glacial knolls, dirt singletrack, and enough climbing to break the field apart. Spectating an ultra is oddly compelling: the same runners lap past you for eight hours, unraveling and rallying. If you're trail-curious, this is the best local look at the sport; if you're a runner, note the course for your own training.
What to expect
Runners cycling through a trail loop all day with an aid-station hub near the start; spectators can post up along the orange trail or wander the course. Expect a small, tight-knit ultra scene rather than a big-race spectacle.
Good to know
- Forest Park's trailheads cluster near Woodhaven Blvd and Park Lane South
- The J/Z at 85th St-Forest Pkwy is the closest subway
- Spectating is free; racing requires advance registration
- Trails are rooty and unpaved — wear real shoes if you walk the course
- Cheering is welcome anywhere on the loop; the finish area has the most energy late in the day
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Common questions
Can I still enter the race?
Ultras this size usually cap entries in advance — check the organizer's registration page rather than showing up to run.
Is it worth watching if I'm not a runner?
Yes — the loop format means constant action, and Forest Park's trails are a great walk on their own.
