Bluff 50K FAQ

The Bluff 50K is not a cup less race but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to reduce the event’s impact on the environment. The cups used at the event are fully compostable and will be collected for processing at commercial facilities. The success of this approach will though, need your cooperation. Please help us and dispose of cups in the compost bins provided. Do not place any non biodegradable materials in these containers.

The course will be marked with orange wire flags, spray chalk and ribbon, at some key intersections you may also see arrow signs indicating the direction to take. You should not get lost if you pay attention and stay observant for these markers. Please note that the process of setting out markers is a challenging one, over 20 miles of trail have to be covered by volunteers the day before race day. There is always a risk that markers could be moved by other trail users, although this hasn’t been a problem in prior years. In late October, Fall foliage colors are at their peek and in bright sunlight, scenery below the tree canopy may be filled with hues of orange, yellow and brown. The natural colors at this time of year are one of the joys of being in the woods, but it also causes the orange marks to blend into their surroundings more than if everything was green. We’re tried different colors, but that hasn’t made much difference.

If you stop seeing markers at regular intervals, stop and retrace your steps util you do. Never presume the person in front knows the way, they may be lost too. The responsibility to stay on course is yours, it is one of the challenges of trail running.

We get asked this a lot.

Some might say the Bluff course is technical, others might disagree. There really isn’t such a thing as an ‘easy’ ultra marathon, if you are striving to complete the course to the best of your ability, you should expect it to be hard!

There are sections on Bluff the course where the going will require concentration because of having to negotiate exposed rocks and roots, there are other parts where you will be able to more comfortably cruise along without having to step over obstacles. The climb up to Bluff Head is steep, there is a false summit that can trick you into thinking you’re at the top, when you’re not! There is very little truly flat trail, the elevation changes constantly. We don’t prescribe to making claims that this event is the hardest, highest, most technical or for that matter the easiest. On the day if you give it your all, the course will test you both mentally and physically, At the end, you should feel proud of your achievement to complete it.

Details about the course can be located here together with a download link to access a gpx file.

There will be 1 check point and 4 aid stations on the course. The check point is passed at about the 4 mile mark, it is used as a provisional check to make sure all starters are accounted for. Also as the field has at this point has started to stretch out, it helps us estimate arrival times at the next aid station, who to expect first and who to look out for towards the back. Water only will be available at the check point. All the aid stations on the rest of the course will be fully stocked with hydration and snack options that would be expected at an event of this type.

The actual location of the aid stations together with a description of the course can be found here.

If you are concerned that your pace will make it hard to stay within the cut offs, it may be possible to start an hour before the main field. Please use the contact form to ask if you wish to do this.

The existence of cut off times can be a sore topic, especially if you are one of the participants confronted with them. You must complete the course within 10 hours to receive a finisher award. During the race, you must maintain a sufficient pace to reach the Braemore Aid Station by 1:00 pm, Renee’s Way Aid Station by 3:00 pm and at the Route 80 Aid Station by 5:00 pm.

On one enjoys having to ask runners to withdraw, unfortunately if you are not able to reach these destinations within the time allowed, you are not going to complete the race within daylight the maximum time allowed. Plus, the volunteers at the aid stations cannot be expected to remain at these locations indefinitely.

If you are asked to withdraw, please respect the request, transport back to the finish will be provided if it is needed.

Routinely, pacers are not permitted. However, if you have cause to need a companion for reasons of safety or a medical condition, please contact the Race Director using the contact form on this web site before race day.

We are required to obtain permits to access some of the trails used by the race and are accountable for the number of participants using the course. The inclusion of pacers also has an impact on our insurance.

If you want to have friends or family members meet up during the race, that is fine. The aid station locations have limited parking, so please be considerate and only park in the designated lots. The course description page on the race web site contains a link to download a pdf document that contains driving instructions to each aid station location.

There are no provisions for drop bags, the aid stations will be well equipped with options to keep you hydrated and fed. If you want to leave a bag at the finish line, an area will be designated for you to do this. Someone will remain at this location throughout the event, but leaving items here is entirely at your own risk.

Fancy your chances at setting a new record?

The times of past winners and the course records for both men and ladies can be found here.

We also keep track of repeat finishers. Complete the Bluff 10 times and you’ll receive a kick ass memento in honor of your achievement.

Unfortunately no, showers will not be available.

There will be restrooms at the start/finish and within the Rockland Preserve there are a few outhouse latrines just after the aid station. On the rest of the course ‘nature provides’.

It is unlikely that race day registration will be available. In order to ensure that the race logistics are sufficient for everyone who has committed to take part, registration usually closes a few days before the race. Check the registration site for further details.

If you have entered the Bluff 50K and find that you are unable to participate due to injury or other circumstance, it may be possible to transfer your entry or request a refund.

Registered participants shall be able to request a refund up to 45 days before the event. All refunds will be subject to a $12 administration fee. Refund requests received within 45 days prior to the event, shall not be granted.