Black Forest Ultra

The Black Forest Ultra returns to North Bend, Pennsylvania on October 4th, challenging runners with one of the toughest 100k trail ultras in the Northeast. Midnight start times plunge participants into an inky blackness as they navigate over 13,400 feet of elevation gain along the stunning yet brutal Black Forest Trail deep within the mountains of Pennsylvania's Wilds region.
The atmosphere on race morning is raw and unforgiving; temperatures hover around a chilly average of 12.7°C with minimal wind but high humidity at approximately 75%. The trail conditions are firm, though slightly soft underfoot due to recent rains that bring an expected rainfall accumulation of just over two millimeters throughout the day. Runners must prepare for steep climbs and dramatic views as they traverse pine plantations, giant hemlocks, and red spruce forests in peak fall colors.
Established by runners seeking a diabolical challenge, this event has become a cornerstone of ultra-distance racing traditions in North Bend. Over the years, it has garnered respect among endurance athletes for its unique midnight start, lack of external support (no crews or pacers), and ever-changing course layout that adds an extra layer of difficulty each year by reversing elevation gains from front to back. The Black Forest Ultra is also part of a select group of races known as the Pennsylvania Triple Crown + Blacklist series which recognizes those who complete both the PA Triple Crown of Mountain Running and this ultra in one season.
The race venue, Hyner Run Natural Area, offers runners an unforgiving course that winds through dense forests with significant elevation changes. The lollipop-style layout begins at 86 Hyner Park Road before looping back to finish where it started, offering a mix of steep climbs and technical trail sections. Aid stations are strategically placed throughout the route but do not offer pacers or crews.
With an average temperature range from 7.5°C to 17.8°C on race day, participants can expect cool morning starts giving way to mild afternoons as they tackle the course’s relentless elevation gains and lose daylight quickly due to the midnight start time. Humidity remains relatively high at around 74%, with a slight chance of light rain adding another variable for runners to consider.