Extreme North Dakota Sandhills Ultra Run Experience

The Extreme North Dakota Sandhills Ultra Run Experience (END-SURE) is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in the Sheyenne National Grasslands near McLeod, North Dakota. Recognized as the state's first ultramarathon, the event takes runners through a diverse landscape of wide-open prairies, forested pockets, and the characteristic rolling "sandhills." The 100K distance typically covers the entire length of the North Country Trail section within the grasslands. Organized by ENDracing, the event is capped at 120 total participants and serves as a fundraiser for Ground Up Adventures, a non-profit dedicated to youth adventure programs.

McLeod is a small unincorporated community in Ransom County, North Dakota, located within the Sheyenne National Grasslands. The demographic profile of Ransom County is approximately 94.1% White (Non-Hispanic), 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Native American, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.1% from two or more races. The median annual household income in the county is roughly $62,000. Geographically, the Sheyenne National Grasslands consist of one of the largest remaining areas of tallgrass prairie in the country, featuring a unique sandy soil base formed by the ancient Sheyenne River delta. The climate in mid-April in southeastern North Dakota features average lows of -1°C (30°F) and highs of 13°C (55°F). Runners often face volatile spring conditions, including strong winds and the potential for late-season snow or mud, as evidenced by previous event cancellations due to blizzards.

Registration for the 2026 race is handled via Race Roster, with fee increases occurring after March 31st and final online registration closing the Wednesday before the event. The race base is located at the Jorgen's Hollow Campground, roughly 45 minutes southwest of Fargo. The event is part of the UMTR Ultra Series, and members receive a 15% discount on the longer distances. Participant amenities include course books for navigation and a community-oriented race environment. The current 100K course records are held by Marcel Thielke (9:30) and Candice McMackin (12:36), both set in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Because the race takes place on federally managed grasslands, runners are expected to adhere to all park regulations to ensure the preservation of the delicate prairie ecosystem.