The Glacier Ridge Ultramarathon and Trail Race (GRT) is a prominent endurance event held within Moraine State Park in Portersville, Pennsylvania. Scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, the race utilizes the Glacier Ridge Trail, which is a specific regional segment of the expansive North Country Trail system. The event features out-and-back style courses that transition between the park’s rugged terrain and the Jennings Environmental Education Center, offering a diverse landscape of forests and glacial topography.
Race Categories and ScheduleThe event provides four distinct options, ranging from a competitive hike to a multi-person relay. All races begin and end at the McDanels Boat Launch.
| Distance | Start Time | Finish Cut-off | Runner Swag |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Mile / 5-Person Relay | 6:00 AM | 8:00 PM (14 hours) | 1/4 Zip Technical Long-sleeve |
| 50K Ultramarathon | 7:00 AM | 5:00 PM (10 hours) | Technical Long-sleeve |
| 20 Mile Run / Hike | 8:00 AM | 4:00 PM (8 hours) | Technical Short-sleeve |
The geography of Moraine State Park is defined by the impact of the Wisconsin Ice Sheet, which created the rolling hills and glacial till characteristic of the Glacier Ridge Trail. The course is primarily single-track, featuring technical sections with roots and rocks alongside scenic views of Lake Arthur. In early May, Western Pennsylvania typically experiences mild spring weather; average morning temperatures are approximately 8°C, reaching daytime highs of 20°C. Runners should anticipate potentially muddy conditions on lower-lying sections of the trail if spring rainfall has been heavy.
Logistics and SupportPacket pickup is available on Friday, May 8, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Pavilion #7, with a race briefing following at 6:00 PM. On race day, check-in begins at 4:45 AM. For 50-mile individual and relay participants, several intermediate cut-offs are enforced to ensure safety, including a noon cut-off at the Jennings Aid Station and a 5:00 PM cut-off at the Upper 528 Aid Station (Mile 40.7). Support crews are permitted for 50K and 50-mile individual runners at designated aid stations only. While parking is ample at Jennings and North Country Club Road, space is limited at the Upper 528 Boat Launch, and carpooling is encouraged. All finishers receive a medallion, and trophies are awarded to the top male and female finishers in each category.
May 09, 2026
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
06:00
$115.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 80.5K
Type — Running
06:00
$275.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
07:00
$110.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 32.2K
Type — Running
08:00
$100.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Portersville.
Learn more about the host city, Portersville.
Portersville is a borough in Butler County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, Portersville had a population of 231.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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location_on Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, US
calendar_today Apr 25, 2026
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