The Mountain Man Ultra returns to Waterville, Pennsylvania on September 26th, offering a challenging course for experienced ultrarunners in the Pine Creek Valley.
This event begins at Little Pine State Park with an early morning start under dark skies. Runners face steep climbs and technical trails immediately as they transition onto the Mid-State Trail. The terrain is rugged from the outset, characterized by rocky paths and off-camber sections that test runners' footing throughout the first half of the race. Along Pine Creek Trail in Ramsey, there's a brief reprieve before the course turns serious with long ascents over Spiked Buck, Tiadaghton, Pesto, and Torbert trails. The final four miles include steep climbs and descents leading to Panther Run for the finish.
The Mountain Man Ultra has roots dating back to the Call of the Wilds 50K race but now carries forward as a standalone event with its own identity in Waterville. This race attracts seasoned trail runners who appreciate the challenge of relentless elevation changes over rugged terrain. With an average completion time around seven and a half hours, it's clear that this is not for beginners; participants must be prepared to focus intensely throughout the entire distance.
The course winds through Pine Creek Valley with its signature mix of technical trails and steep climbs. The start at Little Pine State Park leads runners quickly onto Mid-State Trail where they encounter rocky terrain and off-camber sections immediately. Aid stations are strategically placed but details remain sparse for now, ensuring that participants must carry essential supplies throughout the race.
On September 26th, temperatures in Waterville typically hover around an average of 18.9 degrees Celsius with a range between 13.8°C to 24.1°C. The weather is expected to be humid at about 76%, with light precipitation possible due to rainfall averaging just over two millimeters and sunshine lasting eight hours and forty-six minutes throughout the day.
50K
50K • Start: 06:00:00 • Fee: $80.00
The Mountain Man Ultra offers a single distance of 50K, catering exclusively to experienced trail runners seeking an intense challenge. The race fee is $80.00 per entrant.
Registration for this event can be completed through the official website at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=138825. Early bird pricing may apply until June 30th, after which fees increase to regular rates of $95. The final day to register is September 16th.
Bib pickup will take place on race morning from 4:30 AM onwards at Little Pine State Park where participants must bring a government-issued photo ID and proof of registration. All runners should be prepared for the rigorous course, which includes steep climbs, technical trails, and long distances requiring significant focus and endurance management.
The start location is Little Pine State Park in Waterville, Pennsylvania. Participants are advised to arrive well before their starting time as there will be no re-entry once the race begins at 5:30 AM on September 26th, 2026. The Mountain Man Ultra presents a unique and demanding challenge for trail runners in the region who appreciate the test of skill and endurance over rugged terrain.
The Mountain Man Ultra in Waterville, Pennsylvania, scheduled for September 26th, offers an intense experience for serious ultrarunners looking to push their limits on challenging trails. The race's history as a respected event draws participants back year after year for its rigorous course design and testing conditions.
