Uforea 50K - NC

The Uforea 2026 is a specialized trail running event scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, within the Uwharrie National Forest near Troy, North Carolina. Organized by the UwharrieUltras team, the race features a "reset" format centered around two distinct 50K loops on the Uwharrie and Dutchman’s Creek Trail systems. The "Ultimate Uforea" challenge requires runners to complete a 50K clockwise during the day, wait for a scheduled reset, and then complete the same course counter-clockwise at night, totaling a "100K in a day" experience.

Troy is a town in Montgomery County with a population of approximately 3,200 residents. It serves as a central hub for the Uwharrie Mountains, which are among the oldest mountain ranges in North America. The demographic profile of Troy is approximately 45.2% Black or African American, 42.8% White, 9.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.2% Asian. The median annual household income for the town is roughly $36,500. Geographically, the trails are characterized by rocky, root-heavy terrain with significant short-burst elevation changes. The climate in mid-April is typically humid and temperate; average temperatures range from a low of 9°C (48°F) at night to a high of 23°C (73°F) during the day. Nighttime runners should expect dense forest cover and potential fog, making high-quality headlamps a necessity for the counter-clockwise loop.

Registration for the 2026 event closes on April 11 at 11:59 PM ET, with a waitlist available for the 100-participant Ultimate category. The race operates under a Special Use Permit from the USDA Forest Service, adhering to strict nondiscrimination and conservation policies. The 50K courses consist of a "massive" 20.5-mile loop followed by a "lower" 11.4-mile loop. Podium finishers are recognized for both individual 50K segments, while the Ultimate Uforea winners are determined by the lowest combined daytime and nighttime finish times. For specific logistics regarding the start/finish area at 4176 NC-24 or to view Strava course data, participants should visit the official UltraSignup page or contact the UwharrieUltras directors.