01 · The Race The Delaware River, framed by thousand-foot hills. The McDade Trail runs 32 miles through the Gap. Rail-trail cinder, some singletrack, non-technical and rolling. Mainly flat. Mainly fast. Out-and-back from Smithfield Beach, PA. Three aid stations. Cupless course — bring a cup. 25K and 50K, same start area, same trail, same vibe. A perfect PR venue. A great first ultra.
02 · The Trail Course Stage at Smithfield Beach. Short loop around the parking lot, then onto the McDade Trail and out. Marked with pink survey flags — sparse on the open trail, denser at turns. We give a full briefing in the morning. 50K turnaround: grab a poker chip and bring it to the finish. 25K turnaround: at the second aid station. Heads up — the 25K is slightly long. View Course Map →
03 · Race Day Schedule 7:00 AM 50K packet pickup 8:00 AM 50K start 9:30 AM 25K packet pickup 10:30 AM 25K start 4:30 PM Course cut-off
04 · Fuel Stops Aid Stations Three aid stations on course. Standard ultra fare plus some Huma gels. Gel selection is limited since runners have preferences — but there'll be enough. We are a CUPLESS course. Please bring a cup. A few might be available at the start for sale, not many. We track bib numbers at every aid station — call yours out as you roll in. Station Mile (50K) Crew Park HQ 5.2 & 26.1 YES Bushkill Access · Drop bag · 25K turn 8.5 & 22.9 YES Eshback Access · 50K turn 13 & 18 YES
05 · Drop Bags Drop Bags 50K runners can drop at Bushkill Access — accessed at miles 8.5 and 22.9. Mark with your bib number and last name. Drop in the marked bins at Smithfield Beach before the 50K start. 25K runners can use drop bags at the 8.5-mile turnaround — same spot. Bags don't return until the final runner clears Bushkill. Want yours sooner? Stop and grab it post-race on your way home.
06 · At The Finish Post-Race We're cooking. Tacos (chicken or tofu), potatoes, black bean salad. Hang out at the finish, eat, swap stories. Results posted by Sunday night, usually sooner.
07 · Help Out Volunteer Always need help out there. Bring a friend or family member who'd be up for an aid station shift, course marshaling, finish line, or sweeping. Volunteer hours earn race credit for future Happily Running events. Sign Up to Volunteer ?
08 · Plans Change Refunds & Deferrals No cash refunds. Deferral credits up to 8 weeks before the race, good for 365 days. Exceptions for military deployment and pregnancy. Full Policy ?
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
08:00
$95.00
Sep 26, 2026
Distance — 25K
Type — Running
10:30
$65.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Milford.
Learn more about the host city, Milford.
Milford is a borough that is located in Pike County, Pennsylvania, United States, and the county seat. Its population was 1,103 at the time of the 2020 census.
Read more launchAll-time top performances and historical records for Water Gap 50k and Half.
| Place | Name | Year | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Jared Burdick | '21 | 3:13:36 | |
| 🥈 | Sam Morse | '16 | 3:16:45 | |
| 🥉 | Justin Scheid | '21 | 3:19:06 | |
| 4 | Michael Heimes | '18 | 3:22:11 | |
| 5 | Rich Heffron | '16 | 3:26:26 | |
| 6 | Michael Daigeaun | '17 | 3:30:21 | |
| 7 | Silas Carey | '16 | 3:35:28 | |
| 8 | Kyle Milden | '25 | 3:42:00 | |
| 9 | Will Appman | '25 | 3:43:00 | |
| 10 | Silas Carey | '15 | 3:43:45 |
Read what other athletes have to say about their experience at the Water Gap 50k and Half.
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