Weiser River 50k

The Weiser River 50k Ultra & Relay 2026 is a point-to-point endurance race scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026. The course follows the scenic Weiser River Trail, a converted railroad bed that provides a relatively flat, "downhill" trajectory from Council to Midvale, Idaho. The trail surface is a mix of stony railroad ballast and dirt, passing through canyons and open farmland. Because of the minimal elevation change, the race is considered an ideal early-season event for both veteran ultrarunners and those attempting the 50-kilometer distance for the first time. The event also features a 5-leg relay and a dedicated category for adaptive athletes.

Council and Midvale are small rural communities in Adams and Washington Counties, respectively. Council has a population of approximately 860 residents, while Midvale has about 170 residents. The demographic profile of Adams County is approximately 93.5% White, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Two or More Races, and 0.5% American Indian. The median annual household income in this region is roughly $48,000. Geographically, the Weiser River Trail is part of Idaho’s longest rail-trail, following the river through a corridor of riparian habitats and historic ranchlands. The climate in late April in the Idaho mountains is often crisp and unpredictable; average temperatures range from a low of 1°C (34°F) to a high of 16°C (60°F). Spring runoff usually ensures the Weiser River is rushing alongside the runners, though mornings can be frosty.

The event is organized by Pulse Running and offers a shuttle service for solo runners from Midvale to the start in Council at 6:00 AM on race day. Registration closes on April 17, but participants must register by April 6 to be guaranteed event "swag." While there are no refunds for cancellations, the race director allows entries to be rolled over to the following year. Local lodging options include the Trailhead Hostel and Mundo Hot Springs, which are popular among trail users. For performance context, the course record for men was set by Daniel Button in 2021 with a time of 3:03:57. Complete athlete guides and mandatory equipment lists can be found on the official event website or UltraSignup.