Worlds End Ultramarathon is a pure rugged beauty with brilliant waterfalls, breathtaking vistas, and 95% single-track that provides multiple overlooks through the Endless Mountains. It’s a smorgasbord sampling of Worlds End State Park, the Loyalsock Trail, and the surrounding forest – 64 miles of rocky, rooty trail goodness. Worlds End is a qualifier event for the famed Western States 100 and the second leg of the PA Triple Crown of Ultrarunning. The course starts and ends at the Cliff Pavilion at Worlds End State Park, designed around the famed Loyalsock Trail. All participants should prepare for challenging terrain gains of 12,395 feet with a net elevation change of 24,790 feet. The Worlds End 50k is a 31.4-mile single loop trail ultramarathon on 98% single-track/double-track. The course has an elevation gain of 5,915 ft with a net elevation change of 11,830 ft. Strambecco rates Worlds End Ultramarathon as one of the Best Trail running events in the Mid-Atlantic.
Registration for the 100k is available for the first 175 qualifying runners. The difficulty of the 100k means this is NOT an entry-level race. The race directors will review each potential participant after we receive the completed registration. At a minimum, all participants must have completed at least one 50k trail race within the advertised cut-off time before signing up. This must be within two years of the registration date. If you have a race that is not a 50k but has a high degree of difficulty, it may be an exception to the above standard; email the event organizer to find out if the race may qualify you. Be sure your race is official, with results published on a publicly available website. Timed races can not be used as qualifying races. You must have completed a qualifying race before registering.
Although this race is intended to challenge every runner, there are 12 aid stations along the way with snacks and hydration that will keep you moving. 7 of the 12 aid stations have crew accessible, and 3 of the 12 allow pacer swap. The beautiful views along the way will keep you inspired and motivated to move along the rocky hollows, gorges, and diverse forests to reach the next incredible overlook. In previous years, runners have enjoyed sighting bald eagles as they traversed the rocky ledge of Loyalsock Creek.
The Pennsylvania Triple Crown Series comprises three events: Worlds End 100K, the Hyner 50k, and the Eastern States 100. It’s pretty simple to be part of this crazy trial series. Just finish all three events within the allotted cutoff times in the same year, and you’ve earned the right to be called a Pennsylvania Triple Crown finisher.
The Western States 100 is the grandaddy of ultra-running events. It is an epic 100-mile trail run from Olympic Valley to Auburn, CA, in one day on the last weekend of June. It is the world’s oldest 100 trail race, starting in 1974 as one of the ultimate endurance tests. Over the course, runners will climb more than 18,000 feet and descend 23,000 feet. See the dedicated Western States Endurance Run website for details on the lottery process, training, support, and volunteer opportunities. Participants must qualify for the race within two years and enter the lottery. If you are selected as part of the lottery, you are officially sent details to register within two weeks. If not completed in time, the registration will be available to runners on the waitlist of 50-75 people.
The host city Forksville is a small borough located in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is a picturesque and rural area surrounded by the beautiful mountains of the Endless Mountains region. The borough has a population of around 150 people and is located along Loyalsock Creek. In addition to trail running, Forksville is well known for its outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. In terms of accommodations, Forksville offers a variety of options to suit different preferences and budgets. There are several bed and breakfasts, such as the Eagles Mere Inn and the Limestone Inn, which offer a cozy and personalized experience. Additionally, there are several campgrounds in the area, including the Pioneer Campground and the Hemlock Campground, which offer campsites and RV hookups.
