Ultra Running Hub Franklin, NC, United States · Saturday, October 3, 2026
Fixed Distance 50K
The Naturalist Trail Race
17 days to go
50 km Distance
3,200 m Climbing
7.3 Grit · Hardcore
What the course asks
Climbing rate 64 m / km
Mountain. Significant climbing. Steep sections will require power hiking.
Field size ~48 Small. Long stretches with nobody in sight.
DUV results for the 2025 edition (50km) — finishers only. Starters are not published, so the field was at least this big and no finish rate can be given.
Typical conditions, October
Daytime high 20°C
Night low 8°C
Rainfall Showers likely
Daylight 11 h 48 m of light
Regional 2001-2020 average for October — NASA POWER, grid elevation 672 m. Not a forecast.
The Aid Station
Course-specific beta from the community
This is a mountain course. Poles are highly recommended for the sustained climbs.
With trail terrain, choose a shoe with moderate cushioning for optimal performance.
Gear for this race
Chosen for 50 km of trail with 3,200 m of ascent.
- Trail Running Shoes64 m of climb per kilometre — grip and rock protection before cushioning.
- Race Nutrition50 km of self-supported fuelling between aid stations.
- Hydration VestsPole attachment and chest-strap stability on steep ground.
- Trekking Poles3,200 m of ascent to walk up.
- GPS WatchesBattery life first — a 50 km day outlasts most full-GPS modes.
Course Notes
Bartram Trail area on Wallace Branch.
Similar races
Other 50K trail ultras, closest in distance first.