Overview
PLEASE NOTE: This race is pending approval from Pennsylvania DCNR since it takes place in a state park. If approval is not given, refunds for registration fees will be issued. The Howland’s Neck Ache Ultramarathon will be held at Vosburg Neck State Park in the Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
The race will include a 6,12 & 24 hour option which will allow runners to finish as many loops of the wooded 3-mile course within the time limit.
All runners will begin at 7AM on Saturday, April 27, 2023. The 6-hour race will finish at 1pm on Saturday. The 12-hour race will finish at 7PM Saturday and the 24-hour will finish at 7AM Sunday, April 28, 2023.
Course Description
Vosburg Neck State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s newest state parks, is located on the Vosburg Neck, an oxbow in the mighty Susquehanna River. The 669-acre property includes 8 miles of multi-use trails as well as river access. The course will be a 3-mile loop with about 445 feet of elevation gain. Each loop will begin at the barn on the property and head across the road. The trail starts as a mowed grass path before it heads into the woods on beautifully cared for single track trails. At around 1/3 of a mile, the trail will begin a consistent incline for the next mile. At the highest point, there will be an overlook where you can see hundreds of feet down to the river. The trail will begin to descend through the woods, including some switchbacks, as you head back to the start line. With about 1/4 left to go, you’ll come back to Vosburg Road and run along the side of the road back to the barn. You’ll enter the front of the barn where the timing devices will be located and complete your lap! After exiting the barn, you’ll be able to freely access aid and your crew.
Registration & Race Schedule
Runners will be able to pick-up their bib and gear on Friday evening from 3PM-5PM and from 5AM-6:30AM on Saturday. You’ll also be able to begin setting up your crew area on Saturday morning beginning at 5AM (no overnight camping). The pre-race briefing will be at 6:45AM at the start line (in the barn) to review the course and final details.
Aid & Crew Access
An aid station located at the start/finish line will provide the traditional ultramarathon fare throughout the entirety of the race. After completing each lap, you’ll be able to exit the barn and access the crew area where there will be enough space for runners to set up chairs or even pop-up/canopy tents. Note, no dome or camping tents are to be used per park guidelines. After fueling back up, you’ll head back to the barn and begin your next loop.
Pacers & Age Limits
Pacers can be used by the 24-hour runners for the second half of the race (once the 6 and 12 hour events have completed). Pacers must check-in, sign a waiver, and provide photo ID. Pacers must be at least 18 years old and will receive a special bib at check-in to show them as a pacer.
The age limit for the 6 & 12-hour option is 12 years old on race day; the 24-hour age limit is 16 years old on race day. Runners under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian accept their waver and the same parent or legal guardian must be present and available for the duration of the race.
Timing & Total Distance
We’ll be counting your laps and posting real-time results on a board at the start line and social media so that you can keep track of how many loops each runner has completed. Only complete laps within the time limit will be counted. Partial laps will not be included in total distance. Once the race begins, runners will no longer have an option to change their race distance.
Prizes & Awards
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female finishers for the 6, 12 & 24-hour options at $5.00 per complete LAP. For example, if the female with the longest distance at 24 hours completes 36 laps, she would receive $180!
Benefit for the Preserve
2023’s inaugural race raised $500 for the preserve! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Howland’s Preserve and runners will be allowed the opportunity to make a donation at packet pickup.
The property was donated to North Branch Land Trust by the late Ernest E. Howland in 2006. With a growing need for volunteer assistance, the Friends of Howland Preserve was created in 2013 to support The North Branch Land Trust’s mission and maintain, grow, and love their magical property.
Race Directors
Albert Propst and Dan King entered the ultra marathon scene in 2019. Having started with a 50-mile race 6 months after they first began ultra training, they went on to run a 100K, several backyard ultras, a 72-hour race and an FKT attempt.
Sponsors
Have a business that is interested in sponsoring the race? Email the race directors at umbracing@gmail.com for more information!