2026 PHUNT 25K/50K Trail Race

The 2026 Phunt 25K/50K Trail Race is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Fair Hill Natural Resource Management Area in Elkton, Maryland. Participants will run on a course featuring single-track trails with rolling hills and moderate climbs, with a total elevation gain not exceeding 150 feet per loop. For mid-January in Elkton, participants should prepare for cold conditions, with average historical temperatures ranging from approximately 25°F to 40°F; layered clothing and gear for potential wind or precipitation are recommended. The event features a unique format where 50K runners complete two 15.6-mile loops, while 25K runners complete a single loop, with the start and finish located at the Edward L. Walls Activity Hall.

What distances are available for this event?

• →50K race starting at 8:00 AM (two loops of the 15.6-mile course)
• →25K race starting at 9:00 AM (one loop of the 15.6-mile course)

What is the course terrain and elevation like?

• →The course consists of single-track trails with rolling hills and moderately steep climbs
• →Total elevation gain does not exceed 150 feet per loop
• →Approximately 0.5 miles of asphalt/gravel road at the start/finish (1.0 mile round trip)
• →Approximately 1.0 miles of pasture/open field running
• →The remainder is beautiful single-track trails

Where is the start and finish line located?

• →The start/finish is at Edward L. Walls Activity Hall
• →The hall is located at the intersection of Ranger Skinner Drive & Kennel Road, Elkton, MD 21921
• →For navigation apps, use the address 4640 Telegraph Road

What are the event start times and cut-off times?

• →50K start time: 8:00 AM
• →25K start time: 9:00 AM
• →End time for all participants: 5:00 PM
• →50K cut-off at AS3 (Aid Station 3): 4:00 PM (this provides one hour to complete the final 4 miles to the finish)

How much does registration cost?

• →50K registration: $40 plus processing fee
• →25K registration: $40 plus processing fee

What amenities are available at the aid stations?

• →Locations on the 15.6-mile loop are at Mile 4.3, Mile 7.5, and Mile 11.5
• →Start/Finish also provides aid (additional for 50K runners)
• →Amenities include: gels, electrolyte drink, water, soda, beer, candy, cookies, chips, bananas, oranges, broth, bacon, grilled cheese sandwiches, and Uncrustables
• →Wood or propane fire pits are available at each station

What facilities are available at the start/finish area?

• →Edward L. Walls Activity Hall is a heated building with a full kitchen and restrooms
• →There is a gear storage and change of clothes area
• →BYOB alcohol is permitted
• →Ample parking is available (carpooling is encouraged)
• →The hall has a capacity of 400 people

What are the field size limitations?

• →The maximum field size is 600 runners total
• →No exceptions will be made to this limit

What do finishers receive?

• →All finishers receive a medal
• →All finishers receive a swag item (choice of buff, beanie, or pint glass)