2026 Red Dirt Ultra
The 2026 Red Dirt Ultra will take place on February 21, 2026, in Provencal, United States, within the Kisatchie National Forest. The event is held in the vicinity of Leesville to the south and Shreveport and Alexandria to the east. The start and finish line is located at the Day Use parking area on Park Road 395, with coordinates 31.478666, -93.103274. Participants will navigate a rugged trail ultra marathon on the Sandstone Trail, which features loose and hardpacked sand, multiple stream crossings, sustained climbs and descents, and long runnable stretches beneath a canopy of longleaf pines. The course is well-marked with Forest Service arrows and reflective contractor flags, and night runners will use reflective tape on course markers. The event will begin at 6:00 a.m. for both the 50K and 100K distances, with a strict midnight cutoff for all runners. Weather conditions for the event date in Provencal are expected to be mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F and overnight temperatures dropping to around 35°F. The course is designed to challenge runners with technical terrain and endurance demands, while offering a unique experience in a natural setting.
What is the 2026 Red Dirt Ultra?
The 2026 Red Dirt Ultra is a trail ultra marathon event held in Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana. It is the 7th edition of the event, taking place on February 21, 2026, in Provencal, United States. The race includes two distances: 50K and 100K, with the 100K featuring two loops of the course.
What distances are available for this event?
- →50K: One loop (~33 actual miles)
- →100K: Two loops (~66 actual miles) — first loop identical to 50K course, followed by a second larger loop
What are the start and cutoff times for the event?
- →Start Time: 6:00 a.m. for both distances
- →Cutoff Time: Strict midnight cutoff for all runners (18 hours for 100K, 17 hours for 50K)
- →Intermediate cutoffs apply at Coyote Camp (7:00 p.m.) and Kisatchie Bayou Aid Station (10:30 p.m.). Runners must begin their second loop by 3:00 p.m.
What is the course like?
The course is a rugged trail ultra marathon on the Sandstone Trail, featuring loose and hardpacked sand, multiple stream crossings, sustained climbing and descending, and long runnable stretches beneath a canopy of longleaf pines. The course is well-marked with Forest Service arrows and reflective contractor flags positioned on the runner's right-hand side. Night runners will navigate using reflective tape on course markers.
What aid stations are available?
There are six aid stations per loop, with three crew-accessible locations: Start/Finish, Coyote Camp (water only beyond this point on one segment), and Kisatchie Bayou (Shipley). One unmanned water-only station is located at Hwy 342. Volunteers, many of whom are experienced ultrarunners, staff all stations and provide vegan food options at the finish and mid-loop aid station.
What are the pacer policies for the event?
- →50K: No pacers allowed (relay exchanges permitted only at Corral Camp, one mile before Coyote Camp)
- →100K: Pacers permitted after completion of the first loop; may join only at Start/Finish, Coyote Camp, or Kisatchie Bayou. Runners age 60+ may have pacers for the entire race. Pacers must sign a waiver, wear a bib, and may not carry items for their runner ("muling" prohibited).
What are the drop bag policies?
- →Two locations: Start/Finish area and Coyote Camp Aid Station
- →Bags must be ≤5 gallons, weatherproof, and labeled with name and bib number
- →Delivered to Coyote Camp after race start; returned to Start/Finish by 9:00 a.m. Sunday
What are the special notes for the event?
The event has a strong community focus with experienced volunteer support. Trekking poles are permitted, and earbuds are allowed at low volume (no external speakers). Camping is available first-come, first-served throughout Kisatchie National Forest (fee via honor system). RVs are not permitted at the Start/Finish area. Finishers receive a medal, and the top three male and female finishers in each distance earn awards.
When is packet pickup for the event?
- →Friday, February 20: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
- →Saturday, February 21: 4:45–5:45 a.m. (at Start/Finish)