2026 Uforea
The 2026 Uforea takes place on April 18, 2026, at the Woodrun Trailhead in the Uwharrie National Forest near Troy, North Carolina. This trail running challenge, organized by the UwharrieUltras team, offers a unique blend of daytime and nighttime running through the Uwharrie and Dutchman's Creek Trail systems. Participants can expect variable spring weather conditions in the Uwharrie Forest, with typical April temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 70s Fahrenheit and potential for rain or changing trail conditions. The event features three race options: a Daytime 50K, a Nighttime 50K, and the Ultimate Uforea 100K challenge, which requires completing both the day and night races for a combined 100K distance.
What are the available race distances and formats?
- →Uforea Daytime 50K: A trail race starting at 8:00 AM on April 18, 2026, with an 11-hour cutoff (finish by 7:00 PM)
- →Uforea Nighttime 50K: A trail race starting at 8:00 PM on April 18, 2026, with a 12-hour cutoff (finish by 8:00 AM on April 19, 2026)
- →Ultimate Uforea 100K: Completion of both the Daytime and Nighttime 50K races for a combined 100K distance
What is the course layout for each race?
The Daytime 50K follows a clockwise tour consisting of a large 20.5-mile loop followed by a lower 11.4-mile loop, totaling approximately 32 miles. The Nighttime 50K follows the same trail systems in a counter-clockwise direction, with the same loop structure. Both races use the Uwharrie and Dutchman's Creek Trail systems.
What are the start times and cutoffs for each race?
- →Daytime 50K: Starts at 8:00 AM with an 11-hour cutoff (finish by 7:00 PM on April 18)
- →Nighttime 50K: Starts at 8:00 PM with a 12-hour cutoff (finish by 8:00 AM on April 19)
- →Ultimate Uforea 100K: Combines both races; the winner is determined by the lowest combined finish time
What are the key timing requirements for each race?
- →Daytime 50K: Must leave the Start/Finish on the second loop by 3:00 PM
- →Nighttime 50K: Must leave the Start/Finish on the second loop by 4:00 AM on April 19
- →Ultimate Uforea 100K: A fast Daytime finish may result in waiting several hours before the Nighttime 8:00 PM start
What logistics are provided for participants?
- →Start/Finish location: Woodrun Trailhead
- →Packet pickup: 6:30–7:30 AM for Daytime race and 6:30–7:30 PM for Nighttime race at Woodrun Trailhead
- →Drop bags: Accessible only at Start/Finish, with one access point per race at approximately mile 20.5
- →Crew access: Allowed at Start/Finish and Kelly's Kitchen only; no crew access at Crossroads
- →Pacers: Not allowed for either event
What awards are available?
- →Top 3 Male and Female for Daytime 50K
- →Top 3 Male and Female for Nighttime 50K
- →Top 3 Male and Female for Ultimate Uforea 100K combined finishers
Where can I view the course routes?
What is the event name and its significance?
Uforea is a trail running challenge held in the Uwharrie Forest, North Carolina, organized by the UwharrieUltras team. The name blends "Uwharrie Forest" and "euphoria" (runner's high), reflecting the immersive trail experience on the Uwharrie and Dutchman's Creek Trail systems.