JFK 50 Mile — Run Time

JFK 50 Mile Countdown

226

Days

04

Hrs

12

Min

24

Sec

Next Race

November 21, 2026

227

days to go

America's oldest ultramarathon, the JFK 50 Mile follows a classic point-to-point course from Boonsboro to Williamsport, Maryland. The route traverses the rocky Appalachian Trail over South Mountain, the flat C&O Canal towpath along the Potomac River, and rolling country roads to the finish — a unique blend of surfaces that has tested runners since 1963.

ITRA 3 Endurance Points

Est.

1963

Distance

80km / 50mi

Course

Point-to-point

Surface

Mixed Trail/Road

Elev. Gain

1200m

Elev. Loss

1200m

Field Size

~1,200

When

November

Time Limit

13h

THE COURSE

Gain

+1200m

Loss

-1200m

MI 0

KM 0

Boonsboro Start

The race starts in the small town of Boonsboro in Washington County, Maryland. Runners immediately begin climbing toward the Appalachian Trail on South Mountain, the first major challenge of the day.

ELEV: 560ft

MI 4

KM 6.4

Appalachian Trail / South Mountain

Roughly 15 miles of rocky, technical Appalachian Trail over South Mountain. This section includes Weverton Cliffs and multiple rocky scrambles that can make or break a runner's race if taken too aggressively.

ELEV: 1500ft

MI 16

KM 26

C&O Canal Towpath

After descending to the Potomac River, runners hit 26 miles of flat, crushed-gravel towpath along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. This section is deceptively monotonous — fast but mentally demanding.

ELEV: 350ft

MI 35

KM 56

Dam Number 4 to Snyder's Landing

The towpath section passes historic lock houses and Civil War sites along the Potomac. This stretch between Dam Number 4 and the exit at Snyder's Landing is where the race is often won or lost.

ELEV: 340ft

MI 50

KM 80

Williamsport Finish

The final miles follow rolling country roads into Williamsport, Maryland. The finish at Springfield Middle School caps off America's oldest ultra with a low-key, community celebration.

ELEV: 420ft