Volunteer Register
Sunday, Oct 4, 2026 @ 8:00 AM
Blues Cruise 1420 Palisades Dr Reading , PA • 50K
Registration closes: Mon, Sep 28 @ 11:59PM ET
Blues Cruise 50K Trail Ultramarathon
Join us for the 21st anniversary of the Blues Cruise 50K Trail Ultramarathon. The course circles the beautiful Blue Marsh Lake, near Reading PA. The 31-mile loop includes woods, fields, plenty of rolling hills, single track and less than .5 miles of public roadway. The “Ski Slope” is the only major climb (240 feet in vertical climb). We also have one optional water crossing where you can choose to splash through or cross on a bridge. The course includes 7 themed aid stations that are well stocked and serviced by local ultra runners.
Time limit: A 9-hour time limit is strictly enforced.
Start: 8:00 AM Finish: 5:00 PM
Cutoffs: Aid stations 5, 6, and 7 will have strict cut off times (review the Participant Guide, under “Aid Station”) to facilitate this deadline, and a sweep vehicle will be available for runners who are cut (expect some wait time).
We offer camping for a small fee.
Blues Cruise 50K Relay
A captain should be designated for each team of 2-4 runners. The captain must register the team and add a fun team name to Ultra Signup prior to others signing up. Each person must individually register as a relay contestant. The per-person relay fee is lower than the 50K price. Each 2-4-person team will complete 1 or more of the 4 legs of the 50 K course. (1 runner per leg)
- Leg 1: “The Lead Out” start to Aid Station 1, ~4.7 miles
- Leg 2: “The Voyager” Aid Station 1 to Aid Station 4, ~13.3 miles
- Leg 3: “The Mountaineer” Aid Station 4-6, ~7.1 miles includes the famous Ski Slope
- Leg 4: “The Finisher”, ~6.75 miles to the finish, where the entire team can cross the line together and receive Blues Cruise Relay finisher awards.
Prizes will be awarded for the fastest teams! Due to the speed of the relay teams, aid station support will be limited. All registered runners will have access to all post-race activities and the buffet.
Additional info
Don’t miss: The Pagoda Pacers Triple Trail Challenge 50.3 Series. Runners that complete the Charlie Horse Trail Half Marathon (May 24), Run for the Ages Trail Chase 10 K (June 28), and Blues Cruise will receive a sweet bit of runner swag at no additional price. No special registration is required.
Race Directors Michael Whalen & Elaine Cook are experienced trail and Ultra runners and long-time members of the Pagoda Pacers. With more than 200 members, the Pagoda Pacers have years of experience organizing first class trail and road races. www.pagodapacers.com
We expect to have nearly 100 volunteers, most of them trail/ultramarathon runners, on site to support our participants and manage 7 of the best themed aid stations you ever encountered. If you have any questions about our race please don't hesitate to contact us. [email protected]
Ongoing race information can be found on the Blues Cruise 50K Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/65364255002 ) and in the Blues Cruise Participant Guide.
ALL registered runners are invited to the post race party: Full buffet, drinks, physical therapy staff, massages and much more.
Register by August 31st to receive a race shirt. ALL finishers will receive special swag!
No Deferrals or transfers permitted with the exception of "Trail Sisters" criteria
Participant Guide: https://www.pagodapacers.com/Pacers.quarternotesys.com/media/Race-Logos/2026-Blues-Cruise-Participant-Guide-final.pdf
Late Entry Race shirts will be ordered for all registrants signed up by August 31st! No shirts will be ordered for those registering Sept 1 and beyond. ALL finishers will receive special swag!
Protect Your Entry with Refund Guarantee Life happens. Training injuries, family emergencies, work conflicts - things come up. Refund Guarantee from SPOT gives you a way out if you can't make it to Blues Cruise Here's how it works: You add coverage at checkout for a small fee. If something covered happens and you can't race, you file a claim directly with SPOT and get your entry fee back. The race keeps your registration either way, and SPOT handles the refund. No back and forth with the race director. Important: Refund Guarantee doesn't cover event cancellations or postponements. As stated in the waiver, entry fees are non-refundable if the event is cancelled. Refund Guarantee only covers you personally not being able to participate. Questions about coverage? Check SPOT's terms or contact their support team.
