The Howland’s Neck Ache Ultramarathon will be held at Vosburg Neck State Park in the Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The race will include a 6, 12 & 24 hour option which will allow runners to finish as many loops of the wooded 3 mile course within the time limit.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Vosburg Neck State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s newest state parks, is located on the Vosburg Neck, an oxbow in the mighty Susquehanna River. The 669 acre property includes 8 miles of multi-use trails as well as river access. The course will be a 3 mile loop with about 445 feet of elevation gain.
REGISTRATION AND RACE SCHEDULE
Runners will be able to pick-up their bib and gear on Friday evening from 3PM-5PM and from 5AM-6:30AM on Saturday. You'll also be able to begin setting up your crew area on Saturday morning beginning at 5AM (no overnight camping). The pre-race briefing will be at 6:45AM at the start line (In the Barn) to review the course and final details.
AID & CREW ACCESS
An aid station located at the start/finish line will provide the traditional ultramarathon fare throughout the entirety of the race. After completing each lap, you'll be able to exit the barn and access the crew area where there will be enough space for runners to setup chairs or even pop-up/canopy tents.
PACERS & AGE LIMITS
Pacers can be used by the 24 hour runners for the second half of the race (once the 6 and 12 hour events have completed). Pacers must check-in, sign a waiver, a provide photo ID. Pacers must be at least 18 years old and will receive a special bib at check-in to show them as a pacer. The age limit for the 6 & 12 hour option is 12 years old on race day; the 24 hour age limit is 16 years old on race day.
TIMING & TOTAL DISTANCE
We'll be counting your laps and posting real-time results on a board at the start line and social media so that you can keep track of how many loops each runner has completed. Only complete laps within the time limit will be counted. Partial laps will not be included in total distance. Once the race begins, runners will no longer have an option to change their race distance.
PRIZES & AWARDS
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top overall male and female finishers for the 6, 12 & 24-hour options at $5.00 per complete LAP. For example, if the female with the longest distance at 24 hours completes 36 laps, she would receive $180!
BENEFIT FOR THE PRESERVE
2023's inaugural race raised $500 for the preserve! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Howland’s Preserve and runners will be allowed the opportunity to make a donation at packet pickup.