BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//What Race To Run - ECPv6.16.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://whatracetorun.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for What Race To Run
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20250101T000000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/New_York
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260613T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20290613T235959
DTSTAMP:20260602T134957
CREATED:20260422T031331Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260510T231527Z
UID:7504-1781341200-1876089599@whatracetorun.com
SUMMARY:Big Five Marathon
DESCRIPTION:Are you a thrill-seeking runner looking for your next big challenge? Look no further than the Big Five Marathon in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Known as the “world’s wildest marathon\,” this race is not for the faint of heart. The stunning surroundings are reason enough to take on the challenge but add in the fact that it takes place in the heart of a wildlife reserve\, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read on to learn more about the Big Five Marathon and why you should add it to your running bucket list. \nThe Course:\nThe Big Five Marathon takes place within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy\, which means runners are surrounded by some of Africa’s most majestic wildlife. As you run the 26.2-mile course\, you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five animals: lions\, leopards\, elephants\, buffalo\, and rhinos\, along with other incredible creatures such as giraffes\, zebras\, and wildebeests. Don’t worry\, though – the course is designed with safety in mind\, and rangers closely monitor the animals to ensure the safety of participants. \nThe course itself is challenging\, but the scenery and wildlife make it all worth it. Runners will traverse through mountains\, valleys\, grasslands\, and riverbeds\, all while surrounded by stunning views and incredible animals. It’s a truly unique race experience that you won’t find anywhere else. \nThe Community:\nOne of the most unique aspects of the Big Five Marathon is the impact it has on the surrounding community. The race is locally organized and works closely with the villages in the surrounding area. Community members are involved in everything from the race organization to the aid stations along the course. Additionally\, a portion of the race fees go towards conservation efforts in the area\, so not only are you getting to run through the wilderness\, but you’re contributing to its preservation as well. \nThe Preparation:\nIf you’re thinking of taking on this unique marathon challenge\, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First\, be prepared for the weather – the race takes place in June\, which is the middle of winter in South Africa. Temperatures can be chilly\, so pack accordingly. Second\, make sure you are properly trained for the course. The combination of hills\, uneven terrain\, and altitude make for a challenging run. Third\, don’t forget your camera! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some incredible wildlife\, and you’ll want to capture the memories. \nIf you’re looking for a race experience unlike any other\, the Big Five Marathon is the perfect choice. Not only will you get to push yourself physically\, but you’ll also have the chance to see some of the world’s most incredible animals in their natural habitats. It’s a unique opportunity to combine adventure\, running\, and conservation efforts into one unforgettable experience. So lace up your shoes\, pack your bags\, and get ready to take on the world’s wildest marathon. \nCheck out our race catalog for more exciting races. \n \nRelated Races You Might Like\nLooking for more race options? Explore similar races: \n\nAdirondack Marathon Distance Festival\nAmazing Maasai Marathon\nAmsterdam Marathon\n\nSee our complete guides: Best California Races • Best San Diego Races
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/big-five-marathon/
LOCATION:Big Five Marathon | Location\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Road Races,Trail Races
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://whatracetorun.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/7504-big-five-marathon-scaled.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261121T063000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261121T123000
DTSTAMP:20260602T134957
CREATED:20260511T010958Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T011015Z
UID:37977-1795242600-1795264200@whatracetorun.com
SUMMARY:JFK 50 Mile
DESCRIPTION:The JFK 50 Mile is America’s oldest ultramarathon\, featuring a diverse point-to-point course through the Appalachian Trail\, C&O Canal towpath\, and rolling country roads. \nCourse Highlights\nThe JFK 50 Mile course is renowned for its diverse and challenging terrain\, offering a point-to-point “horse-shoe” journey through Maryland’s scenic landscapes. The race begins in downtown Boonsboro at an elevation of 570 feet. The initial 5.5 miles involve a steady climb\, gaining over 1\,100 feet as runners transition from paved roads to the legendary Appalachian Trail (AT). This 13-mile section of the AT is the most technical part of the course\, characterized by rocky paths and a steep descent through switchbacks that drop over 1\,000 feet toward the Potomac River. \nFollowing the mountain section\, runners join the C&O Canal towpath for a 26.3-mile stretch. This portion is almost entirely flat and unpaved\, providing a significant mental and physical shift from the technical trails of the ridge. The path follows the river\, offering serene views and a consistent surface for maintaining pace. The final 8.4 miles take participants onto gently rolling paved country roads\, leading to the finish line at Springfield Middle School in Williamsport\, situated at 452 feet above sea level. \nRace Details\nAs America’s oldest ultramarathon\, the JFK 50 Mile has been held annually since 1963. The event starts promptly at 6:30 a.m. with a strict mass start; the starting line closes just five minutes later at 6:35 a.m. Runners are given a 13-hour time limit to complete the 50.2-mile course\, with specific cut-off times enforced at various aid stations to ensure safety and logistical coordination. For example\, participants must reach the 15.5-mile Weverton Aid Station by 11:30 a.m. and the 41.8-mile Dam #4 mark by 5:30 p.m. \nThe race is highly organized\, featuring at least 14 fully stocked aid stations providing water\, electrolyte drinks\, food\, and basic medical supplies. Due to the technical nature of the Appalachian Trail section\, personal listening devices are strictly prohibited to ensure runners can hear one another and race officials. Bag transport is provided from the start in Boonsboro to the finish in Williamsport\, allowing runners to have fresh clothes and gear waiting for them. The event is hosted by the Cumberland Valley Athletic Club and remains a premier fixture on the ultra-running calendar. \nWhy Runners Love It\nRunners are drawn to the JFK 50 Mile for its rich history and the prestige of participating in a race that originated as part of President John F. Kennedy’s initiative to improve national physical fitness. The “Kennedy Challenge” originally tasked military personnel with covering 50 miles in 20 hours\, and while the time limit has tightened\, the spirit of endurance remains. The race has a strong military connection\, with a dedicated Military Team Competition for the Kennedy Cup\, adding a layer of camaraderie and tradition to the event. \nThe variety of the course is another major draw. Very few races offer the combination of technical mountain single-track\, flat river-side towpaths\, and scenic road running in a single event. This diversity requires runners to be well-rounded and adapt their strategy throughout the day. The community support is exceptional\, with local residents and volunteers creating a festive atmosphere at aid stations and the finish line. Every finisher within the time limit receives a uniquely designed medallion\, a symbol of joining a long line of endurance athletes who have conquered one of the most storied races in the United States. \nAt a Glance\n\nLocation: Boonsboro\, MD — United States\nNext Date: 2026-11-21\nDistances: 50.2 Miles\nStart Time: 06:30\n\nRegister & Learn More\nVisit the official race website for entry details\, course maps\, and registration: https://www.jfk50mile.org
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/jfk-50-mile/
LOCATION:JFK 50 Mile | Boonsboro\, 1 N Main St\, Boonsboro\, MD\, 21713\, United States
CATEGORIES:Trail Races
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://whatracetorun.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/jfk-50-mile.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR