Course Information
This is a brutal lollipop course boasting over 13,400 feet of elevation gain. To keep things interesting, each year the course reverses, flipping the suffering so that in odd years the real punishment waits in the back half, while in even years it hits you right out of the gate. Add a midnight start under a blanket of darkness and a strict 19-hour cutoff, and you’ve got a true test of grit and endurance.
Course Route 2027 (Clockwise Direction)
We highly recommend the Footpath app to load the course map to your phone – use the link in the map.
Black Forest Start Line Map
Click here or on the right ‘view larger’ icon to open this map in Google Maps. Click the left menu button to bring up the menu with all aid stations listed. Clicking on any area of interest will give additional information such as direction links.
Official Maps & Planners
Course Map All Years
This is the official course map in PDF form for easy printing. No aid station numbers are listed since the course reverses each year
Aid Stations Even Year
This aid station planner and elevation map corresponds to when the course runs counterclockwise on even years
Aid Stations Odd Year
This aid station planner and elevation map corresponds to when the course runs clockwise on odd years
ultraPacer
UltraPacer is a run-planning tool that helps you define and execute goals for your race. The platform uses models to account for course and event factors - such as terrain difficulty, elevation change, altitude, and more - to break down a run into data-backed split times.
Download the official course GPX file from this website.
Course Description & Markings
We typically break down the course into 2 sections, the first section called “the stick” while the second section called “the loop.” Together they make the lollipop shape of the course.
The stick is made up of the Donut Hole Trail (blazed orange) and the T-Squared Trail (blazed yellow). The entire length of the stick will be marked with orange flagging with reflective tags. This section will be utilized twice in the race, first to connect to the Black Forest Trail during the night and then again in the daytime to return to the finish. So you will get to experience this section in the dark and in the light. While this portion of the course has only one sustained climb and descent, it does feature many smaller and extremely steep segments between mostly “flat” sections on top of the plateau. In the beginning of the race, the stick is always moving up in elevation while on the return trip it is always moving down in elevation.
Once you reach the Black Forest Trail (blazed orange), you are now entering the loop. Signs at the junction will direct you in the direction runners will follow for that particular year. Orange ribbon with reflective tags will persist on the trail with regularity until slightly beyond aid station 2 to assist participants on navigation through the night. Once past aid station 2, you will follow only orange blazes with just occasional reflective orange ribbons at difficult intersections. Upon completion of the Black Forest Trial, you will be directed back onto the stick to make your way back to the finish line. Remember, the entire stick will still be flagged with orange ribbon!
The only time you exit the Black Forest Trail loop is to gain access to Giant Despair. This section of trail to the aid station will be marked with orange ribbon. The total mileage to access the aid station and return is approximately 1/2 mile.
Per our permit, all participants are required to carry some sort of gps device such as a phone, watch, or other satellite tracking device. You can download the official GPX file from ultraPacer. We will be verifying that you have the course downloaded and available for offline use when you check in to get your bib. If you do not already have a favorite app to use on your phone, we recommend the Footpath app.
Aid Station Information
In an effort to be more sustainable and friendly towards the environment, the Black Forest Ultra is a cup-less race. All runners will need to carry their own reusable cup throughout the race to use at aid stations. We highly suggest those who wish not to carry as much water between aid stations to invest in a Katadyn BeFree or other similar water filter. This method is incredibly convenient and fast for both training and on race day, and we highly encourage runners to consider adding this piece of equipment to their kit.
Aid stations are well stocked with fluids and a variety of foods. The fluids that are generally available include water, Gatorade, ginger ale, and cola. Our preferred flavor of Gatorade is Glacier Freeze.
The late stage aid stations will also normally have soup and hot coffee. The foods that are generally available include salt replacement foods such as saltines, pretzels, chips; fruits such as oranges, bananas, and melons; snack items such as pickles, cookies, candies, and PB&J sandwich bites.
Aid stations also try to have their own unique foods available throughout the course. We try hard to have vegetarian options available but we cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate all dietary choices and restrictions.
Aid stations will not provide NSAIDS or other over the counter drugs. Runners are welcome to carry medication or store medication in their own drop bags.
Drop Bags
You may have a drop bag with additional race supplies at every aid station. Aid station 1 and 5 are at the same location, so only one drop bag is needed for this location – we will keep your bag there for the duration of the race.
If you’re new to using drop bags, we recommend choosing something waterproof in case the weather turns wet since drop bags are exposed to the elements at the aid stations. Most runners have had great luck with two-gallon Ziplock-style bags, and many use brightly colored duct tape to personalize them for easy spotting at aid stations. We strongly discourage hard plastic containers with lids, as they’re prone to breaking during transport to the aid stations.
Inside, you may want nutritional items that are not offered at the aid station such as gels, chews, or powders that you use in training. We also recommend extra batteries, extra socks or shoes, and layers of clothing (gloves, jacket, long sleeve shirt, rain jacket, etc.) depending on weather conditions. Please be mindful of the size of your drop bag; we will not transport large duffel bags, suitcases, or coolers!
Please label your drop bags with your name, bib number and aid station location.
The drop bag drop off location is located at the start line adjacent to Pavilion 1. You may place your drop bags starting at 10:00pm Saturday evening. Please place your drop bags in the appropriate aid station location – remember aid station 1 and 5 are at the same location. We do try and check each pile to ensure each drop bag is going to the correct aid station but it is the runners responsibility to correctly label and correctly place in the proper designated aid station pile.
Drop bags need to be picked up the conclusion of the event. Participants have two weeks following the event to request drop bags be mailed back to them providing they cover cost of time, packaging, and shipping fees. The event organizers are not responsible for pursuing participants leaving items at the race nor in case of accidental loss at the race or during shipping. After two weeks, participants forfeit all items left at the event.
Our Story
Iron Forged Runners is a grassroots organization based in Pennsylvania, committed to fostering a passion for trail running. Our mission is to inspire runners by offering races that challenge their limits, encouraging personal growth and resilience through demanding and rewarding events. Additionally, we aim to raise awareness of the beauty and accessibility of Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Forests, encouraging more people to explore and appreciate these outdoor treasures.
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