Volunteer Portal
Let us help you be victorious in your role as a volunteer!
Volunteer duties
Please review all of the information provided for the job(s) that you have been assigned to and download all maps and other information you need to be successful on race day. We also ask that you review rest of the general information on the website so you can be the best resource possible for race participants and your fellow volunteers. You can sign up or check your assignments here – Black Forest Ultra Volunteer Signup
Even Years
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 7.9
Distance to Next: 11.2 (Giant Despair)
Aid Station Set Up By: 1:00 AM
Cutoff: 2:30 AM
Close: 2:45 AM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: No
Starlink: Yes
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
By-Path Meadow Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/PG1MnXGPKoWTPves9
GPS - 41.440721, -77.609964
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The By-Path Meadow Aid Station is utilized again as the last aid station on the course.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 19.1
Distance to Next: 9.8 (Hill of Difficulty)
Aid Station Set Up By: 3:30 AM
Cutoff: 6:00 AM
Close: 6:25 AM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: Yes, Porta-Jon
Starlink: No
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
Giant Despair Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/pzhSffFvrVLT5GKd8
GPS - 41.45809, -77.51425
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The Giant Despair Aid Station has camping available if anyone would want to camp there prior to the event.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 28.9
Distance to Next: 14.8 (Damn Hollow)
Aid Station Set Up By: 5:30 AM
Cutoff: 9:15 AM
Close: 9:45 AM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: No
Starlink: Yes
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
Hill of Difficulty Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/gNN2MM6U5FcgWXYZ8
GPS - 41.49252, -77.51825
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The Hill of Difficulty Aid Station has camping available if anyone would want to camp there prior to the event.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 43.7
Distance to Next: 12.2 (By-Path Meadow)
Aid Station Set Up By: 8:30 AM
Cutoff: 1:30 PM
Close: 2:00 PM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: No
Starlink: Yes
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
Damn Hollow Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SjTGrgmethvwPhQ8
GPS - 41.5251089, -77.5991987
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The Damn Hollow Aid Station is along RT44 which is a major roadway. Crew members must help runners cross the road at this aid station.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 55.9
Distance to Next: 7.9 (Finish at Hyner Run SP)
Aid Station Set Up By: 11:00 AM
Cutoff: 5:00 PM
Close: 5:30 AM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: No
Starlink: Yes
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
By-Path Meadow Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/PG1MnXGPKoWTPves9
GPS - 41.440721, -77.609964
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The By-Path Meadow Aid Station is the last aid station on the course.
Related Information:
It is very important for volunteers to review, know and adhere to the crew, parking and traffic control information at this aid station.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Responsibilities:
*Volunteers need to be very fit, able to carry some weight and travel a long distance on foot. You will need to carry a running pack and be prepared for all weather conditions. Bring food and water and plan to be out for the long haul as the aid stations are far apart. Sweepers should be able to cover the entire section assigned at the pace listed on the aid station planner.*
Course sweepers will depart their assigned aid station following the last runner(s) after the aid station cutoff time has elapsed and has been enforced. Aid station captains are responsible for the enforcement of cutoffs and for not allowing runners who have missed the cutoff to continue. Captains will tell the sweeper team for the next section when they can depart to begin their sweeping duties.
Sweepers should follow the last runner, picking up flags (if assigned), trash, and looking for runners in distress. When sweeping, cover the course methodically, as a team, paying attention to your surroundings and making sure nobody is in trouble. You may get stuck behind an especially “slow” runner at the back of the pack, especially late in the race. Please be patient and give encouragement if you come in contact with them. In case of a true medical emergency, immediately contact the Communications Coordinator using the handheld radio. If you do not reach them, you will be heard by the other radio operators at the aid stations and they can relay or assist you in deploying emergency assets.
Please check in with your sweeping partner preferably at one week out from race day. You will be given the password for the volunteer database to find who you are working with so you can contact each other. The two of you are a team looking out for one another while out there and helping solve any problems that you may encounter, e.g., a medical emergency or a lost runner, so it's good to be on the same page before starting your duties.
Report To:
Hyner Run SP / Communications Director
Course Map:
Download the Footpath App to your phone or Apple Watch and use the link above to download the course map. Open Footpath and the course map prior to race day and you will have Footpath Elite features with the Black Forest Ultra course. (See how to download offline maps).
Check-in Procedure:
Sweepers need to check in with the Communications Director at the start/finish line at Hyner Run SP to receive a handheld radio and confirm you are ready to either be transported to your starting aid station or that your team has transportation arranged and your heading out.
Sweeper Teams are as follows:
Sweep Team 1 - Start to By-Path Meadow (AS1)
Time: Midnight - 2:30 AM
Miles: 7.9
Remove Flags: No
Sweep Team 2 - By-Path Meadow (AS1) to Giant Despair (AS2)
Time: 2:30 AM - 6:00 AM
Miles: 11.2
Remove Flags: Remove after connecting to the Black Forest Trail
Sweep Team 3 - Giant Despair (AS2) to Hill of Difficulty (AS3)
Time: 6:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Miles: 9.8
Remove Flags: Yes
Sweep Team 4 - Hill of Difficulty (AS3) to Damn Hollow(AS4)
Time: 9:15 AM - 1:30 PM
Miles: 14.8
Remove Flags: Yes
Sweep Team 5 - Damn Hollow(AS4) to By-Path Meadow (AS5)
Time: 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Miles: 12.2
Remove Flags: Yes
Sweep Team 6 - By-Path Meadow (AS5) to Finish
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Miles: 7.9
Remove Flags: Yes
Transportation:
We recommend that each sweeper team provide its own transportation by positioning one vehicle at the end of your assigned section, then using a second vehicle to travel back to the beginning of the section. If this isn’t possible, please contact the volunteer coordinator if you need transportation to and/or from aid stations. We can coordinate with the SAD Driver to shuttle personnel to their needed locations.
Other Notes:
It is good to have a few grocery bags if you are collecting the course flagging plus one for collecting trash in. Save all flagging that have reflectors attached to them and return them to the volunteer coordinator or other race official at the start/finish line.
FCC license is required!
This event traverses remote and mountainous terrain with minimal cell phone coverage. To maintain a high level of safety for all of our runners and keep logistics flowing, we depend on a dedicated team of radio operators, led by Travis Best (W3TMB), to maintain reliable radio communication throughout the race.
Responsibilities:
Licensed amateur radio operators are in charge of communicating with race headquarters about the status of runners on the course, relay emergency communication, pass along supply needs, and more. If you’re a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, we’d love to have you on a radio team at one of our aid stations.
Please indicate your license class when you sign up to volunteer - we’ll connect you with Travis to get you involved!
*See aid station tabs above to find out more information about each location*
Start/Finish Line Layout Map: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the start line layout where you can find the Logistics HQ located at Hyner Run Lodge. The aid stations are on this map too. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid stations in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to the aid stations. If you are on your phone, you will need to zoom out, find the aid station icons on the map and click on them to bring up the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want to get a feel for driving the course.
Course Map: Footpath App
We highly recommend downloading the Footpath app and loading the course map to your phone. There is an option in the 'more' menu within the app to 'download offline maps' to ensure you will never be without the map. We use this app for running and general driving around in the backcountry without service. It is a very good mapping app.
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Logistics is broken down into 2 shifts:
Shift 1 - Midnight to 9:30 AM (arrive 30-45 minutes prior to shift)
Shift 2 - 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (arrive 15-30 minutes prior to shift)
Responsibilities:
Logistics Coordinator - This person is the main coordinator for dispatching and retrieving all gear and personnel needed at the aid stations. This person manages all supplies and equipment from start to finish.
Logistics Crew Member - By assisting the coordinator in his main duties, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth execution of our event by ensuring that all the equipment and aid station supplies are delivered to the proper aid station and returned back to the race. If you’ve got a strong back and/or a big truck or van and you don’t mind getting tired and dirty while doing the essential behind-the-scenes work - this is the job for you. This role can be physically demanding and involve long hours, but your work will be absolutely vital to the success of the race.
What You’ll Do:
- Load, unload, and sort aid station supplies.
- Stack and transport water, food, gear, and equipment.
- Help set up and take down aid station.
- Clean and sort equipment and other aid station gear.
SAD Wagon Driver -
The SAD Wagon Driver is responsible for efficiently transporting Course Sweepers, and runners who withdraw from the race (“dropped runners”) from aid stations or other course locations to and from race headquarters.
What You’ll Do:
- Drive assigned vehicle along access roads to aid stations and other pickup points as directed by race staff.
- Transport dropped runners runners safely to predetermined locations.
- Maintain clear communication with race command, aid station captains, and medical teams via radio, phone, or event communication systems.
- Assist runners into and out of the vehicle as needed.
- Monitor the physical and emotional condition of dropped runners and relay any medical concerns to appropriate personnel.
- Maintain accurate records of runner pickups, including time, location, and runner bib numbers.
Report To:
Hyner Run Lodge / Logistics Coordinator
Driving Directions:
Google Directions to Hyner Run Lodge: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1sxJv98fsYeSSV396
GPS - 41.360735, -77.627418
Related Information:
Logistics crew members do not need to have a truck or van but it is helpful at least one member besides the coordinator has a vehicle capable to haul gear.
Odd Years
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 7.9
Distance to Next: 12.2 (Damn Hollow)
Aid Station Set Up By: 1:00 AM
Cutoff: 2:30 AM
Close: 2:45 AM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: No
Starlink: Yes
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
By-Path Meadow Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/PG1MnXGPKoWTPves9
GPS - 41.440721, -77.609964
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The By-Path Meadow Aid Station is utilized again as the last aid station on the course.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 20.1
Distance to Next: 12.2 (Hill of Difficulty)
Aid Station Set Up By: 3:30 AM
Cutoff: 6:00 AM
Close: 6:15 AM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: No
Starlink: Yes
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
Damn Hollow Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SjTGrgmethvwPhQ8
GPS - 41.5251089, -77.5991987
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The Damn Hollow Aid Station is along RT44 which is a major roadway. Crew members must help runners cross the road at this aid station.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 34.9
Distance to Next: 14.8 (Giant Despair)
Aid Station Set Up By: 6:30 AM
Cutoff: 10:30 AM
Close: 10:45 AM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: No
Starlink: Yes
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
Hill of Difficulty Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/gNN2MM6U5FcgWXYZ8
GPS - 41.49252, -77.51825
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The Hill of Difficulty Aid Station has camping available if anyone would want to camp there prior to the event.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 44.7
Distance to Next: 11.2 (By-Path Meadow)
Aid Station Set Up By: 8:45 AM
Cutoff: 1:45 PM
Close: 2:50 PM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: Yes, Porta-Jon
Starlink: No
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
Giant Despair Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/pzhSffFvrVLT5GKd8
GPS - 41.45809, -77.51425
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The Giant Despair Aid Station has camping available if anyone would want to camp there prior to the event.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Aid Station Layout: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the aid station layout for this aid station along with the start line and other aid station locations. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid station in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to this aid station. If you are on your phone, click the aid station icon on the map, then click the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want start there.
Aid Station Mile: 55.9
Distance to Next: 7.9 (Finish at Hyner Run SP)
Aid Station Set Up By: 11:00 AM
Cutoff: 5:00 PM
Close: 5:30 AM
Drop Bags: Yes
Toilet: No
Starlink: Yes
Course Map: Footpath App
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Aid station open and close times listed are projections based on current course record times. Aid station captains and a few helpers should plan to arrive at least 1 hour before the listed open time to allow ample time to setup the aid station and be ready for the first runner. That being said, it is best to arrive as early as possible as this is an art not a science.
Report To:
By-Path Meadow Aid Station / Aid Station Captain
Driving Directions:
Google Maps directions can be found at https://maps.app.goo.gl/PG1MnXGPKoWTPves9
GPS - 41.440721, -77.609964
Information Unique to this Aid Station:
The By-Path Meadow Aid Station is the last aid station on the course.
Aid Station Captain Playbook:
Captains, the button below will take you to the aid station captain playbook. It's a dedicated page where you will find specific information on being an aid station captain at the Black Forest Ultra. Included on this page is a food tracker, specifics on how to open and close your station, food and fluid prep, and a host of other details to equip you to successfully manage your aid station. Since it's a password protected page the volunteer coordinator will email you the password as the event approaches.
Responsibilities:
*Volunteers need to be very fit, able to carry some weight and travel a long distance on foot. You will need to carry a running pack and be prepared for all weather conditions. Bring food and water and plan to be out for the long haul as the aid stations are far apart. Sweepers should be able to cover the entire section assigned at the pace listed on the aid station planner.*
Course sweepers will depart their assigned aid station following the last runner(s) after the aid station cutoff time has elapsed and has been enforced. Aid station captains are responsible for the enforcement of cutoffs and for not allowing runners who have missed the cutoff to continue. Captains will tell the sweeper team for the next section when they can depart to begin their sweeping duties.
Sweepers should follow the last runner, picking up flags (if assigned), trash, and looking for runners in distress. When sweeping, cover the course methodically, as a team, paying attention to your surroundings and making sure nobody is in trouble. You may get stuck behind an especially “slow” runner at the back of the pack, especially late in the race. Please be patient and give encouragement if you come in contact with them. In case of a true medical emergency, immediately contact the Communications Coordinator using the handheld radio. If you do not reach them, you will be heard by the other radio operators at the aid stations and they can relay or assist you in deploying emergency assets.
Please check in with your sweeping partner preferably at one week out from race day. You will be given the password for the volunteer database to find who you are working with so you can contact each other. The two of you are a team looking out for one another while out there and helping solve any problems that you may encounter, e.g., a medical emergency or a lost runner, so it's good to be on the same page before starting your duties.
Report To:
Hyner Run SP / Communications Director
Course Map:
Download the Footpath App to your phone or Apple Watch and use the link above to download the course map. Open Footpath and the course map prior to race day and you will have Footpath Elite features with the Black Forest Ultra course. (See how to download offline maps).
Check-in Procedure:
Sweepers need to check in with the Communications Director at the start/finish line at Hyner Run SP to receive a handheld radio and confirm you are ready to either be transported to your starting aid station or that your team has transportation arranged and your heading out.
Sweeper Teams are as follows:
Sweep Team 1 - Start to By-Path Meadow (AS1)
Time: Midnight - 2:30 AM
Miles: 7.9
Remove Flags: No
Sweep Team 2 - By-Path Meadow (AS1) to Damn Hollow (AS2)
Time: 2:30 AM - 6:00 AM
Miles: 12.2
Remove Flags: Remove after connecting to the Black Forest Trail
Sweep Team 3 - Damn Hollow (AS2) to Hill of Difficulty (AS3)
Time: 6:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Miles: 14.8
Remove Flags: Yes
Sweep Team 4 - Hill of Difficulty (AS3) to Giant Despair (AS4)
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:45 PM
Miles: 9.8
Remove Flags: Yes
Sweep Team 5 - Giant Despair (AS4) to By-Path Meadow (AS5)
Time: 1:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Miles: 11.2
Remove Flags: Yes
Sweep Team 6 - By-Path Meadow (AS5) to Finish
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Miles: 7.9
Remove Flags: Yes
Transportation:
We recommend that each sweeper team provide its own transportation by positioning one vehicle at the end of your assigned section, then using a second vehicle to travel back to the beginning of the section. If this isn’t possible, please contact the volunteer coordinator if you need transportation to and/or from aid stations. We can coordinate with the SAD Driver to shuttle personnel to their needed locations.
Other Notes:
It is good to have a few grocery bags if you are collecting the course flagging plus one for collecting trash in. Save all flagging that have reflectors attached to them and return them to the volunteer coordinator or other race official at the start/finish line.
FCC license is required!
This event traverses remote and mountainous terrain with minimal cell phone coverage. To maintain a high level of safety for all of our runners and keep logistics flowing, we depend on a dedicated team of radio operators, led by Travis Best (W3TMB), to maintain reliable radio communication throughout the race.
Responsibilities:
Licensed amateur radio operators are in charge of communicating with race headquarters about the status of runners on the course, relay emergency communication, pass along supply needs, and more. If you’re a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, we’d love to have you on a radio team at one of our aid stations.
Please indicate your license class when you sign up to volunteer - we’ll connect you with Travis to get you involved!
*See aid station tabs above to find out more information about each location*
Start/Finish Line Layout Map: View Map
Viewing the layout map will bring up the start line layout where you can find the Logistics HQ located at Hyner Run Lodge. The aid stations are on this map too. If you are on a computer, you can click the aid stations in the legend, and by clicking the directions link in the description, you will be given directions from Hyner Run SP to the aid stations. If you are on your phone, you will need to zoom out, find the aid station icons on the map and click on them to bring up the directions button. It will give you directions from your current location, so you'll have to enter the starting location as Hyner Run SP if you want to get a feel for driving the course.
Course Map: Footpath App
We highly recommend downloading the Footpath app and loading the course map to your phone. There is an option in the 'more' menu within the app to 'download offline maps' to ensure you will never be without the map. We use this app for running and general driving around in the backcountry without service. It is a very good mapping app.
Aid Station Planner: Planner
Logistics is broken down into 2 shifts:
Shift 1 - Midnight to 9:30 AM (arrive 30-45 minutes prior to shift)
Shift 2 - 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (arrive 15-30 minutes prior to shift)
Responsibilities:
Logistics Coordinator - This person is the main coordinator for dispatching and retrieving all gear and personnel needed at the aid stations. This person manages all supplies and equipment from start to finish.
Logistics Crew Member - By assisting the coordinator in his main duties, you will play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth execution of our event by ensuring that all the equipment and aid station supplies are delivered to the proper aid station and returned back to the race. If you’ve got a strong back and/or a big truck or van and you don’t mind getting tired and dirty while doing the essential behind-the-scenes work - this is the job for you. This role can be physically demanding and involve long hours, but your work will be absolutely vital to the success of the race.
What You’ll Do:
- Load, unload, and sort aid station supplies.
- Stack and transport water, food, gear, and equipment.
- Help set up and take down aid station.
- Clean and sort equipment and other aid station gear.
SAD Wagon Driver -
The SAD Wagon Driver is responsible for efficiently transporting Course Sweepers, and runners who withdraw from the race (“dropped runners”) from aid stations or other course locations to and from race headquarters.
What You’ll Do:
- Drive assigned vehicle along access roads to aid stations and other pickup points as directed by race staff.
- Transport dropped runners runners safely to predetermined locations.
- Maintain clear communication with race command, aid station captains, and medical teams via radio, phone, or event communication systems.
- Assist runners into and out of the vehicle as needed.
- Monitor the physical and emotional condition of dropped runners and relay any medical concerns to appropriate personnel.
- Maintain accurate records of runner pickups, including time, location, and runner bib numbers.
Report To:
Hyner Run Lodge / Logistics Coordinator
Driving Directions:
Google Directions to Hyner Run Lodge: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1sxJv98fsYeSSV396
GPS - 41.360735, -77.627418
Related Information:
Logistics crew members do not need to have a truck or van but it is helpful at least one member besides the coordinator has a vehicle capable to haul gear.
Course Maps/Info
Course Details (Even Year)
Each year the race reverses course direction. This section contains information related years that end in an even number, e.g., 2026. Make sure you reference the correct year when downloading this information.
Use this above to open the Footpath App and view the Black Forest course on even years. Download the app and use this link to gain access to upgraded Footpath Elite features.
Use this button to the view the Black Forest aid station planner and elevation map on even years.
Course Details (Odd Year)
Each year the race reverses course direction. This section contains information related years that end in an odd number, e.g., 2027. Make sure you reference the correct year when downloading this information.
Use this button to open the Footpath App and view the Black Forest course on odd years. Download the app and use this link to gain access to upgraded Footpath Elite features.
Use this button to the view the Black Forest aid station planner and elevation map on odd years.
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.
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.
© 2026 Black Forest Ultra. All rights reserved.
