Weiser River Trail 50k draws runners from all over

Celebrating its 15th year among a dozen Idaho Ultra Series endurance races, the popular Weiser River Trail 50k (31.07 miles) is set for Saturday, April 26, starting in Council and ending at Midvale’s City Park.

 Sponsored by Boise’s Pulse Running and Fitness Shop, participants can register online at UltraSignup, although those registering after April 7 won’t be guaranteed “race swag.” 

 With no cap on the number of solo entries, inside of the 50k individual race are mens and womens divisions (ages 18-54), male and female masters (ages 55 and up), and adaptive athletes (all genders and all ages). 

 The race course’s five aid stations are set up as exchange points for relay teams of two to five runners. According to the information site teams of fewer than five members may contact the race director before registering to receive a pro-rated registration per the number of people on the team. As well, team substitutions may be made up to the morning of the race.

 Starting on the Weiser River National Recreation Trail in Council across Highway 95 from the Adams County Fairgrounds, the run takes racers alongside the Weiser River, through canyons, and open farm and ranch land, with aid stations set at Mesa Siding, Goodrich, Cambridge, and Shoepeg, before ending at the finish line in Midvale.

 Official race start times are 8 a.m. for solo runners, 8:15 a.m. for adaptive athletes, and 8:30 a.m. for relay teams. 

 For fans of ultra contests, there is also plenty of opportunity to volunteer at one of the aid stations, or at road or highway crossings. Volunteers can sign up at the UltraSignup site, as well.

 As of this week, over 150 runners are registered for the race, some entering from as far away as Quebec, Alabama, Georgia, New York, and Ohio. Several local names and faces will be spotted as they pass through the aid stations, as well.

 Ultramarathons like the Weiser River Trail 50k continue to grow in popularity across the continent, with as many as 34 scheduled on April 19 in multiple states and Canada, and a total of 56 taking place on April 26.