Blackwater 50 is a 50 miles ultra marathon in Davis, United States. Distance: 80.5km. Elevation: 2,400m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 37/100). DNF rate: 15%. Time limit: 15h. Surface: trail. Established 2015.
Blackwater 50
Davis, West Virginia, United States
"50 miles through West Virginia's wild mountains. Appalachian trails, river crossings, and Monongahela mud."
A classic Appalachian 50-miler through the Monongahela National Forest — rugged, muddy, and beautiful.
The Course
A rugged point-to-point through the Monongahela National Forest. The course follows a mix of rail trails, singletrack, and forest roads through West Virginia's mountain wilderness. River crossings, rocky trails, and Appalachian mud define the experience.
hilly
point-to-point
7
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
8°C
065%
40%
West Virginia spring — cool and often wet. Mud is a guarantee. Night starts can be frosty.
Stats & Records
2015
150
11:00:00
Entry
$120
October
days
Lore & Trivia
Blackwater 50 runs through the Appalachian forest of West Virginia — the mountain state where the trails are as rugged as the reputation suggests. The course follows ridgelines and forest trails through the Canaan Valley area, with views of Blackwater Canyon and the Dolly Sods Wilderness. West Virginia ultra running is intimate and community-driven, and Blackwater embodies that ethos: a well-organised, no-frills 50-miler in genuinely wild Appalachian terrain.
- ▸ West Virginia's rugged Appalachian terrain makes even 'moderate' ultras tougher than they look on paper.
- ▸ The Blackwater River, which gives the race its name, gets its dark color from tannic acid in the forest.
- ▸ Spring in the Monongahela means wildflowers, rushing streams, and lots of mud.
- ▸ The race starts before dawn, adding a magical headlamp-lit opening through the forest.
- ▸ Established in 2015.
Blackwater is a honest 50-miler. Appalachian forest, decent trail, no frills. Just you and the mountains.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Blackwater 50? +
Blackwater 50 is a 50 miles (80.5km) ultra marathon with 2,400m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Blackwater 50? +
Blackwater 50 is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 37/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 15%. Runners have 15 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Blackwater 50? +
Average temperature is 8°C with 65% humidity and a 40% chance of rain. West Virginia spring — cool and often wet. Mud is a guarantee. Night starts can be frosty.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Blackwater 50? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 50km.
What is the average finish time for Blackwater 50? +
The average finish time is 11:00:00. About 150 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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