JFK 50 Mile is a 50 miles ultra marathon in Boonsboro, United States. Distance: 80.5km. Elevation: 1,200m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 27/100). DNF rate: 8%. Time limit: 14h. Surface: mixed. Established 1963.
JFK 50 Mile
Boonsboro, Maryland, United States
"America's oldest ultra. 50 miles from the Appalachian Trail to the Potomac. A November tradition since 1963."
The oldest ultramarathon in the United States — a 50-mile journey across three terrains with deep history.
The Course
America's oldest ultramarathon. The course starts on the Appalachian Trail, transitions to the C&O Canal towpath along the Potomac River, and finishes on country roads. The AT section is rocky and technical; the towpath is flat and fast; the road finish tests tired legs.
rolling
point-to-point
10
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
A legendary finish line atmosphere. JFK 50 Mile is a bucket-list race with celebrations that match its reputation.
Race Day Weather
5°C
-2° – 10°
55%
30%
Late November in Maryland — cold, often windy. Early morning starts in near-freezing temperatures. Afternoon warming possible.
Stats & Records
1963
900
09:30:00
05:31:46
Max King (2016)
06:17:42
Ellie Greenwood (2012)
Entry
$110
March
instant
Lore & Trivia
The JFK 50 Mile is America's oldest ultramarathon — founded in 1963 after President Kennedy challenged Marine officers to meet Theodore Roosevelt's standard of a 50-mile hike in 20 hours. The race follows the Appalachian Trail over South Mountain, then the C&O Canal towpath along the Potomac River. The combination of technical mountain trail and flat canal path creates a two-character race: the first third is a mountain run, the final two-thirds is a test of mental endurance on endless flat towpath.
- ▸ Founded in 1963 in the wake of President Kennedy's challenge to Marines to complete a 50-mile hike, making it America's oldest ultramarathon.
- ▸ The course traverses three distinct terrains: rocky Appalachian Trail, flat canal towpath, and paved roads.
- ▸ With over 1,000 runners, JFK 50 is one of the largest ultramarathons in North America.
- ▸ Many road runners use JFK 50 as their entry to ultramarathons thanks to its relatively fast, forgiving course.
- ▸ Established in 1963.
JFK 50 follows the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath — America's oldest 50-miler and still one of its best.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is JFK 50 Mile? +
JFK 50 Mile is a 50 miles (80.5km) ultra marathon with 1,200m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on mixed terrain.
How hard is JFK 50 Mile? +
JFK 50 Mile is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 27/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 8%. Runners have 14 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at JFK 50 Mile? +
Average temperature is 5°C (range -2°C to 10°C) with 55% humidity and a 30% chance of rain. Late November in Maryland — cold, often windy. Early morning starts in near-freezing temperatures. Afternoon warming possible.
Are crew and pacers allowed at JFK 50 Mile? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 40km.
What is the course record for JFK 50 Mile? +
The men's course record is 05:31:46 set by Max King in 2016. The women's course record is 06:17:42 set by Ellie Greenwood in 2012.
What is the average finish time for JFK 50 Mile? +
The average finish time is 09:30:00. About 900 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 8%.
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