The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge • Cliff Cave
- Date
- August 22, 2026
- Location
- St. Louis, Missouri
- Organized by
- The Next Loop Endurance Series
Distances and entry
- 40/50 Mile Challenge — $112.50
About The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge • Cliff Cave
The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge — Cliff Cave
The Cliff Cave 50 Mile Challenge is a rugged, rhythm-driven test of endurance set on a scenic 3.1-mile loop weaving through the wooded trails and limestone bluffs of Cliff Cave Park.
This is a continuous 50-mile trail race held alongside The Next Loop Endurance Series—same fully stocked Start/Finish aid station every lap, seamless access to fuel, and simple, repeatable logistics that let you stay locked into your effort.
You’ll complete 16 loops to reach 50 miles (trail distances may vary slightly), with a firm 12-hour cutoff that rewards smart pacing, steady energy, and mental resilience as the day unfolds.
Stage your gear at your vehicle or in the designated athlete area, dial in your strategy lap by lap, and settle into the flow. Pacers are welcome after 4:00 PM.
Whether you’re chasing a breakthrough performance, stepping up to your first ultra, or just looking for a long, honest grind on trail—the Cliff Cave 50 Mile Challenge delivers a raw, focused ultra experience, one loop at a time.
Race Format
Distance: 50 miles
Race Style: Continuous run (not hourly)
Time Limit: 12-hour hard cutoff
Start: Mass start with other 50-mile competitors
Field Limit: 75 runners
Course: Trail-based loop; minor distance variation expected due to terrain
Athlete Support & Logistics
Dedicated 50-mile staging area, separate from hourly loop athletes
Access to:
- Main aid station every 5K loop
- Personal staged gear each lap
- Medical and safety support consistent with ultra-distance standards
Timing & Results
- Chip timing
- Splits recorded and posted for every completed 5K loop
- Overall finishing time determines placement
- Real-time loop splits allow athletes and crews to track pacing, fatigue, and performance trends
Age Group Divisions
- Open
- Masters: Ages 50–69
- Grand Masters: Ages 70+
Who This Race Is For
- Ultra runners seeking a loop-based 50-mile format with constant support
- Athletes who value pacing precision, strategy, and crew accessibility
- Competitors who want the energy of a multi-event atmosphere without compromising race integrity
Important Notes
- The 50 Mile Challenge is a standalone race and not part of the hourly format
- Participants should be prepared for the demands of a 50-mile trail ultra
- Cutoffs are strictly enforced for safety and event flow
Pacers
Pacers are permitted beginning at 4:00 PM
Pacers must:
- Check in at the designated pacer station
- Wear official pacer identification
- Enter and exit the course at the start/finish only
Additional guidelines:
- One pacer at a time per athlete (multiple pacers allowed)
- Pacers may not carry gear or nutrition beyond standard trail-running rules
Pacers are there to support safety, pacing, and morale in the later miles—without disrupting the fairness or flow of the race.
EverFurther Events
The Next Loop 50 Mile Challenge is produced by EverFurther Events, founded by veteran endurance athletes committed to building events that prioritize progression, accessibility, and community.
With a loop-based format that removes barriers and simplifies logistics, EverFurther events are designed for real athletes—whether you're chasing a PR or discovering just how far you can go.