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Last Updated: 01 November 1998
The John F. Kennedy 50-Miler ultramarathon
"America's Ultramarathon"
Originated in 1963, the JFK50 signifies the oldest continuous
ultramarathon race in North America. History was made at the last
(35th Annual) JFK 50 Miler, held on November 22, 1997, as 719 official finishers completed
the event within the 14-hour time limit, breaking the U.S. record of 673
finishers which had stood for 24 1/2 years.
JFK50 Race History
Our Web site currently features the JFK 50 Miler because
the JFK 50 is:
 | The most popular ultramarathon in North America |
| A Fall event |
| A great starter ultramarathon with great support |
| Local to Northern Virginia |
At the last JFK 50 Miler, the Reston Runners were out in force, wearing
bright yellow, custom-designed singlets, designed so that the runners and their support
crew could spot each other. We had temendous club support, with about a dozen crew
members helping the runners along the way. Other participants, crews, and fans
could frequently be overheard saying "These guys are everywhere!".
Last year's participants are all now part "owners" of this American
Record.
Course Description
There are aid stations every 3 to 7 miles.
| Location |
Estimated
Distance |
What to Expect |
Boonsboro High School
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Start
|
Sunrise!
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Winding, climbing road
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3 miles
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Mostly walking up to Turner Gap (US 40)
on the Appalachian Trail
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Appalachian Trail
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1/2 Marathon
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Running & lots of walking. It gets rocky at times on the way to
the C&O Canal.
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C&O Canal
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Marathon
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Mostly running on a soft & flat course. It's very scenic
along the river. Take advantage of the scenery during the 1st 10 miles of this
stretch.
|
Rolling country roads
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8 miles
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The "logical" 2nd half of the JFK50. After the canal,
the asphalt gets very challenging. But do not fear; the end is near!
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Springfield Middle School
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Finish
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You made it! I highly recommend the post-run
massage!
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Go to the
Official Web Site
of the John F. Kennedy 50-Miler
sponsored by the Cumberland Valley Athletic Club (CVAC)
We may feature additional events at this Web site in the future.
Most likely, this would be the Bull Run Run
50-Miler, since we also continue our training into the spring for this event.
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