Trail running course near Valparaiso, Indiana, USA
Tombstone 2026

Tombstone 50K

50K·118 ft gain·Valparaiso, Indiana
ultra50ktechnicaltrailloop

AI-generated image

Distance50K
Gain118 ft
DateMar 2026

About This Race

The 50K sits as the technical middle ground at Tombstone, demanding more strategic pacing than the 30K while remaining more forgiving than the grueling 50-mile option. This distance requires runners to balance aggressive early miles with the endurance to handle the desert's relentless heat and rocky terrain over the final 20K, when the sun reaches its peak intensity. Best suited for ultrarunners ready to test their desert legs without committing to the extreme mental challenge of the 50-miler, the 50K offers a complete Sonoran Desert experience with enough distance to truly feel the landscape's harsh beauty.

Elevation Profile

Elevation profile estimated from terrain data. Actual course may differ.

The course gains 118 ft over 31 miles, with the steepest section between mile 29–mile 29.

Location

Other Distances at This Event

30K

125 ft gain

The 30K serves as the perfect middle ground at Tombstone, offering runners a substantial challenge without the extreme demands of the ultra distances. This distance allows you to experience the full character of Tombstone's rugged desert terrain while maintaining a more aggressive pace than the longer options, making it ideal for runners stepping up from road marathons or those seeking a hard effort on technical trails. With more forgiving cutoff times than the 50-mile but still requiring solid trail experience, the 30K attracts runners who want to test themselves against Tombstone's notorious climbs and rocky descents without committing to the mental game of ultra-endurance.

50 miles

610 ft gain

The course consists entirely of path running through the Valparaiso area, featuring the signature "Roller Coaster" hills that give the race its character. With a new course design promised for 2026, specific route details remain to be announced, though organizers emphasize the addition of more challenging terrain. Minimal aid station support defines the experience, with only two stations available to runners—one at the start/finish area and another positioned near the 4-mile mark. This setup requires careful planning and self-sufficiency, particularly for runners tackling the 50k and new 50-mile distances.