About This Race
The Stone Mill 50 Mile showcases the natural beauty of Montgomery County, Maryland, weaving through the forested corridors of the Seneca Greenway and Muddy Branch trail systems. This November ultramarathon captures the region's autumn character as runners navigate primarily single-track dirt trails punctuated by small stream crossings and rolling terrain. The course presents a well-managed introduction to 50-mile trail running, with generous aid station support and a reasonable 14.5-hour cutoff. While most sections drain well, runners should prepare for potentially muddy conditions during wet weather, particularly in the lower-lying areas. The Montgomery County Road Runners Club has cultivated this event as both a challenging test and a celebration of local trail stewardship. Starting in the evening hours creates a unique dynamic, with runners experiencing the transition from daylight through night and into the following day. The race emphasizes community involvement, asking participants to contribute volunteer hours to local running organizations or trail maintenance efforts, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that sustains trail running in the Mid-Atlantic region.
The course traverses forested, rolling terrain on primarily single-track dirt trails through Montgomery County's Seneca Greenway and Muddy Branch trail systems. Runners encounter small stream crossings throughout the route, with the terrain generally draining well except in areas prone to muddiness during wet conditions.
The layout provides consistent aid station support approximately every 5 miles, helping runners manage the technical and navigational demands of the single-track sections. The course maintains its trail character throughout, offering 100% path running with no road or track segments.
Location
Aid Stations
10 stations along the course
Aid Station 1
Aid Station 2
Aid Station 3
Aid Station 4
Aid Station 5
Aid Station 6
Aid Station 7
Aid Station 8
Aid Station 9
Aid Station 10
Practical Info
November in Maryland typically brings cool temperatures with potential for rain, requiring layers and weather protection.
Best For
Notable Features
The Stone Mill 50 Mile stands out for its evening start time, creating a unique overnight running experience as participants transition from day through night and into morning. The race emphasizes community service, asking runners to volunteer with local organizations, while supporting trail stewardship groups like Friends of Seneca Park and the C&O Canal Trust through participant donations.