Crystal Springs Ultra Races
About the race
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Crystal Springs Recreation Area in the Town of Wytheville, Virginia, the event showcases the breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain of the High Rocks Spur Trail and Boundary Trail loop among others.
These trails are technical in some areas and sure to bring you a challenge no matter your level of training.
Cups and aid stations
This is a cupless race, so you are REQUIRED to carry a collapsible cup or bottle. There are no cups at the aid stations.
Each aid station has PB&J sandwiches, bananas, pretzels, Oreos, hard candy, and a limited number of gels. Hot foods are available at select aid stations.
Start times and cutoffs
Start times
- 7:30 am start for 12 mile, 24 mile, and 36 mile (7:30 pm cutoff)
- 9:00 am start for 4 mile and 3 hour (Crystal Light) (12:00 pm (Noon) cutoff)
- Noon start for the 2 mile kids run
Shuttle and parking
Crystal Springs is a beautiful area where there is limited parking. You are REQUIRED to take a shuttle (4 minutes round trip) on race day. The shuttle will start at 6:00 AM and run until everyone is finished with the race.
Shuttle parking address: 180 Pump Hollow Road, Wytheville, VA 24382
Start line address: 723 Pump Hollow Road
There is no parking at the start line.
Packet pickup
Friday, August 13, 2027 from 5 PM to 7:30 PM at Seven Sisters Brewery (355 E Main St, Wytheville, VA 24382) in Downtown Wytheville.
Seven Sisters offers runners half off their first drink with a bib and/or medal all weekend.
Race swag
If you register after August 1, you aren't guaranteed race swag. We try our best to anticipate the number needed, but also need to make sure our local vendor has enough time to get the swag ready for race day.
The Leftover Option
The Leftover Option is a stripped-down, no-frills entry for the cash-strapped, the mileage-hungry, or the racer who's just in it for the grind.
- Entry to run any course of the Crystal Springs Trail Races
- A leftover medal (from races past – it's a surprise!)
- No race shirt, no swag bag, no extras – just dirt, grit, and glory
Limited to 10 runners. This option is ideal for the seasoned trail warrior who doesn't need another shirt in their drawer or medal on their wall – or maybe just loves a good deal.
Awards
Awards will be given out for the following:
- 1st Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary
- 2nd Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary
- 3rd Overall Male, Female, and Nonbinary
Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed to assist race weekend, whether that's helping on Friday or race day.
All volunteers get a free race shirt and earn a race entry (with 3+ hours of volunteer time) towards a future race we host through SWVA Running. These credits are transferable, so if your friend or family member is not a runner, they can still earn you an entry.
Cancellation policy
No refunds of entry fees. Runners can transfer distances up to the day before the race; dropping down a distance gets no refund. Entries can be transferred to another runner for the same year. Rollovers are allowed for medical conditions including pregnancy and post-partum.
The course
36 Miles
24 Miles
12 Miles
The Leftovers Option
4 Miles
2 Miles
3 hour (Crystal Light)
The race is a loop course. For the 12, 24 and 36 mile options, one loop is 12.2 miles with 2,008 ft of elevation gain, following Crystal Springs Loop Trail, Boundary Trail, High Rocks Spur Trail, High Rocks Trail, the Fire Road, back onto Boundary Trail and the Waterline to the finish. The 4 mile and 3 hour options use the Boundary Trail, the Crystal Springs Loop and the Waterline trail, one loop at 4 miles and 774 ft of elevation gain. The 2 mile kids run uses only the Crystal Springs Loop with minimal elevation gain.
Location
City insight: Wytheville
Wytheville is a town and the county seat of Wythe County, Virginia, USA, where Interstates 77 and 81 intersect. Summers are hot and humid while springs and autumns are mild, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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