Germantown 50k and 50k Relay (2026)

Race Overview

ORRRC's rich history with ultra trail races starts with this one! Come run through one of the best MetroParks in Montgomery county. This race will take you through cedar forests, open prairies, alongside Twin Creek, through a span of old-growth forests, and up and down some of the most scenic hills and peaceful valleys around. A great course for anyone looking to challenge their skill and endurance at the 50k distance.

Relay Information

• Event: 2nd year for the TWO-PERSON 50k RELAY!
• Team Structure: Each team member will complete 2 loops: teams can choose their loop strategy.
• Shirts: Participants can purchase cool relay specific race shirts.
• Newcomers: Ideal for those new to trail running or needing a shorter distance.

Race Details

• Location: The Race starts and finishes at the Cottonwood shelter in Germantown MetroPark. Gates open at 6am: race starts at 8am.
• Early Start: Available at 7am for those needing extra time to complete the 50k course: early starters are not eligible for overall finisher awards.
• Packet Pickup: Race Day Packet Pickup ONLY starts at 6:30 am at the Cottonwood shelter.
• Parking: Available at Cottonwood and Morning Glory shelters: overflow in the meadow at Morning Glory shelter, weather permitting. Do NOT park alongside the road.

Course Description

The 4 LOOP course starts and ends at Cottonwood Shelter. Runners will take the trail that leads out from the shelter then turns LEFT on the GREEN trail. Turn LEFT on the ORANGE trail, stay right onto PURPLE toward Manning Road. The ORANGE trail has a short road section along Manning Road across the bridge then down steps and through a prairie section. Continue on the ORANGE trail on the east side of Twin Creek. Turn LEFT on the PINK ONLY trail where the orange and pink trail intersect (do not follow orange and pink). Stay on the PINK trail around Sunfish Pond. There will be cones leading to the Sunfish Shelter Aid Station. Follow cones back to the PINK trail. Follow the PINK trail across the parking lot and cross the park road. Stay on the PINK trail down the hill and watch for the sign to TURN LEFT on the ORANGE trail and cross the dam. There will be an Aid Station in a parking lot at the Conservancy Rd. trailhead. Continue on the ORANGE trail through the hills, alongside the creek, and on the boardwalk past the Twin Valley Welcome Center. Follow GREEN ORANGE RED back to the Cottonwood trail entrance. Watch for cones leading back to Cottonwood Shelter (Start/Finish and Aid Station).

Flood Course

Stay on the PINK trail down the hill and watch for the sign to TURN LEFT on the ORANGE trail and cross the dam. There will be an Aid Station in a parking lot at the Conservancy Rd. trailhead. Continue on the ORANGE trail then turn LEFT onto YELLOW ONLY, continue on YELLOW until it meets up with YELLOW BLUE turn left and follow the trail back to the boardwalk, past the Twin Valley Welcome Center, follow GREEN ORANGE RED back to the Cottonwood trail entrance. Watch for cones leading back to Cottonwood Shelter (Start/Finish and Aid Station).

Additional Information

• Elevation: approximately 3,000 gain.
• Cutoff: One cut-off at 2:45 pm: no one will be permitted to start the last loop after that time.
• Awards: Given for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male and Female overall finishers and for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place relay teams.
• Custom Finisher Awards: 2026 Collectable Wildlife Patch.

Aid Stations

Located at Cottonwood (main aid/manned), Sunfish Shelter (fully stocked/manned), and Conservancy (WATER and TAILWIND ONLY/non-manned). Food will include: PB & J, pickles, chips, gummy bears, boiled potatoes, hummus wraps, bananas, and possibly the coveted watermelon! Hydration provided includes water, Tailwind, and assorted soda.

We are a CUPLESS race so please bring your own water bottle or hydration pack as needed. Single-use cups will only be used for snacks and soda at aid stations.

Shirts are an additional $15.00.

Race Directors

Rebekah Taylor and J. Patrick Whitecar

Event Link

For more information, visit Germantown 50k and 50k Relay.