YOUNGSTOWN ULTRA TRAIL CLASSIC

Event Overview

This is the 22nd annual YUTC 25K and 50K.

Race Description

The Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic is an old school ultramarathon designed by ultramarathon runners. The 2026 course has returned to its roots. It is a single-track trail that will test you!

• Trail Focus: Ultramarathon runners (and hiking enthusiasts) will appreciate that there are less road surfaces (only one section) and more unimproved trails.
• Course Structure: This beautiful new course is 95% trails with rocks, roots and short steep hills.
• Remote Areas: Some of the new areas are remote and seldom used.
• Rugged Crossings: There is also rugged stream crossing this year!

Location

Mill Creek Park is very scenic and picturesque. It is located south of Youngstown. Mill Creek is the second largest urban park in the USA - only Central Park is larger.

• Park Features: It is constructed around three lakes connected by a wide meandering stream with waterfalls and plenty of wildlife.
• Elevation Gain: There is approximately 1397 feet of elevation gain per 25K loop.
• Course Distances: The 25K course is one loop around Mill Creek Park. The 50K course is two loops around Mill Creek Park.
• Cutoff Times: The cutoffs times are very generous for the 25k distance but tougher for the 50K distance.

The YUTC Course

The course begins on the west side of the park at the Wick Recreation Area - Bresko Pavilion and travels clockwise around the park.

• Starting Point: After rounding the large Lily Pond and reflecting pool, runners will cross over to the trails on the west side of the park at the Pioneer Pavilion.
• Course Highlights: Along the way to Lantermans Mill, runners will traverse the Monkey Hills and the long Boardwalk that extends over hill along the gorge before the tall waterfall at the Mill.
• Aid Station: Runners will pass the Mill and run through the Covered Bridge crossing to the west side of the stream to the aid station on the other side.
• Finish Line: The Finish Line is located uphill at the Bresko Pavilion.

Registration

• Runner Cap: The race is capped at 250 runners, with 125 for the 25K and 125 for the 50K.
• Race Day Signups: In 2026, there will continue to be race day signups!
• No Transfers: NO transfers for any reason! Deferments will be permitted in the case of pregnancy and post partum issues.
• Refund Policy: NO REFUNDS - NO EXCEPTIONS!

Race Day Information

• Packet Pickup: Packet pickup will begin at 6:15 AM in the parking lot at the Wick Recreation Area near the playground.
• Facilities: There are flush toilets at the new recreation center and the golf office. Porta-johns and pit toilets are also available nearby.
• Start Times: 7:30 am start for the 50K runners and 8:00 am start for the 25K runners.
• Park Etiquette: Please remember that we are guests in Mill Creek Park. Cause no damage and do not litter.

Aid Stations

There are two aid stations at the Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic:

• Covered Bridge: You will visit this aid station two times per 25K loop. The first visit is approximately 5 miles from the start. The second visit is at approximately 10 miles.
• Start/Finish Line: You will visit this once for the 25K race (mile 15.5) and twice for the 50K race (mile 15.5 and 31).
• Products Available: Feminine products will be available at both aid stations.
• Food Offerings: Our aid stations are manned by friendly and encouraging volunteers. There will be some packaged food, fresh cut fruit, sandwiches, hot cooked foods and drinks.

After-Race Celebration

There will be an after-race party again this year at the Bresko Pavilion.

• Family Friendly: We encourage family and friends to join you after you cross the finish line for photos and fellowship.
• Cheering Tradition: The hillside at the finish line was covered with a cheering crowd, showing support for the runners.

Finisher Awards

In 2026, the finisher's will be a running visor marked with "YUTC 25K 50K". A long sleeve tech running shirt (UV protection) will be given to all runners during check-in and a finisher's bumper sticker will be awarded at the finish line.

• Finisher Conditions: To be considered a Finisher of YUTC you MUST meet four specific conditions including starting at the correct time for your event.
• Course Completion: Complete the entire prescribed course by running, walking or crawling under your own power.

Additional Information

There will be two organized orientation/training runs in 2026 starting at Wick Recreation Area at 8:00 AM.

• Run Dates: June 13, 2026 and July 18, 2026.
• Stay Informed: For more details, be sure to check our website.

Race URL: Youngstown Ultra Trail Classic