Ultra Running Hub Pelham, AL, United States · Saturday, December 5, 2026
Blood Rock 55 km Race
What the course asks
DUV results for the 2025 edition (55km) — finishers only. Starters are not published, so the field was at least this big and no finish rate can be given.
Typical conditions, December
Regional 2001-2020 average for December — NASA POWER, grid elevation 171 m. Not a forecast.
Results history
| Year | Race | Finishers | Men's winner | Women's winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55km | 73 | Austin Atkinson · 05:17:11 | Katie Wright · 06:48:20 |
| 2024 | 55km | 54 | James Ebert · 05:49:35 | Kelsey Drum · 07:11:50 |
| 2023 | 55km | 52 | Beau Beard · 07:16:28 | Shannon Beale · 08:27:48 |
| 2022 | 55km | 50 | Andrew Higgins · 06:53:42 | Nikki Harvey · 08:47:46 |
| 2021 | 55km | 88 | Larkin Watters · 07:17:56 | Raven Johnson · 07:52:44 |
| 2020 | 50km | 57 | Peter Davis · 05:43:23 | Taylor Wood · 08:04:09 |
| 2019 | 50km | 48 | Dakota Sumpter · 06:12:24 | Amy Hansen · 06:53:04 |
| 2018 | 50km | 31 | Nathan Huff · 06:18:08 | Meggan Franks · 06:56:21 |
| 2017 | 50km | 53 | Jay McCurdy · 06:03:47 | Michelle Chesteen · 07:48:22 |
| 2016 | 50km | 92 | Mark McAlister · 05:26:21 | Sarah Grappo · 06:07:19 |
The field grew 35% between 2024 (54) and 2025 (73). 26% of the 2025 field were women.
DUV results for the 2025 edition (55km) — finishers only. Starters are not published, so the field was at least this big and no finish rate can be given.
Course notes
- terrain This is a rolling course. Expect fast, runnable sections where rhythm is key.
- gear With trail terrain, choose a shoe with moderate cushioning for optimal performance.
Gear for this race
Chosen for 55 km of trail with 1,800 m of ascent.
- Trail Running Shoes 33 m of climb per kilometre — grip and rock protection before cushioning.
- Race Nutrition 55 km of self-supported fuelling between aid stations.
- Hydration Vests Pole attachment and chest-strap stability on steep ground.
- Trekking Poles 1,800 m of ascent to walk up.
- Headlamps A 12 h limit puts you out there after dark.
Overview
The Blood Rock 55 km Race is a trail race in Pelham, AL, with 10 editions run since 2016. The 55 km course covers 1800m of elevation gain, which at 32.7m of climb per kilometre is a demanding ratio for a 50k distance race. The race is scheduled for December 5, 2026.
The 12-hour cut-off translates to a 13.1 minutes per kilometre pace, which is more generous than 63% of 50k cut-offs, but tighter than 37%. This means runners have more time to complete the course than in most similar races. The field of 73 finishers in 2025 was bigger than 70% of 50k fields, but smaller than 30%.
Similar races
Other 50K trail ultras, closest in distance first.