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.
The Aid Station
Course-specific beta from the community
This is a rolling course. Expect fast, runnable sections where rhythm is key.
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, organised by Southeastern Trial Runs. It has been held 10 times since 2016, with the latest edition in 2025 seeing 73 finishers. The 55 km course includes 1800m of elevation gain, making it a demanding single-lap event with very steep climbs and descents on rugged backcountry trails.
With 32.7m of climb per kilometre, this course is more challenging than 33% of 50k races. The 12-hour time limit imposes a 13.1 minutes per kilometre cutoff pace, which is tighter than 38% of 50k races. This means runners will need to maintain a steady pace throughout the race.
The race attracts a larger field than 71% of 50k races, drawing from a peer group of 2660 events. The next edition is scheduled for December 5, 2026.
Similar races
Other 50K trail ultras, closest in distance first.