About the Bel Monte Endurance Races
The Bel Monte Endurance Races is the most fun ultra you'll ever do. Created by ultra runners for ultra runners, BMER has all the qualities most coveted in an ultra: a stunning course on single-track trails, a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, a welcoming start/finish location very close to the trails! BMER is what ultras are all about: the perfect spring ultra and the perfect ultra to do with friends!
Course
Bel Monte includes three races: 50 mile, 50k and 25k. BMER is one of the most scenic ultras in the East and the best spring mountain ultra in the East. The course is stunning with challenging climbs, some technical some more runnable. The out-and-back course always changes and has more runnable sections followed by more technical sections. The climbs are challenging, with the longest on the 50 mile course being about 5.5 miles long. The race begins with less than a mile on pavement: the rest of the race is in the George Washington National Forest trail system. The course is 65% single-track, about 30% jeep and gravel road and less than 5% pavement. The start/finish is located at Shenanhoad Acres, where cabins are available to rent.
Entry
UTMB Index Race
Contact Francesca at francesca at badtothebone dot biz to inquire about military and service discount
Events
BMER includes three events: a 50 miler, 50k and 25k trail races.
Date
Saturday, March 9, 2024
Location
George Washington National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, USA. The closest town is Charlottesville, one of the coolest towns on the East Coast, is only about 35 minutes away.
Start Times
All three races will start at Shenandoah Acres..
The 50 Miler starts at 5:30am with a time limit of 14 hours (7:30pm).
The 50K starts at 6:30am with a time limit of 12 hours (6:30pm) | Please refer to the cutoff for specific aid stations cutoffs.
The 25K starts at 7:30am with a time limit of 6 hours (1:30pm) | Please refer to the cutoffs for specific aid stations cutoffs.
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup will take place on Saturday (race day) from 5:00am at Shenandoah Acres.
Time limit
The 50 mile race has a time limit of 14 hours. The 50k race has a time limit of 12 hours. The 25k has a time limit of 6 hours.
Weather
The weather in March in Virginia can be very unpredictable. It can range anywhere from sunny in the 60s to heavy snow or ice storm. Although we never want to, we reserve the right to cancel the race in the case of dangerous weather conditions. Please check the forecast and come prepared.
Lodging
Lodging is available at Shenandoah Acres in cabins of different sizes. Campgrounds close-by include Camp Blue Ridge (25 min). The closest hotels can be found in Waynesboro, VA (30-35 min). Wintergreen Ski Resort is also close by (25 min).
Directions
The start and finish are located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Click below for Directions.
Course
Bel Monte boasts one of the most beautiful mountain courses in the East. The Blue Ridge Mountains in March are a sight to be remembered. The elevation ranges between 3,700 feet and 1,500 feet. The start and finish are at
Click HERE for Course Information We're always available to help.Crews and Pacers
Contact
Rules
Awards