Tussey mOUnTaiNBACK 50 Mile Relay and Ultra

The Tussey Mountainback begins near the Tussey Mountain Ski Area outside Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, directing runners into Rothrock State Forest for a challenging fall race on predominantly gravel and forest service roads. The main weekend features ultra distances and team options, including a 100-mile race, a 50-mile race, a 50k, a half marathon, and the 50-mile relay. The relay divides the 50 miles into 12 legs, ranging from 2.8 to 6.2 miles, allowing teams to share the same rugged course that solo ultrarunners navigate independently. The course emphasizes extended climbs and descents over flat speed. The initial 5 kilometers ascend 772 feet, the descent toward Whipple Dam drops nearly 1,100 feet over 7.6 miles, Penn Roosevelt Hill climbs 930 feet between miles 21 and 29, and the last significant uphill gains 800 feet on Krise Valley Road before the Bear Meadows Road descent. Relay teams must finalize their runner order before race day and adhere to that rotation, with no alternates permitted after the start. Bicycles and listening devices are prohibited on the course, consistent with the remote forest roads and the necessity of hearing traffic, other runners, and support crews. Following over two decades of annual events, the race attracts both competitive ultrarunners and recreational teams seeking a demanding day in Central Pennsylvania's terrain.