REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
19 APR 2025
Start: 07.00
OVERVIEW
The Chopawamsic Challenge is a unique 50K and 100K foot race that is held in Prince William Forest Park. With generous time cut-offs this is an opportunity to test yourself at an ultra marathon distance. Or simply extend your range/mileage in a trail race. The Challenge takes its name from the Native American Algonquian language meaning "isolated lodge". Chopawamsic was the original name given to the area during the Great Depression when it was designated a National Recreation Area. Detailed information can be found at….. Its rich history includes the Civilian Conservation Corps, one of the homes of the OSS, and now a Park within the National Park Service. Come run on trails that have a rich history that predates the birth of our Country! 100% of the net proceeds go towards our military charities.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The CC 50K and CC100K will be run on 100% trails. Over 90% will be on single track, with the remaining 10% being on dirt and fire roads with a small stretch on an open grass field. Our single track trails will feature just over 6,000 feet of ascent and descent for the 50K and 12,000 feet of ascent and descent for the 100K. Runners will be required to complete a 10 kilometer (6.25 mile) loop 5 times to achieve the 50K and 10 loops respectively for the 100K. Each loop will have a water point at the halfway point. The loop profile will be available in the coming weeks.
RACE PARAMETERS
The CC50K will have an twelve (12) hour time limit. The field will be limited to 50 runners. Each runner is required to run with water, and must have a light (torch) for the night segment of the race. The race will start on Saturday morning 7:00am. The final loop MUST be completed by 7:00pm to receive official credit.
The CC100K will have an eighteen (18) hour time limit. The field will be limited to 50 runners. Each runner is required to run with water, and must have a light (torch) for the night segment of the race. The race will start on Saturday morning 7:00am. It will conclude at Sunday morning 1:00am. The final loop MUST be completed by Sunday morning at 1:00am to receive official credit.
RACE ROUTE
CC50K and CC100K GPS Route (Downloadable)
LOGISTICS
The start time for the 50K and 100K is 07:00am. The Start/Finish is co-located at the Camp 5 (Happyland Camp) within Prince William Forest Park. Runners wishing to stay the evening prior can do so at the Camp 5. The lodging is somewhat rustic in nature, with both dormitory and cabin style accommodations. Availability is first come, first serve. The cost is an affordable $10.00. There is a large area for drop bags at the Start/Finish Area. Parking is available at two locations within a ¼ mile to the Camp 5. The morning of the race will have a shuttle going back and forth from the parking areas to the Start/Finish. We will have a mandatory pre-race briefing via ZOOM mtg in the week leading up to the races. A full breakfast will be served starting at 05.30 before the start of the race and the following morning starting at 05.30
RACE LOCATION (Start/Finish Area)
The Start/Finish line will be at Camp (5), Happyland Camp in Prince William Forest Park, National Park Service. Camp 5 is a Cabin Camp that will accommodate 200 athletes in a cabin bunk style lodging. Hot showers and bathrooms are newly renovated and located in centralized areas. Additional information on local lodging and the cabin camp is available is available immediately below.
COST AND AWARDS
The cost is $95.00 before 23 MAR. Due the logistics involved with the race, the fee will increase to $110.00 on 23 MAR. All finishers will receive a finisher’s award. Special award recognition will be given to the top three (3) male and top three (3) female competitors. The awards ceremony will be held on Sunday morning at 7:30am in conjunction with a full breakfast for all the participants.
TRANSPORTATION AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Reagan Airport (DCA) are both within an hour’s drive of the race. Taxis, Uber, and limo services are available along with major car rental agencies. The CC100K will be held in concurrently with the 24HR Adventure Trail Run.
All proceeds from the race go towards our charities: The Jonas B. Kelsall Memorial Fund and the Semper Fi Fund.
Please consider making your own independent donation to the Jonas B. Kelsall Memorial Fund.
Please consider making your own independent donation to the Semper Fi Fund.
