The Cacapon 12 Hour Challenge was pleased to be designated the RRCA 2017 West Virginia Ultra State Championship!  Congrats to our state champions!

2013 race report! 2013 Race Report

2014 race report! 2014 Race Report

Cacapon 12 Hour Challenge Trail Run Saturday July 6, 2024




Here's what just a few of our runners have had to say!

Of all the races we have run over the years, yours is still our favorite -- Steve and Fiona Shaw


I wanted to say thank you to all the amazing volunteers out there who made this event so spectacular!!! Thank you to the RDs who take time outof their, I'm sure, extremely busy schedules to make this event such a success. You will definitely see my smiling face again! Much love to all!!!! --  Amy Evans, 30 miles run with second place relay team, 2016.

Thank you to Jason and Mary Jane, and all of the volunteers for putting this event on. You guys did an outstanding job organizing this and the event ran super smooth! I am thankful to have been a part of this yesterday. --  Robbie Jenkins, male winner 50 miles in 2016

Thank you for a fun day and great race Jason and MJ!!! Your support was exceptional and top notch -- kudos to all the volunteers! It was definitely a tough, challenging course but I certainly had a great time running today!!! Thank you, Thank you!  -- Sophorn Choup, 4th place woman, 50 Mile Club times two.

 What an exciting and stellar day in the woods thanks to MJ and Jason. Thanks for marking a beautiful loop; keeping runners safe from potential dangers with fair warning (that rattlesnake was one ticked off guy!!) And ensuring that we were well feed and hydrated. The volunteers were top notch. Great group of people to share a 12 hour journey with. Thanks to all for your support and kindness! -- Mary Beth Strickler, 2015 women's champion, 2016 first overall and three-time member of 50 Mile Club.

 You all put on the best race I have ever participated in. You all 

Flat out rock.  -- Douglas Alexander, Jr.  40 miles, 2015

Super big thanks to MJ and Jason for another great race! My husband and I really enjoy the group that runs this race as well as the group who runs in this race! We've made good friends here and love this course! Thank you so much for all you guys do to make this such a great event and a special Thanks goes out to your kids for all their volunteering! It had to be a long day for you all!! Great job!!! -- Sally Miller, 30 miles 2015

What a great day! Couldn't have asked for a better bunch of people to spend the day with!  Thank you to Jason, MJ, all their family and all the other volunteers for a great time!  Beautiful course and great organization, hope to see you next year! --Sally Miller, 20 miles 2014

...my utter gratitude and praise for an incredibly well-run race. It's the little things -- like a plethora of bandanas for ice, nice bathroom tissue in port-a-potties, already opened Hammer gels, or a cunning chunk of pineapple in a cup of pineapple juice -- that blew me away. Thank you, Jason and MJ, and all the wonderful volunteers for putting your hearts and souls into this event and tending to the needs of us sweaty, grumpy, and very lucky runners. -- Helen Macdermott, 45 miles 2014

Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers for putting on a great race. Everyone was super friendly and helpful. Ya'll had a nice spread of food, too! -- Andrea Bond, 35 miles 2014

Thank you very much, Jason, MJ, ALL the wonderful volunteers for a great day on the trails! Fantastic race! We will see you next year for sure! Happy trails! -- Jana Snider, 45 miles 2014

 Thanks so much for such an AWESOME day!! Jason and MJ-you guys rock!! I can't think of a single suggestion to make things better because you had everything covered! Amazing volunteers and great runners everywhere! SUPER challenging trail! THANKS for a great day! -- Ronna Mathias Monseau, 40 miles completed 2013

It was awesome.  I will definitely be there next year.  Great race, great direction, great course, great times.  You guys have definitely opened up a new world for me.  -- Kevin Clark, 30 miles completed 2013  

Jason & MJ: Just wanted to express how much I enjoyed being part of the race, and how impressed I was with the organization and course itself. Was by far my most enjoyable and memorable ultra, and probably most challenging; my legs will be out of commission for a number of days. I am honored to have been part of the first race and hope to see both of you again on the trails. Thank you for organizing this event and introducing me to the very charming town of Berkeley Springs, WV. -- Paul Peters, second overall with 60 miles run in 2013

I can't imagine a better event.  -- Tim Moats, 25 miles completed 2013


Thanks so much for an awesome, well-organized event! And to all the volunteers- you rock!  -- Sheri Jaworski Fiolek women's champion and fifth overall, 50 miles completed 2013


Jason and MJ,
Thanks so much for putting together an incredible event. During the course of the day I found great happiness in all aspects of the event. The volunteers, the course, the AS cornucopia of super goodies, and the location was great. The community of runners, volunteers and supporters that gathered was just magic. I had such a good time!  -- Joseph Phillips, 40 miles completed 2013


Thank you Jason and MJ and all your superstar volunteers for putting on an awesome event - so well organized - challenging and inspiring!
Looking forward to next year!  -- Diana Gorham, 40 miles completed 2013


A big thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and everyone there today! Having never done something like this before, Chris and I had no idea what to expect. I was a little nervous about coming...everyone was super supportive and welcoming. I am glad we could be a part of it!! See you next year!  -- Kitty Pirie, 20 miles completed 2013





RESULTS 2013 ARE UP!  LINK BELOW OR COPY AND PASTE THIS!

  http://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=21440



Brad Hinton and Paul Peters racing hard in 2013.

Join us at the Cacapon 12 Hour Challenge Trail Run, Saturday July 6, 2024!  Start time is 7:00 am, last loop must be started by 6:00 pm.  You can stop after a lap or two, but why?! Challenge yourself to complete as many circuits as you can in 12 hours!  The run will be held on the Central Trail, a challenging, mostly runnable (at least for the first few hours!) five mile loop.  Trail is entirely single-track with a couple of road crossings.  This is a great place for beginners to see what trail running is all about, and experienced trail runners will enjoy testing their limits on this beautiful course.  Runners must check in upon completion of each loop.  All pre-registered runners will receive a custom shirt.  There will be awards for top 3 M/F, special awards to all who complete 50 miles, and a post-race party for runners, volunteers and crew. There will be one fully-stocked aid station at the start/finish area, plus a water and gel station approximately halfway around the loop.  We are dedicated to responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the trails and the outdoors, so please do not leave any trash on the course!  We hope to see you there! 


 Cacapon State Park is less than 90 minutes from Frederick, two hours from Baltimore/DC, and three hours from Pittsburgh.  Get out of the city and get your trail fix with us!  While you're here, enjoy the attractions in nearby Berkeley Springs, WV! 

 2013 Relay winner:   The Tortoise and the Hare 50 miles in 9:34:50.  splits 52:58, 56:06, 54:22, 51:44, 57:14, 51:25, 1:06:33, 52:30, 1:18:09, 53:49.

2013 Relay runner-up: Team Mauk  45 miles in 10:39:10   splits 55:17, 1:02:47, 52:04, 1:09:11, 57:58, 1:29:52, 1:12:25, 1:17:27, 1:42:15. 


 Important links:


                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Facebook Group (Link opens in new window)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

 Lodging: Recommended hotel is the Best Western Berkeley Springs, about 15 minutes from the race site.    Please call 304-258-9400 to reserve your accomodations.  There are plenty of rooms available, but their new management does not allow us to make a room block as we have in previous years.  You can also book at the Cacapon Lodge, which puts you IN the state park, within minutes of the race course.  These rooms do require a two-night stay.  Contact at 304-258-1022.   These rooms will be held until June 10 or sold out.  Other lodging options nearby at link above. PLEASE NOTE: CAMPING, INCLUDING CAR CAMPING, IS NOT PERMITTED IN CACAPON STATE PARK.  THE RACE SITE IS GATED OFF AT NIGHT AND NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM 9:00 PM TO 5:00 AM.

 Training Run:  If there is interest, we will host a training run on the course in June.  Stay tuned for further info.

 Course: Scenic, five mile single-track trail loop, moderately to very technical.  This is a TOUGH trail, some trips, stumbles and falls are likely!  A few road crossings on lightly-traveled park, with a short dirt road out and back section leading to the secondary aid station.. Some stream crossings are possible, depending on recent rainfall.  Trail is very well-marked and maintained.  Final loop must be started prior to 5:45 pm.  New for 2017!  Turnaround markers will be placed on trail for runners to do a short out-and-back after your fifth or sixth  (or, gulp 12th!) loop to achieve a marathon, 50K or 100K(?!) distance finish.  Only ONE out-and-back can be done as a final segment if you choose not to attempt a full loop.

 Packet Pick Up: Friday night 6:30-7:30 pm at Batt Shelter. Saturday morning 5:30-6:45 am at Batt Shelter (start/finish area). 

 Awards: Custom awards will be given to top male and female runners, and top team(s) based on number of entries.  Special awards for individual runners who finish 50 miles (10 loops). 

 Relays:   Relay teams are welcome, but not eligible for any awards.  Relays runners should register on Ultrasignup, then contact race director with relay info (team name and members). with paper entries mailed in, cost is same per runner as individual.  No awards for relays, although runners are still eligible for individual awards. 

 Facilities: Porta-pots and hand sanitizer will be at the start/finish area (Batt Shelter).  The park will allow runners to shower at the beach bathhouse (less than a mile away) free of charge (must pay $3.00 if you want to swim) but it does close at 5:45 pm for those planning to hang in there the full 12 hours.

 Parking, crew, spectators, pacers: Follow signs to Batt Picnic Area.  Personal items can be easily accessed at start/finish of each loop.  Spectators can access the course at various other locations (see course map), but please be courteous to other vehicles and park and trail users, and do not leave any trash behind!  Pacers will be allowed after the 6 hour mark (1:00 pm).  Pacers must yield to registered runners, and must not act as mules for their runners.  Violations of these policies will render the runner being paced ineligible for awards.   

If you are arriving in multiple vehicles (crew, pacers, partners, etc): Please carpool if possible! Pull in to the nature center (about a mile below the race venue) and consolidate vehicles.  At the race site, please park fairly close together to maximize available space.

 Withdrawals, deferments, refunds, bib transfers: Requests for such will be considered on a case-by-case basis up to one month prior to race day.  After this, the money has been spent and no refunds will be granted under any circumstances, so please don't ask. If you want a deferment or bib transfer, decide early, we cannot do these things the week before the race.

 Race Directors: Mary Jane Baniak and Jason Griffith have enjoyed a shared passion for endurance sports for over 20 years.  They are Life members of the West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners and belong to the Queen City Striders, Potomac Highlands Distance Club, Morgantown Multisport, and Team Strong Triathlete. They have combined to complete over 150 marathons, ultramarathons and triathlons.  Mary Jane has nine 100-miler finisher belt buckles...Burning River 100, Massanutten Mountain Trails 100, Canal 100, a sub-20 hour clocking at the Graveyard 100, Javelina Jundred, Mohican 100, and first place female at Beast of Burden 100 (Summer Edition), Kettle Moraine 100 and Tunnel Hill 100, Holston River Challenge 100.  She is a two-time Boston Marathon finisher and past champion of the Big Bear 12 Hour Run, Cooper's Rock Stump Jump, Frozen Sasquatch 50K, aforementioned Beast of Burden 100 miler, and the 2017 Sole Challenge 48 hour run.  MJ finished her first Ironman in 2012 and competed in the USAT Triathlon Nationals in 2013.   

Jason ran cross-country at Wheeling Jesuit University where he was a three time Nationals qualifier and Academic All-American, and was inducted into the WJU Hall of Fame in 2000.  He has logged four Boston Marathons and many top 10 overall finishes at various marathons and ultras over the past 25 years, including Mountain Masochist 50+ Trail Run, Highlands Sky, Ridgerunner Marathon, Snowflake 50K, North Central Trail Marathon, Seneca Creek 50K, Frozen Sasquatch 50K, Capon Valley 50K, a PR 2:40 at the Wineglass Marathon, 12th overall placing at JFK 50 miler and has also attained 'Ironman' status.  We have long considered putting on a trail race in our beloved home state of West Virginia, and have decided it was time to use some of that energy to give back to the sport that has given us so much over the years.  We hope that our passion for trail running shines through and you enjoy this run!

 Volunteers needed!  A successful event depends on supporters and volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us at cacapon12hr@yahoo.com or our Facebook page (link above).  RD will happily attest to your volunteer service if you need credit hours for Western States, Hardrock, or other event!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 Our sponsors and supporters:


                                                                                                   

                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

 Cacapon State Park offers a lot for the entire family to enjoy, check out the video!


 

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