Forbidden Forest 30 Hour Ultra 2026 — Stratford, CT

A "Bucket List" Buckle Race! You deserve a fantastic "hometown" 100 miler with incredible buckles! This is the perfect race to prepare for the Ghost Train Trail Race or any other 100 miler! Welcome to the heart of New England trail running. The 30 Hour/100 mile EPIC event kicks off on Saturday at 8:30 am and runs until Sunday at 2:30 pm, giving you 30 hours to complete as many miles as you desire. Whether you choose to run, power-hike, or crawl, this challenge is for you. The course features an irregular loop of 2.23 miles per lap with a maximum elevation gain of 201 feet, showcasing the typical New England terrain of roots, rocks, and rolling hills. With clear course markings of flags and signs, you won't get lost on this journey. It is truly the only "real" trail buckle race in CT. Make sure to add this "doable" Forbidden 30 hour/100 mile race to your bucket list for Connecticut trail running. Run well, and you will earn your buckle! You stand at the edge of an endurance conquest, where only the strong of heart and relentless of spirit dare to push forward. Roosevelt Forest is your proving ground, the trail your battlefield, and time itself your greatest adversary. In the grand tradition of the hundreds, this is no ordinary test of endurance—it is a war against the limits of mind, body, and soul. Be Unforbidden at the Black Forest Ultra! Bibs and Packet Pickup Roosevelt Forest, located at the GPS address of 700 Peters Lane, Stratford, CT, will host the Black Forest Ultra event. There will be a bib/swag pickup on the 10th between 2 and 5 pm. You can also set up your personal area if you wish; however, please note that the race is not responsible for theft or damage, even if someone might be on duty all of Friday night. Per Town Ordinance, no overnight camping is allowed on Friday night. On Saturday, October 11th, you can set up a personal area in the R&R lot across from the pavilion starting at 6:30 am. Bib/swag pickup will begin on Saturday the 11th in the pavilion at 7 am, with the race starting at 8:30 am. Since the parking lot is small, please park 'comfortably' close, and larger vehicles should be directed to the side lot (no RVs). Use your vehicle for easy access to porta-johns as you loop through the day and night, especially during the Connecticut trail running events. We will provide excellent ultra hydration and foods, including PB&J sliders and sandwiches around 1 pm, and a variety of pizzas, along with potatoes and another surprise around 5 pm. Breakfast sandwiches will be available on Sunday around 8:30 am, sponsored by Athletic Brewing Company! The pavilion will serve as the only aid station during the trail races in CT. Awards and Medallions and BUCKLES Choose your own challenge at the Black Forest Ultra: 26.2M | 50K | 50M | 100K | 100 Miles | Or more! The 2.23-mile loop offers a taste of Connecticut trail running with its roots, rocky terrain, and one larger hill known as “OMG.” Complete 45 loops in 30 hours to earn a stunning finisher buckle (no extra charge). Race winners: First through third place finishers in both male and female categories will be awarded based on the most miles completed in 30 hours—not just the 100 miles. Note: As you achieve 100 miles, you receive your buckle at that point, but that does not win the race; it’s the most miles that counts. The medallions, buckles, and swag are exceptional and make this event one of the best trail races in CT worth the trip. Crew and Pacers One Pacer is allowed per runner during the Black Forest Ultra, a premier event in Connecticut trail running. The cost is $50 for 12 hours (starting at 2:30 am on Sunday or once 60 miles are achieved) or $25 for 6 hours (from 8:30 am to race end at 2:30 pm). While multiple pacer runners can rotate, only ONE Pacer is permitted on the course at any given time, and one charge covers all. All pacers must register and sign the waiver to participate. Registered pacers will have access to hydration, food, and a bit of swag, enhancing the experience of trail races in CT. Payments can be made at the pavilion just before the 12-hour mark (Sunday at 2:30 am or after achieving 60 miles prior to 2:30 am) or for the 6 hours starting at 8:30 am on Sunday, knowing the goal is within reach. Pacers must check-in to receive a Pacer wristband at the pavilion. Please note that anyone using an unauthorized Pacer during the run CT event WILL BE DISQUALIFIED from the race! No refunds. Charities The Roosevelt Forest Ultras proudly support a variety of organizations, including the Forest Commission, Veterans Museum, Library, and more. All portions of the proceeds from events like the Black Forest Ultra are greatly appreciated by these charities. Thank you for being a part of our Connecticut trail running community and supporting trail races CT and Run CT! Final Notes All hydration, H2O, GU, and ultra snacks are available all day and night during the Black Forest Ultra. To maintain the competitive integrity of this Connecticut