
Rocky Gap 25K, 50K, Relay Trail Run
It’s no secret that we adore Rocky Gap State Park and it absolutely has a special place in our hearts and the hearts of thousands of EX2 racers. We’ve been hosting races in the park since 2004, and last year we introduced this brand new ultra distance trail running event. We are thrilled to bring back the Rocky Gap 25K, 50K, and Relay Trail Running Race for year two! We hope you join us for an awesome adventure in the mountains of western Maryland.
Race Date: Saturday October 14, 2023
Course Length: 25K (~16ish miles) and 50K (~32ish miles)
Course Format: 3 different loops. 25K does each loop once, while the 50K does each loop twice
Entry types: Solo runners and relay teams of 2 or 3 in both the 25K and 50K

Course Description
The race highlights three different beautiful loops in the park that vary in length between 4.4 miles and 6.5 miles. We are calling these loops simply Loop A, Loop B, and Loop C. The 25K race does each loop once in order (A, B, C) with a total elevation change of about 1,300 feet. The 50K race does each loop twice in order (A, B, C…then A, B, C again) with a total elevation change of about 2,600 feet.
Loop A – Rocky Trail
Loop A is 6.5 miles with 500+ feet of elevation change and some moderate singletrack sections. The route follows the Lakeside Loop Trail for approximately 1.4 miles until it takes a left turn up a trail that we affectionately call Evitt’s Revenge (it’s steep). After a really fantastic .2 mile climb, the route takes a right onto Rocky Trail where it continues to climb until about mile 2.7. After topping out, the route heads downhill via the Setters Path trail and the Hickory Loop in the campground to the Lakeside Loop Trail. The route then follows the Lakeside Loop around the lake back to the staging area.
Loop B – Canyon Overlook
Loop B is 4.4 miles with about 500 feet of elevation change and highlights some lesser known singletrack in the park. The route follows the Lakeside Loop Trail for approximately 1 mile until it reaches the dam road and then continues straight across the road and up a steep (but short) section of trail to the ridge above the gorge. The route then traverses above the gorge to the left to the Canyon Overlook Trail and then returns back to the dam road to Old Hancock Road. The route then takes a right on Old Hancock Road (doubletrack) and then a left on an awesome 1.5 mile trail that leads back to Lake View Drive. The route then follows the Lake View Drive back to the staging area.
Loop C – Lakeside Loop
Loop C is 5.2 miles with about 250 feet of elevation change and follows the complete Lakeside Loop Trail. The route is amazingly beautiful with water views most of the way around.
In terms of anticipated difficultly, Loop A is the hardest followed by Loop B. Loop C is the easiest of the three loops since it is generally flat around the lake.


Relay Format
Both the 25K and 50K race are open to teams of 2 or 3 runners. Each runner on a team must run at least one loop. Runners may run unequal numbers of loops, so long as the team runs the loops in order (e.g., A, B, C). Each team will have a single bib (on a provided bib belt) that will be exchanged at the end of each loop.
Example of a 2-person 50K relay team
Runner #1 – Loop A
Runner #2 – Loop B
Runner #1 – Loop C
Runner #2 – Loop A
Runner #1 – Loop B
Runner #2 – Loop C
Example of a 3-person 50K relay team
Runner #1 – Loop A
Runner #2 – Loop B
Runner #3 – Loop C
Runner #2 – Loop A
Runner #3 – Loop B
Runner #1 – Loop C
Registration Fees
25K – solo
$70 – New Year (by 1/1)
$75 – Early (by 7/14)
$80 – Regular (by 9/14)
$85 – Late (by 10/13)
$90 – Race day (if available)
25K – 2 or 3 Person Teams
$45/person – New Year (by 1/1)
$50/person – Early (by 7/14)
$55/person – Regular (by 9/14)
$60/person – Late (by 10/13)
$65/person – Race day (if available)
50K – solo
$95 – New Year (by 1/1)
$100 – Early (by 7/14)
$105 – Regular (by 9/14)
$110 – Late (by 10/13)
$115 – Race day (if available)
50K – 2 or 3 Person Teams
$65/person – New Year (by 1/1)
$70/person – Early (by 7/14)
$75/person – Regular (by 9/14)
$80/person – Late (by 10/13)
$85/person – Race day (if available)

Registration Fee Includes
Fun and challenging course design, sweet finisher medal, professional race operations, chip timing, wonderful volunteer support and aid stations, medical support, awesome post-race food, and a race t-shirt you’ll love.
Race Day Schedule
Saturday October 14, 2023
7:00am – check-in opens
8:20am – 50K pre-race briefing
8:30am – 50K start
8:50am – 25K pre-race briefing
9:00am – 25K start
11am – Post-race food available
1pm – 25K awards
4:30pm – 50K awards
We’ll likely do two kids races at this event – around 12:30pm and around 3:30pm – depending on kiddo attendance. The kid’s races are for kiddos ages 2-11. We split into age groups and run short out and back race. Kids who participate can pick from the EX2 treasure box.

Note: 2022 swag shown. Medal designs and shirt designs will be made available well in advance of the event.
Backyard Burn at Laurel Hill
Directions and Lodging
Rocky Gap State Park
12500 Pleasant Valley Road
Flintstone, MD 21530
Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland, 6 miles east of Cumberland in Allegany County. The park is approximately 2.5 hours from the Baltimore and Washington regions.
From Baltimore and Washington DC:
- Travel to I-70 west.
- Travel west on I-70 past Hagerstown.
- At Hancock, take I-68 west.
- Take exit #50 for Rocky Gap State Park.
- Once in the park follow signs for race parking.
There are several lodging options at and close to the park, including but not limited to: Rocky Gap Campground (Note: If you would like to reserve a campsite at Rocky Gap, please call Frank Stark at 301-722-1480), Rocky Gap Casino, 7 Cs, Sleep Inn, Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, Ramada Inn, Holiday Inn.
Race Rules
- Runners must remove any headphones at road crossings and when approaching aid stations. For the safety of yourself and all the runners, we discourage the use of any in-ear headphones.
- Outside assistance is only permitted at aid stations.
- Race numbers must be worn on the front and must be visible at all times.
- 50K runners must maintain a minimum pace that will allow for a 10 hour maximum finish.
- Pets and pacers are not allowed on the course.
- Baby strollers are not permitted on the course.
- Respect other racers, volunteers, race staff, and the environment. No littering.
- Poor sportsmanship may result in disqualification.
- Racers must notify race officials if they drop out of the race.
- Stay on designated trails.
Age Groups
Solo Divisions
Female and male – 19-under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79
2-person Relay
Female, male, mixed gender, masters (combined age 100+)
3-Person Relay
Female, male, mixed gender, masters (combined age 150+)
Additional Information
Ready to Race?
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