40/50 M Challenge - Cliff Cave | Everfurther Events
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40/50 Mile Challenge - Cliff Cave (August 22, 2026)

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Course Description:

Cliff Cave, River Bluff Trail

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The course at Cliff Cave Park, featuring the River Bluff Trail, offers a scenic and moderately challenging route that winds through wooded hillsides, limestone bluffs, and overlooks of the Mississippi River. Runners will complete a clearly marked 3.1-mile (5K) loop, returning each lap to the same central start/finish area and fully stocked aid station.

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The trail surface is primarily packed dirt with sections of crushed limestone and natural singletrack, including roots, short climbs, and a few technical areas that add variety. The elevation is more pronounced than flatter park courses, with rolling hills and bluff-side sections that provide a rewarding challenge without being overly difficult. While still accessible to newer trail runners, the terrain offers enough complexity to keep experienced runners engaged over multiple loops.​

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With scenic river views, dense forest coverage, and a true trail-running feel, the loop-based format allows runners to manage effort, refuel efficiently, and choose their distance as they go. Whether tackling a single lap or building toward a longer endurance effort, Cliff Cave Park delivers a balance of natural beauty, dynamic terrain, and convenient race support for athletes of all levels.

Support & Logistics

  • Runners may access personal supplies at their staging area each loop

  • Crew access permitted in designated areas

  • Pacers allowed per event rules (location-specific and time-based)

  • Medical and race staff on site throughout the event

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This setup allows runners to adapt strategy on the fly—fueling, gear changes, and rest without leaving the course.

Running Alongside The Next Loop, The 40/50 Mile Challenge runs simultaneously with The Next Loop Endurance Series on the same course.

 

While Next Loop participants run on the hour, 40/50 Mile Challenge runners race continuously and are scored separately.

 

Each event has its own competitive field, results, and rules.This creates an energetic race environment while preserving the integrity of both formats.

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Ready to Take on the Challenge?

Registration is limited to ensure course quality and runner support.

Location: Cliff Cave Park

806 Cliff Cave Rd, St Louis, MO, 63129

Distances Offered: 40 Mile, 50 Mile

The 40/50 Mile Challenge

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The 40/50 Mile Challenge is a continuous loop endurance race designed for runners who want to push beyond traditional race formats while benefiting from a fully supported, centralized course.

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Held alongside The Next Loop Endurance Series, this event runs on the same 3.1-mile (5K) loop, but unlike the hourly format, competitors in the 40/50 Mile Challenge run continuously with a strict time cutoff.

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This format offers a true ultra-distance experience—simplified logistics, consistent footing, and constant access to aid and support.

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Event Format

  • Distances: 40 Miles or 50 Miles

  • Loop Length: 3.1 miles (5K)

  • Course Type: Continuous loop trail race

  • Time Limit: 12 hours

  • Start/Finish: Same location each loop

  • Aid Station: Fully stocked at every lap

  • Staging Area: Designated personal staging area near start/finish

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Runners complete repeated loops until they reach their chosen distance or the time limit expires.

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Who Should Run the 40/50 Mile Challenge

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This event is ideal for:

  • Runners attempting their first ultra distance

  • Athletes stepping up from a marathon or 50K

  • Experienced ultrarunners seeking a fast, efficient course

  • Competitors who value logistics simplicity and strong support

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The loop format removes navigation concerns and allows athletes to focus entirely on pacing, fueling, and mental toughness.

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