Choosing Your First 50K: How to Pick a Race You Can Actually Crush
- Justin Biays
- May 2
- 9 min read
Signing up for your first 50K is a big moment. It’s more than just clicking “Register." It’s a commitment to stepping into the unknown and testing what you're really made of.
With so many options out there, it’s tempting to jump into whatever race looks the most exciting, the most "epic," or the one with the coolest medal. But here's the truth:
Not all 50Ks are built the same. Some are grueling mountain slogs with 10,000 feet of gain. Others are flat and fast on smooth single track. Some offer generous cutoff times and great aid station support.
Others? Not so much.
If you want to actually finish your first ultra strong — and not just survive it with your body and pride barely intact — you need to pick the right race. (Read Our Full Guide on Preparing for your First 50k Here)
This isn’t about taking the easy way out. It’s about setting yourself up to win the long game.
Let’s break down how to do it the smart way — the Dark Horse way – so your first 50K isn’t just a survival story, but a launchpad for the endurance athlete you’re becoming.
While we recommend reading the whole post, you can jump to specific sections here:
Know What You're Signing Up For: Race Types
Most beginners don’t realize how different race types really are...until they’re knee-deep in mud, staring up at a climb they didn’t train for.
50 kilometers (31 miles) sounds the same on paper, but depending on the course, the experience is wildly different. Understanding the main types of 50K courses — and what they demand from you physically and mentally — is the first step to making a smart decision. Let’s break down the most common race styles so you don’t just sign up blind.
Road 50K
Flat or gently rolling terrain
Hard, repetitive impact on pavement
Easier to pace evenly and fuel consistently
Usually faster finish times
Less technical skills required, but mentally tough due to the monotony
Best for: Athletes coming from half marathon or marathon backgrounds who want a predictable, controlled environment for their first ultra.
Trail 50K
Dirt trails, some rocks or roots, rolling hills
Variable footing — harder to pace consistently
Requires strength, endurance, and adaptability
Long stretches of hiking mixed with running are normal
Weather and trail conditions can shift race-day strategies fast
Best for: Beginners who want more variety and challenge without needing elite-level hiking or scrambling skills.
Technical Trail 50K
Steep climbs, descents, scree fields, river crossings
Constant terrain changes demand agility, strength, and sharp focus
Slower overall pacing
Fueling becomes trickier while navigating rough sections
Best for: Athletes with strong hiking backgrounds, experience on trails, or those willing to embrace full-body suffering.
Warning: Not a great choice for your first-ever ultra unless you’re very confident on trails.
Mountain 50K
Massive climbs (thousands of vertical feet), weather swings, altitude exposure
Long stretches of power hiking, brutal descents
Altitude sickness and cold/hot swings can be real issues
Mental and physical toughness matter more than raw speed
Best for: A future goal after your first 50K.Your first race should build momentum, not just teach you how to suffer for 10 hours straight.
What to Look for in Your First Race
Once you understand the different types of races out there, it’s time to narrow the field and choose one that sets you up for success. This isn’t just about finding a race that looks cool on Instagram — it’s about identifying the key details that will impact your training, performance, and overall experience. From the terrain under your feet to the vibe of the community at the start line, these factors matter more than you think — especially when you're going long for the first time.
Terrain
Pick a course you can actually train for where you live.
If you’re training on flat roads, choosing a 7,000-foot mountain race is setting yourself up for a DNF, and quite honestly, a safety risk for you and for others.
Look for "runnable" courses — smoother dirt trails or light rolling hills — that still challenge you without overwhelming you.
If you are going to sign up for something different from your training terrain, you need to be specific and intentional enough with your training to get some sort of practice and preparation with the race type. Even better, get an ultra under your belt and then look for something more unique to run!
If you are wanting a trail race, be sure to scout some trails you can consistently get some miles in on. Even in cities and suburbs, you may be surprised at what you can find in metro parks; but ensure it's realistic for your life to frequently make it there on your run days.
Elevation Gain
Elevation gain matters — a lot.
Under 3,000–4,000 feet: Good for first-timers.
5,000–6,000 feet: Manageable with smart training.
6,000+ feet: Expect more hiking and much longer finish times.
More vertical = slower pace, more strain, and much longer time-on-feet.
This isn't to say it's impossible for your first race, but it can create an entirely different type of endurance event. On flatter routes, you're running; on 6k+ feet of gain, you'll be doing some running, but you'll also be doing a lot of steep stepping, hiking, walking, and even some resting.
Another aspect of training for bigger elevation is ensuring you have strength work integrating into your programming. Don't get us wrong, we think it's important for EVERY runner, but the demand of ascending and descending hills requires leg strength, muscular endurance, and joint resilience that comes more from resistance training than it does running alone. (Read more about how to integrate strength work in this article.)
All in all, when it comes to elevation: unless you love hiking start on the shorter end.
Weather
You’ll be training for months — much like terrain, try to match your race to the conditions you can realistically train in.
Heat + humidity = added stress on hydration and nutrition
Cold + wind = added stress on layering, staying dry, and carrying gear
Altitude = added stress on breathing, pacing, and hydration
If you live at sea level, don’t set yourself up for a 10,000-foot sufferfest without acclimatization. As much as some think they can, you cannot out-mental-toughness elevation sickness, heat exhaustion, or dehydration because you came unprepared.
Get as much training in as you can in race-similar weather. It won't always be a 1:1 comparison if you're not racing near your home, but do what you can to squeeze in miles in a comparable climate (even if that means driving for a few runs on a weekend here and there).
Cutoff Times
Cutoff times dictate the maximum pace you need to maintain to officially finish.
For a first race, you want generous cutoffs (typically 8–10 hours for a 50K).
Because tight cutoffs force you to rush fueling, skip pacing strategies, and pile on stress — and stress kills first-timer confidence.
These times can definitely vary depending on the course type as well as how "beginner-friendly" the race itself is. Some aren't, and that's okay. Those are for your future ultras.
The 8-10 hour ranges are a good aim to find; when you see cutoffs closer to 13+ hours, it typically means the course is far more technical than you'll want for your first. If it's much shorter - under 6-7 hours- it's likely due to the popularity, safety, or competitiveness of the race.
Look for a race that gives you plenty of breathing room to push yourself and enjoy the ride.
Aid Stations
Aid stations can be your lifeline during an ultra.
Unlike cutoff times, these can vary much more race-to-race. Some only have small & short stretches of miles alone, while others require you to wave goodbye at the start line and hello at the finish.
Well-supported races: Aid stations every 5–8 miles with water, sports drinks, snacks, and medical support
Mid-supported races: 1-3 total Aid stations over the whole course, every 8-15 miles
Self-supported races: You’re carrying almost everything you’ll need for the entirety of the race on your person
For your first ultra, we recommend choosing a well-supported event. You don’t want your entire race hanging on your ability to jam six gels and a liter of water into a tiny vest the first time you're racing. (For more on nutrition for endurance training, check out this article.)
Location Logistics
Keep it simple.
Close to home = less stress, more control
Minimal travel = better sleep, easier logistics
Above all, avoid races that require major altitude adjustment or multi-day travel marathons before you even toe the line
You want all your effort to go into racing, not travel logistics...at least for your first!
Not to sound like a broken record, but you will have more races in your future!
Race Size and Community
Some races feel like small-town barbecues. Others feel like major marathons. Both have pros and cons.
Small races: More intimate vibe, but sometimes fewer aid stations or course markings
Big races: More energy, better support, but sometimes overwhelming for introverts
Pick the environment where you will feel most comfortable and excited to be a part of — because comfort turns into confidence on race day.
First-Timer Friendliness
Some races embrace beginners. Some don’t. This is where race reviews, talking with more experienced local runners, and getting plugged in to the community can help find the best fit.
Look for race reviews that mention:
Supportive community
Well-organized logistics
Clear course markings
Friendly volunteers
These sound like small details, but small details matter a lot when you’re 22 miles deep into uncharted territory.
Your first 50k should challenge you, not crush you.
By taking the time to evaluate these details, you’re making a smart, strategic choice that honors the work you’ve put in and gives you the best shot at finishing strong.
Remember, this is just the beginning of your ultrarunning journey.
How to Avoid a Disaster: Suffering Safely
Let me be clear: we know that half of the fun of endurance sports is suffering...not wanting to finish, not knowing if you can, and not actually having "fun" until you look back on it.
But we should "suffer" safely.
Ultrarunning rewards consistency, patience, and perseverance through the suck, not recklessness itself.
If you want to build confidence in this instead of collecting DNFs in your first few races, you need to avoid the common traps that sabotage first-time racers:
Don’t pick a race because it "looks badass." If you want to finish and build momentum, train smart — don't ego your way into disaster.
Don’t underestimate course descriptions. If it says “challenging but rewarding,” assume it’s going to hurt.
Don’t pick a race just because your buddy is doing it. Your race should match your goals — not theirs (though we do love crushing races with our buddies and fully support that...as long as your goals are compatible.)
Quick Checklist Before You Register
Ask yourself these five questions:
Can I realistically train for the terrain and elevation where I live?
Am I excited about the course — not terrified by it?
Is there enough time (at least 20 weeks) between now and race day?
Does the race have good aid stations, generous cutoffs, and strong community support?
Will this race leave me wanting to do another — or swearing off ultras forever?
There’s no shame in choosing a race that lets you grow into the sport instead of getting chewed up by it. Play it smart now, and you’ll stay in the game longer, stronger, and with a lot more finish lines ahead of you.
If you can answer “yes” to all five — you're ready.
Final Thoughts: Pick Smart, Build Momentum, Enjoy the Ride
You do not need to read this and feel like you must pick the easiest, lamest, and closest race you can find. That’s not what we’re saying at all.
But you do have to pick one that sets you up to succeed.
If you’re feeling a little nervous about signing up — good. It’s supposed to scare you a little. It means you’re taking it seriously, and that mindset is what separates the people who finish strong from the ones who blow up halfway through. But don’t let the fear stop you — let it sharpen you. Ultrarunning isn’t just about grinding out miles. It’s about showing up ready to hurt, ready to grow, and ready to find out what you’re made of.
Choose a race that rewards your training and your discipline — not just your ability to suffer.
Your first 50K should feel like the start of something bigger — not the end of the line.
That’s the Dark Horse mentality.
Next up: In next week’s blog, we’ll break down Race Day Nutrition — and how your fueling plan will change depending on the type of race you choose. Stay ready.
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