Start Time

6:00am at Windber Lost Turkey Trail Trailhead.  There will be a roll-call check-in at the start since we will have some runners riding the bus and some being dropped off at the start.nt.

Transportation from Chappell's Field to Start Line

If you booked transportation, you will be bussed from the Finish Line in Chappell’s Field within Blue Knob State Park to the race start in Windber, PA. The bus leaves promptly at 5am to head to Windber.  We recommend arriving at Chappell's Field no later than 4:45am if you are taking the bus.  You may pick up your packet the morning of the race, but must arrive at Chappell's Field by 4:30am. You can give the race crew your drop bag for Burnt House.

The bus leaves at *exactly* 0500!!!  If you miss the bus, you can drive yourself to the start, but you will be responsible for finding a ride back for your vehicle when you finish.

There will be portable toilets at both Chappell's Field and the start line in Windber.

Not Riding the Bus?

If you are getting dropped off at the start, you will be able to get your packet when the bus arrives around 5:30/5:40 am. You can give the race crew your drop bag for Burnt House.

There will be portable toilets at both Chappell's Field and the start line in Windber.

Drop Bags

Drop bags are permitted at Burnt House Aid Station (mile 17).  Please use a tote or bag that is securely fastened and labeled with your NAME, 50K, and BURNT HOUSE.  Drop bags will be collected at check-in and driven with the race crew to the race start in Windber. If you are getting your own ride to the start line in Windber, you can give your drop bag to the race crew when the bus arrives.

Most people do not use trekking poles until after Burnt House, so you may want trekking poles for your drop bag.  Drop bags are returned to the finish after the sweeper has been through the aid station.  The aid station volunteers will pack up everything and take it to the finish.  You are responsible for picking up your drop bag.  

Crews are not permitted for the 50k distance.  You may have friends or family members visit you at Burnt House or Hairpin. We ask that they do not go to Lost Children, as that is a narrow back road, and we will have volunteers going up and down it throughout the day.  

Bibs & Safety

Bibs must be worn on the front of the body, clearly visible.  

There will be radio operators from Bedford County Amateur Radio Society  (BCARS) at each aid station.  Please make sure your bib is visible to them as they check you in at each station. We take the safety of everyone involved in the Lost Turkey Trail Races seriously so please give your bib number and/or name and distance at each aid station to check you in and out.

Packet Pickup

Packet pickup is available on Friday, July 25th, 3-5pm at Chappell's Field or the morning of the race. 50k Packets may also be picked up the morning of the race at 4:30am at Chappell's Field or at 5:30am at the Windber Trailhead for the start. 

Emergency Contact Information

At packet pickup, you will write down the name and number of an emergency contact. If your emergency contact is also participating in the race, please write down an additional number.

The race will begin on a stretch of rocky singletrack that will test your footwork and loosen your legs for what is to come. The trail then turns to grassy doubletrack that will allow you to make up time and stretch out. The LTT will continue to follow the ridge through scenic stretches that will take you past the Highland’s signature bogs, through stands of pine and large swaths of hardwood forests. A water drop will be located at Hollow Rd. in Ogletown, giving you the chance to fill your pack for the next small stretch. The trail has a net descent for the first 17 miles, but don’t let that fool you as long steady climbs will keep you working as you head toward the first manned aid station at Skyline Dr. Make sure you HYDRATE! The trail will be a mixture of single and doubletrack that will continue until you make your way onto a dirt/gravel section that is FAST and relatively flat. You'll soon begin your descent off of the Allegheny Front. This is arguably the most fun section of the race, winding and switch backing down the face of the ridge. Fun, short ridge sections and fast singletrack will drop you off of Round Top into Big Break Hollow, where you will reach a stream and a nice rocky section. This section culminates at our flagship AS at Burnt House. 

Leave Burnt House AS and cross RT. 869 (Burnt House Rd.) to start the first true climb of the race after a small stream crossing. Climb the ridge and be rewarded with a section of doubletrack that gives way to the first “goat path." Traverse along the edge of the ridge with careful footing and round the edge of the ridge, dropping slightly in elevation. Traverse the second goat path with the same careful footing and catch your breath on the moss-covered, gorgeous “green mile”. Cross the stream and make your way toward the LTT as it turns LEFT onto the Fisherman’s Path section that parallels Bob’s Creek for a short time. The trail then reaches Bob’s Creek and the wire bridge that will keep your feet dry as you shimmy across OR cool off in the freestone creek that holds some gorgeous native trout! Catch your breath and climb up the steepest section of trail to the top of the ridge and immediately begin the long, rocky descent to the Lost Children AS.

Continue onto Monument Rd. for a short stretch and begin the climb toward the summit of Blue Knob that will last approx. 3 miles. Round the campground and continue on this doubletrack section for 1 mile. Turn right and climb to Blue Knob Rd., which you will then cross and continue your climb to the top. Reach the summit and the white marker stamped with Lost Turkey Trail. At this point, you’ve completed the Lost Turkey Trail, but not the race. A short connector trail winds through a forested section toward the large bend just below the Ski Lodge. Cross the hard road to reach the Hairpin AS and catch Mountain View Trail to begin your descent to the finish. Take in the scenery at the Pavia Overlook. Complete the Pavia Lookout Loop and begin your drop down the mountain. Hang a right onto “clickity clack” toward the Group Camp and Sawmill Trail. The race will follow Sawmill back to Chappell’s Field, where you will finish strong, catch your breath and eat your chicken dinner!

50k Course Map & Elevation Profile

Aid Stations

The Lost Turkey Trail Races are CUPLESS. You must bring your own cup/bottle/vessel to fill at aid stations. Fully stocked aid stations will have water, electrolytes, candy, chips/pretzels, cookies, crackers.  Water only aid stations may be unmanned, but water will be monitored.