Rothrock by UTMBState College, United States🇺🇸
About Rothrock by UTMB 2027
Rothrock by UTMB 2027 is a trail race held from Fri, May 14, 2027 to Sun, May 16, 2027 in State College, United States; the start is at 08:00.
Registration is taken on the official site; no deadline has been announced. Dates, registration windows and fees on this page are refreshed every morning by scanning federation, timing and organiser sites; registration always happens on the official race site.
Someone running 30 km a week needs 17 weeks, about 4 months, to prepare for the 53.3K course of Rothrock by UTMB 2027; the latest start is Fri, Jan 15, 2027.
Rothrock by UTMB stands apart as the heart of the East Coast. Set in the wilds of central Pennsylvania, this race delivers a pure trail experience that is rugged, raw, and wildly beautiful. Rooted in outdoor adventure and community spirit. Join a place where both the land and the people have character.
Courses
| Course | Distance | Elevation Gain | Km-effort | Course file |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53.3K | 53.3 km | 1550 m D+ | 69 | GPX |
| 26.9K | 26.9 km | 1188 m D+ | 39 | GPX |
There are 2 courses: 53.3K (1550 m D+); 26.9K (1188 m D+).
Course map and elevation profile
What the weather is usually like here
- Over the last 5 years this week typically ran 10°C to 20°C here, with a high of 26°C and a low of 1°C.
- 40% of those days saw rain. A real forecast lands about two weeks out and will appear here then.
- Typical daily maximum wind was 16 km/h (a light breeze), with 30 km/h the highest value in the sample.
- Sunrise 05:54, sunset 20:20.
The race is more than two weeks out, so these are averages of recent years for the same week, not a forecast. A real forecast appears here closer to the day.
Race briefing
53.3K course53 km · 1551 m gain · 31% uphill · 8 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 53 km with 1551 m of climbing, 29 m per km. The course sits between 390 m and 737 m of altitude. 47% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-9 km · Start → North Meadows: 446 m up / 272 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 9-15 km · North Meadows → Beer Tap: 80 m up / 45 m down; close to flat.
- 15-19 km · Beer Tap → Treaster Kettle: 50 m up / 223 m down; the stretch descends.
- 19-25 km · Treaster Kettle → Bear Meadows: 134 m up / 13 m down; close to flat.
- 25-32 km · Bear Meadows → Sand Springs: 267 m up / 236 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 32-37 km · Sand Springs → Pine Swamp: 60 m up / 197 m down; the stretch descends.
- 37-44 km · Pine Swamp → Shingletown Gap: 225 m up / 201 m down; the stretch keeps rolling.
- 44-49 km · Shingletown Gap → Laurel Run: 230 m up / 75 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 49-53 km · Laurel Run → Finish: 58 m up / 286 m down; the stretch descends.
The first 4.2 km climb 336 m and then drop 69 m. Do not attack the opening climb in the crowd, and do not brake your way down the drop behind it.
The backbone of the course runs from km 19 to km 28: 302 m over 9.1 km at 3% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 25%. Kilometre by kilometre: km 20 40 m, km 21 41 m, km 22 16 m, km 23 21 m, km 26 18 m, km 28 139 m. By the time you start it, about 37% of the day's climbing is behind you. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The climb between km 36 and km 40: 232 m over 4 km at 6% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 14%. Kilometre by kilometre: km 37 27 m, km 38 65 m, km 39 68 m, km 40 53 m. By the time you start it, about 63% of the day's climbing is behind you. Trying to run this costs far more than it saves. Shorten the stride, lean on the poles, keep moving.
The steepest wall stands between km 44 and km 45: 155 m over 1 km at 15% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 27%. By the time you start it, about 79% of the day's climbing is behind you. Running is off the table only in the steepest roughly 250 m core; hike that part with short steps and run again once the grade eases.
The late climb from km 47 to km 50: 153 m over 2.9 km at 5% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 13%. Kilometre by kilometre: km 48 21 m, km 49 57 m, km 50 68 m. By the time you start it, about 90% of the day's climbing is behind you. At this point in the day most runners walk this gradient. Settle into a hiking rhythm and let the metres come.
The longest descent starts at km 29 and loses 340 m by km 36 at 5% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 24%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 41 averages 23% over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 6 km climb 152 m and then drop 286 m. Walk the climb, take the descent back, and hold the sprint until the drop is done.
A steep pitch starts within about 0.5 km of Treaster Kettle; keep the stop short and do not enter it on cooled-down legs.
- This course reaches 737 m. At the high-point coordinate, the same week historically ran 8°C to 19°C. Typical daily maximum wind was 16 km/h, reaching 30 km/h in the sample. This is climate history, not the race-day forecast; keep the shell accessible if race week looks similar.
- Sunset is 20:20, 12 hours 20 minutes after the gun. If your target time is longer than that, carry a headtorch whether or not the rules demand one.
- Consider bringing poles. The course averages 29 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 4 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- Km 51.4 to 53.1 is the same ground you covered at km 1.7; note your pace on the first pass and use it as the yardstick on the second.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
- The longest gap between official aid stations is 9 km, with 443 m of climbing in between, from Start (km 0) to North Meadows (km 9). Split your fluid accordingly.
- Drinks only, no food, at Beer Tap (km 15) and Bear Meadows (km 25). Loosen the flask caps on approach; with no queue, refill and leave in 20-30 seconds. Carry the food you will need from the previous station.
- Food is available at North Meadows (km 9) and Treaster Kettle (km 19) and 4 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Start (km 0) and Finish (km 53). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- Another heavy leg runs from Bear Meadows (km 25) to Sand Springs (km 32): 8 km with 264 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Start (km 0), North Meadows (km 9), Treaster Kettle (km 19), Sand Springs (km 32), Pine Swamp (km 37), Shingletown Gap (km 44), and Finish (km 53). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- The climbing starts the moment you leave Shingletown Gap (km 44): the steepest roughly 250 m section averages 27%. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then begin the climb under control.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| North Meadows | 9 | 9 | Food | Yes | No |
| Beer Tap | 15 | 6.3 | Drinks | — | — |
| Treaster Kettle | 19 | 3.5 | Food | Yes | No |
| Bear Meadows | 25 | 6.2 | Drinks | — | — |
| Sand Springs | 32 | 7.5 | Food | Yes | No |
| Pine Swamp | 37 | 4.9 | Food | Yes | No |
| Shingletown Gap | 44 | 6.9 | Food | Yes | No |
| Laurel Run | 49 | 4.8 | Food | — | — |
| FinishDrop bag | 53 | 4.2 | Hot food | Yes | Yes |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
26.9K course26 km · 1064 m gain · 26% uphill · 3 aid stations
- Steep climb (10%+)
- Climb (3-10%)
- Flat
- Descent
- Steep descent (12%+)
The published GPX measures 26 km with 1064 m of climbing, 40 m per km. The course sits between 399 m and 737 m of altitude. 58% of the gain sits in the first half.
- 0-9.3 km · Start → Sand Springs: 539 m up / 321 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 9.3-16 km · Sand Springs → Shingletown Gap: 121 m up / 291 m down; the stretch descends.
- 16-22 km · Shingletown Gap → Laurel Run: 334 m up / 162 m down; the stretch climbs.
- 22-26 km · Laurel Run → Finish: 69 m up / 288 m down; the stretch descends.
The race climbs from the gun: 205 m over the first 2.1 km. Do not chase the crowd, the two minutes you win here get taken back with interest.
The backbone of the course runs from km 0 to km 3: 335 m over 2.8 km at 12% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 32% on the GPX trace. Kilometre by kilometre: km 1 41 m, km 2 132 m, km 3 164 m. Running is off the table only in the steepest roughly 250 m core; hike that part with short steps and run again once the grade eases.
The climb between km 8 and km 10: 154 m over 1.6 km at 10% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 20%. Kilometre by kilometre: km 9 42 m, km 10 112 m. By the time you start it, about 42% of the day's climbing is behind you. This is hiking terrain, not running terrain. Walk it with intent and keep your heart rate off the ceiling.
The longest descent starts at km 20 and loses 257 m by km 26 at 4% average, its steepest roughly 250 m section averaging 18%. Its length can load the quads, so begin under control and build rhythm only when the ground and visibility allow it. The drop at km 10 averages 31% on the GPX trace over its steepest roughly 250 m section; shorten the stride, stay balanced and set speed to the ground instead of braking continuously.
The last 3.2 km drop 226 m. If anything is left in your legs, spend it here.
A steep pitch starts within about 0.3 km of Shingletown Gap; keep the stop short and do not enter it on cooled-down legs.
- The organiser lists 1188 m of climbing; the published GPX measures 1064 m. The technical course notes use the published GPX measurement.
- This course reaches 737 m. At the high-point coordinate, the same week historically ran 8°C to 19°C. Typical daily maximum wind was 16 km/h, reaching 30 km/h in the sample. This is climate history, not the race-day forecast; keep the shell accessible if race week looks similar.
- Sunset is 20:20, 12 hours 20 minutes after the gun. If your target time is longer than that, carry a headtorch whether or not the rules demand one.
- Consider bringing poles. The course averages 40 m of gain per km and the longest climb averaging over 5% runs 2.8 km; if you have trained with them and the organiser allows them, use them on the climbs and stow them on runnable ground.
- Km 24.7 to 26.4 is the same ground you covered at km 1.7; note your pace on the first pass and use it as the yardstick on the second.
Course-profile notes are generated from GPX grade data; terrain, rules, aid stations and weather are added only when separately sourced.
Aid stations
Key decision points
Shingletown Gapkm 16
- Collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds.
- A heavy leg is next: 6.7 km with 316 m of climbing.
- The climb starts immediately on exit (33%); keep the stop short.
- The longest gap between official aid stations is 9 km, with 521 m of climbing in between, from Start (km 0) to Sand Springs (km 9). Split your fluid accordingly.
- Food is available at Sand Springs (km 9) and Shingletown Gap (km 16) and 1 more. Decide what you need before reaching the table; without a planned special task, collect food and fluids and leave within 60-90 seconds. Finish eating on the next calm, suitable section.
- Crew support is permitted only at Start (km 0) and Finish (km 27). This is not the same as a drop bag: plan equipment and food hand-offs around these stations, then verify wristband, bag and transport rules with the organiser.
- Another heavy leg runs from Shingletown Gap (km 16) to Laurel Run (km 22): 7 km with 316 m of climbing. Treat it as the slowest part of your day and get your food out before it.
- Medical support is available at Start (km 0), Sand Springs (km 9), Shingletown Gap (km 16), Laurel Run (km 22), and Finish (km 27). If something is wrong with your feet or your stomach, deal with it there rather than pushing on.
- The climbing starts the moment you leave Shingletown Gap (km 16): the steepest roughly 250 m section averages 33%. Choose food you know you digest easily and fill the bottles, then begin the climb under control.
| Station | Km | From previous | Supplies | Medical | Crew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StartDrop bag | 0 | — | — | Yes | Yes |
| Sand Springs | 9.3 | 9.3 | Food | Yes | No |
| Shingletown Gap | 16 | 6.3 | Food | Yes | No |
| Laurel Run | 22 | 6.7 | Food | Yes | No |
| FinishDrop bag | 27 | 4.3 | Hot food | Yes | Yes |
Aid station details come from the list published by the organiser; confirm them at the official source before race day.
Plan your cutoffs for this course
Calculators for this race
Data sources: UTMB World Series, official site (rothrock.utmb.world) · Last checked:
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Frequently asked questions
(29)
What is Rothrock by UTMB?
Rothrock by UTMB stands apart as the heart of the East Coast. Set in the wilds of central Pennsylvania, this race delivers a pure trail experience that is rugged, raw, and wildly beautiful. Rooted in outdoor adventure and community spirit. Join a place where both the land and the people have character.
When is Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
Rothrock by UTMB takes place on Fri, May 14, 2027 - Sun, May 16, 2027. Start time: 08:00.
Where does Rothrock by UTMB take place?
Rothrock by UTMB takes place in State College, United States.
What are the courses and distances of Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
Rothrock by UTMB offers 2 courses: 53.3K (53.3 km, 1550 m D+); 26.9K (26.9 km, 1188 m D+).
How hard is Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
Difficulty is measured in km-effort: distance plus ascent divided by 100. The 53.3K course covers 53.3 km with 1550 m of climbing, which is 69 km-effort and falls in ITRA category S. All courses: 53.3K 69 km-effort (S), 26.9K 39 km-effort (XS).
What is the official website of Rothrock by UTMB?
Official website: https://rothrock.utmb.world/
Is the Rothrock by UTMB 2027 course a loop or an out and back?
The 53.3K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 53.1 km. The 26.9K course is a single loop with a shared start and finish; measured from the GPX file it runs 26.4 km.
Where is the hardest climb at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
The biggest climb on the 53.3K course runs from km 0 to km 3: 2.9 km for 336 m at 12% average; its steepest roughly 250 m section averages 32%. It tops out at 735 m.
How high does Rothrock by UTMB 2027 go?
The 53.3K course runs between 390 m and 737 m with 1551 m of total climbing.
Do you need poles at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
The 53.3K course averages 29 m of gain per km with a longest climb of 4 km, so poles help noticeably.
Do you need a headtorch at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
53.3K: Sunset is 20:20, 12 hours 20 minutes after the gun. If your target time is longer than that, carry a headtorch whether or not the rules demand one.
What is the weather like at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
Over the last 5 years the same week here measured 10°C to 20°C, with a high of 26°C, a low of 1°C and rain on 40% of days. A real forecast lands about two weeks out.
Where are the aid stations at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
The 53.3K course has 8 stations; the first at km 9 and the last at km 49. The longest gap between them is 8 km, between Bear Meadows and Sand Springs.
What is served at the Rothrock by UTMB 2027 aid stations?
For the 53.3K course: Drinks only: Beer Tap (15. km), Bear Meadows (25. km).
What time does Rothrock by UTMB 2027 start?
Known start times: 53.3K 08:00, 26.9K 08:00, local time. Confirm against the organiser's schedule in race week.
Is there a GPX file for Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
Yes. The GPX files for the 53.3K, 26.9K courses can be downloaded from the course section on this page, next to the route and grade profile.
Which Rothrock by UTMB course should you choose?
The shortest option is 26.9K (26.9 km, 1188 m D+) and the longest is 53.3K (53.3 km, 1550 m D+). With little trail experience the 26.9K is the safer start; the 53.3K demands an all-day effort and cut-off management.
What are the gradients like at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
The 53.3K course averages 29 m of climbing per km, with 1551 m of total ascent and 1548 m of descent. The steepest kilometre averages 22%.
How runnable is the Rothrock by UTMB 2027 course?
Expect a mix of running and power hiking: 29 m of gain per km; hiking the long climbs is normal, and the longest climb runs 9.1 km.
Where is the steepest part of Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
The steepest kilometre of the 53.3K course averages 22% and sits inside the climb between km 0 and km 3.
How many climbs does Rothrock by UTMB 2027 have?
The 53.3K course has 7 distinct climbs. The biggest: km 0-3 (336 m at 12%); km 19-28 (302 m at 3%); km 36-40 (232 m at 6%).
Is there a long climb at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
Yes. The longest climb runs 9.1 km from km 19, gaining 302 m at 3% average, topping out at 732 m.
What are the descents like at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
There is 1548 m of descent in total. The longest drop runs 7.1 km between km 29 and km 36, losing 340 m.
Are there flat sections at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
Partly: about 42% of the course is near flat, the rest climbs or descends.
Is the hard part of Rothrock by UTMB 2027 early or late?
The climbing is evenly split: 47% of it sits in the first half.
What is the elevation range at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
The lowest point of the 53.3K course sits at 390 m and the highest at 737 m, a range of 347 m.
Where does Rothrock by UTMB 2027 reach its high point?
The course tops out at 737 m, reached around km 3.
Are poles mandatory at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
The organiser has not announced a pole requirement. Based on the profile poles help noticeably.
Do you need to carry water at Rothrock by UTMB 2027?
Recommended: the longest gap between aid stations is 9 km, which on a hot day means carrying water.