St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – August 18, 2009 – The St. Croix Scenic 50 starts at 5 am on January 24, 2010 and is a fifty mile endurance run from Fort Christiansvaern to Fort Frederik and back, ending at The Bucaneer’s Mermaid Beach. This race represents the first “ultramarathon” (anything over a full 26.2 mile marathon) held on St. Croix and a new challenge for endurance athletes on island and around the world.

From water’s edge to mountaintop to water’s edge and back, the St. Croix Scenic 50 promises to be as challenging as it is beautiful with views of the whole island.

The course: Starts in Christiansted at the historic fort and leaves town heading west towards Salt River. Runners will then climb Scenic East Drive and follow the Scenic Drive, across the top of The Beast, descending by Ham’s Bluff. The course runs along the shoreline to Frederiksted, looping through town before returning runners along the same route back to Christiansted. Finally, runners continue east past Fort Christiansvaern to The Buccaneer, finishing on the beach.

Participants will be supported through a number of aid stations approximately 5-6 miles apart. The event will feature an early start for those who may need more than the 13.5 hours allotted and will also be open to 2 person relay teams. The St. Croix Scenic 50 will conclude with an awards banquet and a whole lot of tired feet.

Check out http://www.stcroix50.com for more information and race updates.