The Dark Side 8 Hour Ultra

The flowy, fast, and fun trails at Schaeffer Farms are wonderfully maintained and offer twisty single-track, stream crossings, log ramps, a few hills, and open farm field running. Moderately technical with some rocky and rooty sections, these race courses begin and end at the beautiful Button Farm Living History Center off Black Rock Road.

Charity partnership

We are raising funds and awareness for two wonderful non-profits in Montgomery County, Interfaith Works and Button Farm Living History Center. The goal of the charity partnership is to first and foremost to raise awareness of the services that these wonderful organizations provide in our area. In addition, we hope to raise funds that will directly support their efforts. Please consider making a donation when you register.

Little Bennett Regional Park in Montgomery County, MD is a 3600 acre wooded playground filled with over 20 miles of trails, picturesque streams, and plenty of camping. Bring the family and camp or make the easy trek on race day to this convenient park, located off Interstate 270 only 30 miles West of D.C. The races courses at Little Bennett follow twisty and fun single-track hiking trails. There’s also challenging hills and plenty of stream-side running. You will not be disappointed with these awesome courses and beautiful park setting!

Charity partnership

During registration, you will have an opportunity to support a local non-profit Interfaith Works. The goal of the charity partnership is to first and foremost to raise awareness of the services that IW provides to families in our area. In addition, we hope to raise funds that will directly support their efforts. Please consider making a donation when you register.

Schaeffer Farms has some of the best singletrack around and we stage the race at a beautiful private farm. You are going to LOVE this race venue and course!! Schaeffer is located in Germantown, MD and is an easy drive from anywhere around the DMV on race morning.

Race Date: Saturday November 7, 2026

Course Length: 13.5 miles (HM+), 6.7 miles (10K++), 3.7 miles (5K+)

Charity partnership

During registration, you will have an opportunity to support a local non-profit Interfaith Works. The goal of the charity partnership is to first and foremost to raise awareness of the services that IW provides to families in our area. In addition, we hope to raise funds that will directly support their efforts. Please consider making a donation when you register.