Anyone who has run ultramarathons, especially long ones held in remote areas, knows the importance of aid stations. For many runners, these oases of support and sustenance are a key component in their ability to finish long-distance events. In certain races, some aid stations have legendary status, made famous by their locations, functions, history, or uniqueness.
For our 2025 article series here in AJW’s Taproom, we will profile 11 legendary aid stations from across the ultrarunning landscape and, as we have done in past series, we are seeking nominations from our readers either in the comment section below or via our contact form on the website.
The Duncan Canyon aid station on the Western States 100 course is a welcome reprieve in the high country. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks
In order to be sure we have consistency in our selections and to have some degree of fairness, we have established three criteria for what makes an aid station legendary:
1. The Aid Station is Unique
Everyone knows that some aid stations are just different from all the rest. Perhaps it is where they are located, the kind of food they serve, or the volunteers’ costumes, but whatever it is, the runner knows it is unique as soon as they arrive, and they remember it long after they depart.
2. The Aid Station Creates Memorable Experiences
If you hang around the finish line of an ultra for any period of time, you inevitably hear the participants rehashing the race with their fellow competitors, often bringing back memories of their experiences. Legendary aid stations provide rich memories for runners and those memories often become landmark moments of the race experience for years to come.
3. The Aid Station is Well-Established
While many aid stations at certain races change and evolve yearly, some have been established for a very long time. Perhaps it is because the same group of volunteers have worked the aid station for years or maybe because the aid station just has that special something, but whatever it is, legendary aid stations seem to have staying power that just builds on itself.
Maggie Guterl refuels with her crew at the Raspberry aid station at the 2021 High Lonesome 100 Mile. Photo: Hilary Matheson/@thehilaryann
As we prepare our series, like we did with our Under the Radar Races series this past year, we encourage reader nominations for aid stations that fit our unique, memorable, and established criteria. When making nominations, whenever possible, please include the following:
- Race name, location, and time of year
- Race director’s name and contact information
- Aid station captain’s name and contact information
- Aid station name and location (mileage, town, etc.)
- A brief description of what makes the aid station legendary, paying particular attention to the criteria of unique, memorable, and established.
The deadline for nominations is December 31, 2024, and the series will begin in January 2025. We will then publish a story about one legendary aid station per month through November 2025.
Bottoms up!
AJW’s Beer of the Week
This week’s beer of the week comes from Great Lakes Brewing Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Released every December for the past 20 years, Great Lakes Christmas Ale is a delicious amber ale brewed with honey and a blend of spices. A great accompaniment to a hearty Christmas dinner or a stack of sugar cookies, Great Lakes Christmas Ale is sure to be a holiday favorite for years to come.
Call for Comments
What aid station would you like to nominate for the series?
The low-key vibe at the Riverlands 100 Mile and Relay makes it a community-oriented and unique event. Photo courtesy of Valerie Abradi.
