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In the News

50 years, 50 races: The JFK 50-Mile run

One of the largest, oldest and most iconic ultramarathons in the United States, and perhaps the world, attracted runners from around the globe for its 50th running Nov. 17.

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Cliff Rogers of Midland City, Ala., (No. 854) and Cliff Schaefer of Alexandria (No. 825) on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath Saturday near Shepherdstown, W.Va., during the 50th JFK 50 Mile run.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Jeff Eldred of Lillington, N.C., stretches his weary legs as other runners continue down the C&O Canal towpath near Shepherdstown, W.Va. Other sections of the course take runners on the Appalachian Trail and on small-town roads near Williamsport, Md.

Jeff Eldred of Lillington, N.C., stretches his weary legs as other runners continue down the C&O Canal towpath near Shepherdstown, W.Va. Other sections of the course take runners on the Appalachian Trail and on small-town roads near Williamsport, Md.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runners reach the event's 30.5-mile aid station along the C&O Canal trail. According to race veteran Kimball Byron, head winds and stagnant canal water can make this an unpleasant stretch. “You’re on a mule path, so I treat myself like a mule.”

Runners reach the event's 30.5-mile aid station along the C&O Canal trail. According to race veteran Kimball Byron, head winds and stagnant canal water can make this an unpleasant stretch. “You’re on a mule path, so I treat myself like a mule.”

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

A lone racer runs along the Potomac near Shepherdstown, W.Va.

A lone racer runs along the Potomac near Shepherdstown, W.Va.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runners cross under the Shepherdstown Bridge. Just past here is a series of sweeping turns on the towpath. If it’s raining, the dirt surface can be very muddy, but this year, race day was sunny and brisk.

Runners cross under the Shepherdstown Bridge. Just past here is a series of sweeping turns on the towpath. If it’s raining, the dirt surface can be very muddy, but this year, race day was sunny and brisk.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

John Kippen, 61,of Frederick snacks on a cookie at the 30.5-mile aid station near Shepherdstown, W.Va.

John Kippen, 61,of Frederick snacks on a cookie at the 30.5-mile aid station near Shepherdstown, W.Va.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runners in the JFK 50 Mile run near the 30.5-mile marker.

Runners in the JFK 50 Mile run near the 30.5-mile marker.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Farn Interlandi of Annapolis stops for some Gatorade from Kristen Haupt. From an anonymous walk-hike-run in 1963, the event has become a 50-mile celebration of human endurance that draws 2,500 spectators, with a block party atmosphere at some of its 14 aid stations, where 400 volunteers serve red velvet cake and hot soup to weary runners.

Farn Interlandi of Annapolis stops for some Gatorade from Kristen Haupt. From an anonymous walk-hike-run in 1963, the event has become a 50-mile celebration of human endurance that draws 2,500 spectators, with a block party atmosphere at some of its 14 aid stations, where 400 volunteers serve red velvet cake and hot soup to weary runners.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runners approach the 30.5-mile aid station on the C&O Canal towpath. The JFK is a timed event. Participants must meet certain deadlines along the way and finish by 7 p.m.

Runners approach the 30.5-mile aid station on the C&O Canal towpath. The JFK is a timed event. Participants must meet certain deadlines along the way and finish by 7 p.m.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runners pass under the Shepherdstown Bridge on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

Runners pass under the Shepherdstown Bridge on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

More than a thousand runners participated in the JFK 50-Mile run in its 50th year. The race has a participant limit set to keep hordes of runners off a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that is part of the route, according to the race director, Mike Spinnler.

More than a thousand runners participated in the JFK 50-Mile run in its 50th year. The race has a participant limit set to keep hordes of runners off a stretch of the Appalachian Trail that is part of the route, according to the race director, Mike Spinnler.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runners head for the aid station at Lock 38, 30.5 miles into the JFK 50 Mile course Saturday near Shepherdstown, W.Va.

Runners head for the aid station at Lock 38, 30.5 miles into the JFK 50 Mile course Saturday near Shepherdstown, W.Va.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runner Greg Seidl of Lutherville, Md., rubs Vaseline on his foot near the 30-mile mark.

Runner Greg Seidl of Lutherville, Md., rubs Vaseline on his foot near the 30-mile mark.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runners pause momentarily for a quick snack at Lock 38, an aid station 30.5 miles into the JFK 50 Mile run.

Runners pause momentarily for a quick snack at Lock 38, an aid station 30.5 miles into the JFK 50 Mile run.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Sliced oranges and bananas were some of the provisions available, along with water, Gatorade and energy bars, at the aid station 30.5 miles into the course.

Sliced oranges and bananas were some of the provisions available, along with water, Gatorade and energy bars, at the aid station 30.5 miles into the course.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

Runners stop momentarily for water and Gatorade as they approach the 30.5 -mile aid station.The canal path ends at Mile 42, where runners switched to small-town roads.

Runners stop momentarily for water and Gatorade as they approach the 30.5 -mile aid station.The canal path ends at Mile 42, where runners switched to small-town roads.

Richard A. Lipski / For The Washington Post

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