Pennsylvania · 50K · Blues Cruise Relay
Blues Cruise
Blues Cruise is a 50K and Blues Cruise Relay event held in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was last held on October 4, 2026 and is usually run in October; the next date hasn't been announced yet. About 350 runners take part across all distances.
- Usually held
- October
- Location
- Reading, PA
- Field size
- ~350 runners
Race details
- Last held
- October 4, 2026
- Usually held in
- October
- Location
- Reading, Pennsylvania
- Distances
- 50K, Blues Cruise Relay
- Field size
- About 350 runners
- Course
- ~3,000 ft total climb over the 31-mile loop; one major climb ("Ski Slope", ~240 ft)
- Registration
- ultrasignup.com
- Official website
- pagodapacers.com
Registration, course & weather
- Registration status
- Registration status as last checked September 28, 2026: open
- Entry fee
- Listed fee for the longest distance, $130 (from pagodapacers.com, checked September 28, 2026)
- Start time
- 8:00 AM EDT
- Course profile
- Loop course; Mostly trail, some road; Not USATF certified
- Typical race-day weather
- about 56°F at the start, 91% humidity, 2 mph wind (based on the 2025 race day, measured near the city center rather than the exact start line; Open-Meteo, checked September 28, 2026)
About the Blues Cruise
The Blues Cruise 50K Trail Ultramarathon is a single 31-mile loop around Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County, PA, with rolling hills, one major climb (the "Ski Slope"), and seven themed aid stations. A companion 2-4 person relay covers the same loop in four legs. A strict 9-hour cutoff makes it a popular entry-level ultra for first-time 50K runners.
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Blues Cruise: common questions
- When is the Blues Cruise?
- The next date hasn't been announced in the listing yet. The race is usually held in October. Check the organiser's website for the official date.
- Where is the Blues Cruise held?
- In Reading, Pennsylvania.
- What distances does the Blues Cruise offer?
- 50K and Blues Cruise Relay.
- How many people run the Blues Cruise?
- About 350 runners across all of its distances. That figure is an estimate of the field size, not an entry cap.
- How do I register for the Blues Cruise?
- Registration is handled by the organiser at ultrasignup.com. Entry fees, caps and deadlines are set there.
- Is registration open for the Blues Cruise?
- Registration status as last checked September 28, 2026: open. Listed fee for the longest distance, $130 (from pagodapacers.com, checked September 28, 2026).
- What time does the Blues Cruise start?
- 8:00 AM EDT.
- What is the course like at the Blues Cruise?
- Loop course; Mostly trail, some road; Not USATF certified.
- What is race-day weather usually like at the Blues Cruise?
- about 56°F at the start, 91% humidity, 2 mph wind (based on the 2025 race day, measured near the city center rather than the exact start line; Open-Meteo, checked September 28, 2026).
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