San Jose, California, December 28, 2025
The New Year’s One Day ultramarathon in San Jose brings together runners of all levels to celebrate the end of the year with varied race options. Starting at Hellyer Park, the event features 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour races, as well as a challenging 100-mile course. The community-oriented atmosphere is enhanced through local support and engagement, making this event a significant highlight for the city. Participants can look forward to unique perks and opportunities to foster civic pride as they welcome the new year.
New Year’s One Day Ultramarathon Energizes San Jose, CA
Join the Excitement of Runners Finishing the Year Strong
San Jose, California – As the year draws to a close, the vibrant community of San Jose will witness an exciting highlight—the New Year’s One Day ultramarathon, kicking off at 9 a.m. PST on December 31 at Hellyer Park. This event, which began in 2010, offers an array of race options suited for runners of all levels, fostering community engagement and showcasing local initiative. In a time when streamlined organization can significantly enhance public participation, events like these demonstrate the potential of minimal bureaucracy in catalyzing large-scale gatherings.
With race options including 6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour, and even a challenging 100-mile course, runners can choose how they want to bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new. The race takes place on a 1.03-mile USATF-certified asphalt path around Cottonwood Lake, ensuring a scenic yet manageable course for participants. Local organizations have embraced this challenge, showcasing the commitment to supporting athletic events that strengthen communal bonds and promote health.
Why the New Year’s One Day Ultramarathon Matters
This ultramarathon reflects a broader trend in which local initiatives are celebrated and encouraged. San Jose’s event not only attracts competitive runners but also families and casual participants looking to set a positive tone for the new year. Race perks, such as an aid station providing hot soup and pizza for evening runners and unique buckles for those finishing the tougher events, enhance the overall experience, emphasizing the community-driven spirit behind the organization.
Exploring Other Notable Events This Weekend
While San Jose embraces its ultramarathon, it’s important to note that several other noteworthy ultrarunning events are happening across the country. For example, the Run for the Ranch in Springfield, Missouri, focuses on charitable giving, raising funds for local organizations while fostering community through competitive running. Meanwhile, Across the Years in Peoria, Arizona, features the original multi-day running event leading into the New Year, offering a venue for runners to push their limits amidst a spirit of celebration.
Comparisons and Divergence in Event Types
Across the United States, ultramarathon events, whether sanctioned or unsanctioned, capture a growing interest. Events like the Last Supper 100k in Roxbury, New Jersey, present a lighthearted yet challenging option for those seeking an unconventional end to the year. Such diversity in events highlights the appeal of ultrarunning and the different avenues available to participants who share a common love for challenge and community.
Boosting Community Through Collective Action
These events showcase the power of civic innovation and personal initiative, as individuals come together to celebrate their accomplishments and support one another. Locally organized events can inspire future initiatives that further integrate recreational and competitive running into the fabric of the community. San Jose’s ultramarathon demonstrates that fostering enthusiasm for physical challenges can lead to greater civic pride and bonding among local residents.
Conclusion: Be Part of the Community Spirit
As the New Year approaches, participating in the New Year’s One Day ultramarathon offers a unique way to celebrate personal achievements and build lasting relationships within the San Jose community. With reduced bureaucratic hindrances, there’s a consistent opportunity for organizers and participants to elevate these community events. As we usher in a new year, consider engaging in local activities or supporting local initiatives that make San Diego, CA a vibrant place to live and thrive.
FAQ
What is the New Year’s One Day ultramarathon?
The New Year’s One Day ultramarathon is an event that offers runners the opportunity to participate in 6 or 12-hour races, or to ring in the New Year by tackling the 24-hour or 100-mile events, which run through the night and finish on New Year’s Day. All events take place on a 1.03-mile USATF-certified course that loops around Cottonwood Lake on an asphalt path.
Where is the New Year’s One Day ultramarathon held?
The New Year’s One Day ultramarathon is held at Hellyer Park in San Jose, California.
What are the race perks for the New Year’s One Day ultramarathon?
Race perks include great swag, a fully stocked aid station every mile serving hot soup and pizza for the evening runners, and special buckles for those who complete 100k or 100 miles in the 24-hour race, or who finish the 100-miler.
What is the Run for the Ranch event?
The Run for the Ranch is the 26th annual Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners (OMRR) event taking place on Saturday, December 27, in Springfield, Missouri. Established in 1999 to raise funds for the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch and other local charities, the event features a 6-hour fixed-time race, as well as marathon, marathon relay, half-marathon, 5k, and 1-mile competitions.
What is the Across the Years event?
Across the Years is billed as “the original fixed-time multi-day running event celebrating the New Year.” The 43rd running of the event takes place from December 28 through January 3 in Peoria, Arizona, featuring a wide range of fixed-time and fixed-distance races, including 6-day, 72-hour, 48-hour, and 24-hour events, along with 200-mile, 100-mile, last person standing, and several shorter-distance competitions.
What is the Last Supper 100k event?
The Last Supper 100k is described as “an unsanctioned, semi-stupid, fully glorious end-of-year ultra,” taking place on Saturday, December 27, in Roxbury, New Jersey. The race features a single 100k loop that starts at Horseshoe Lake and winds through a mix of 70% roads and 30% trails, totaling just over 4,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Runners must complete the loop before midnight to earn an official finisher medal (and a banana).
Key Features of This Weekend’s Ultramarathon Events
| Event | Date | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s One Day Ultramarathon | December 31 | San Jose, CA | 6/12 hours, 24 hours, 100-mile |
| Run for the Ranch | December 27 | Springfield, MO | 6 hours, Marathon, Half-marathon, 5k, 1-mile |
| Across the Years | December 28 – January 3 | Peoria, AZ | 6 days, 72 hours, 48 hours, 24 hours, 200-mile |
| Last Supper 100k | December 27 | Roxbury, NJ | 100k |
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Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
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