Salem Lake Frosty Fifty (Frosty 50)
Winston-Salem, NC
- 50K, 50K Relay, 25K, 12.5K, 5K
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Salem Lake Frosty Fifty begins and ends at the Salem Lake trailhead at the end of Salem Lake Rd. Wide rolling dirt trail around wooded shoreline of Salem Lake; paved bike path along Salem Creek. The course is a loop around Salem Lake (7 miles) with a short out-and-back … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jan 02):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 57 | 46 | 49 | 57 | 72 |
| L (°F) | 29 | 31 | 27 | 45 | 60 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Rain turned the course into a muddy bath
New this year was the option to run 12.5k, in addition to the existing 25k, 50k and 50k relay. There was also a 5k the night before. The shirt was … MORE
New this year was the option to run 12.5k, in addition to the existing 25k, 50k and 50k relay. There was also a 5k the night before.
The shirt was a long sleeve tri-blend. The finisher’s awards were a custom handcrafted coaster.
The 50k had a 7-hour time limit, but an early start was permitted for those wanting extra time (they were just not eligible for awards).
Steady rain overnight and during the race resulted in a wet course that was muddy in spots. The 3 rating for course difficulty was because of the mud and standing water. Otherwise, I would have rated the course a 2, or even 1 in spots.
It was also a chilly day, so there were a lot of no-shows. The emcee did a fantastic job cheering on the runners throughout the event.
There was beer and broth post-race, in addition to some basic snacks.
Nice Course for Relax and Run 50k
Very good race where we run 4 times around the lake. good production and aid stations to make this race lively. Done this race as part of my training run … MORE
Very good race where we run 4 times around the lake. good production and aid stations to make this race lively.
Done this race as part of my training run and want to do every year if possible. Liked the course where its mostly flat with little rolling hills.
The crowd support is good at start line and good practice to make your own aid station for the ultra training.
Handcrafted Coaster finisher award
I think the best aspect of this event was the handcrafted ceramic coaster for all finishers. There was a different design for the 25k & 50k. The race was a … MORE
I think the best aspect of this event was the handcrafted ceramic coaster for all finishers. There was a different design for the 25k & 50k.
The race was a ~7.75 loop around Lake Salem. 25k runners ran 2 loops, 4 loops for 50k. The trail was mostly crushed gravel with a section of pavement.
Parking was ample. T-shirt was long sleeved blend. I heard there was beer afterward.
Very organized!
Great aid stations. Plus, for the runners who doubt that they would make the 3 pm cut-off time the organizers let you start earlier! This is either for the 25k … MORE
Great aid stations. Plus, for the runners who doubt that they would make the 3 pm cut-off time the organizers let you start earlier! This is either for the 25k or 50K races.
Friendly Race and a Great First 50K
This was my first 50K, but I had run a 25K and two 30Ks on the same route with the same race company, so I consider myself a repeat racer … MORE
This was my first 50K, but I had run a 25K and two 30Ks on the same route with the same race company, so I consider myself a repeat racer =) This low-key race pulls people from all over the state to Salem Lake, which has about a 7 mile double track path around the lake.
The 50K is usually a double out and back (the 25Kers just do one out and back). When I ran, there was a last minute change that made the course four loops around the lake – I think part of the trail had frozen over, it is in January. Twin City Track Club, the organizer, really has all the kinks worked out and takes care of all the logistics. I’ve enjoyed every race I’ve run with them, and the Frosty 50 is no exception.
I mention in the title that this is a great first 50K – and it was my first 50K. I say that because the trail isn’t too technical, nor are there huge climbs, there are plenty of aid stations along the way, I have always made friends out on the course (the runners are superb!), and you get a nice Tshirt =) On the down side, the scenery can get a little boring, no big climbs, and the run is relatively easy. This is a small race, maybe 300 runners, so if you’re on the slower side, you could be solo for a while. If you don’t get there early, parking can also be a problem – the overflow parking is about a half a mile from the start.