More than 150 racers from across the country signed up early for this month’s 5th Annual Lake Martin 100 event March 17-18 at Russell Forest, and more ultrarunners are expected to register for the race that last year was voted the best ultra run in North America.

The event includes three long distance races: a 100-mile, a 50-mile and a 27-mile trail run that attract more racers every year as word of the Lake Martin 100 experience spreads, said race organizer David Tosch of Birmingham. The ultra-running powerhouse community RunUltra last July pronounced the Lake Martin event as the best 100-mile run in North America by popular vote, and Tosch said that recognition could top out this year’s registration numbers.