Eastern States 100

🏃‍♂️Race Overview

Eastern States 100 is 103 rocky miles with +20,000ft of elevation gain and a finisher rate of about 49 percent. Welcome to Pennsylvania!

Registration opens October 1st at 6pm EST.

⛰️Course Description

• Challenging Terrain: Only the hardiest of runners will complete this circumnavigation of Pine Creek.
• Scenic Trails: Experience portions of some of the most scenic and challenging trails in Pennsylvania.
• Unique Features: Cross Pine Creek on a former railroad trestle before climbing to Ramsey Bend Vista.
• Diverse Wildlife: The course may feature deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes.

🎖️Qualification Requirements

The Eastern States 100 is not an entry-level ultramarathon. The course terrain, elevation gain, and weather conditions present unique challenges that require significant prior trail running experience.

• Minimum Qualification Requirement: All participants must have finished at least one advertised 50K trail race within the official cut-off time.
• Race Timeline: The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2024, and the date of registration/picked from the waitlist.
• Official Events: The race must be an officially organized trail event with publicly available results.

🚫Non-Qualifying Events

The following do not meet the qualification requirement:

• Timed Events: 12-hour, 24-hour races.
• FKTs: Fastest Known Times, peak bagging or Long-Distance runs/hikes.
• Obstacle Races: Events do not qualify.
• Triathlons: Unless the run portion is a 50K trail race with official results.

🚨Completion Requirement

• 50K Requirement: The qualifying 50K must be completed prior to registration.
• Flexibility: Limited flexibility may be granted in extenuating life circumstances.

📊Rationale

• Strain on Resources: High drop rates put extra strain on medical staff and logistics.
• Experience Assurance: Ensures that participants have experience in a race environment.
• Unforgiving Course: The course features relentless climbs and rugged terrain.
• Consistency: Simple and consistent 50K Trail event qualification, without subjective calls.

🤝Participant Responsibility

• Research: Participants must research the course and review maps before entering.
• Assessment: Race management will not provide individualized assessments of readiness.

📋Supported vs. Unsupported Classes

• Supported: Crew assistance is allowed at designated crew-accessible aid stations.
• Unsupported: No crew and no pacers are allowed at any point during the race.

❓Common Questions

• Spectating: Unsupported runners can have friends or family spectate at designated aid stations.
• Changing Classification: If an Unsupported runner needs crew, they will be reclassified as Supported.
• Access to Aid: All runners have access to official aid stations regardless of category.
• Recognition: Unsupported runners earn bragging rights and respect but not published results.

🔍Why the Distinction?

• Recognition: Unsupported participants deserve acknowledgment for their achievements.
• Permitting: Reduces crowding at aid stations and helps increase participant cap.

📍Race Details

Date: 2026-08-08

Location: 4205 Little Pine Creek Road, Waterville, PA

More information at Eastern States 100.