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!

🌲 Course Details

• Challenges: Only the hardiest of runners will complete this circumnavigation of Pine Creek.
• Scenic Routes: Experience some of the most scenic and challenging trails in Pennsylvania.
• Trail Variety: The course includes the Mid State Trail, Black Forest Trail, and West Rim Trail.
• Wildlife: Expect to see deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes throughout the course.

🏔️ Course Highlights

• Ramsey: A collection of houses and seasonal residences, crossing Pine Creek on a former railroad trestle.
• Blackwell: A tiny village with the historic Blackwell Hotel restaurant/bar.
• Unique Bridges: Cross a one-lane steel grate bridge that bends in the middle.
• Scenic Views: Traverse hills, rocky hollows, and enjoy endless views including Gillespie Point.

🏃‍♂️ Qualifying for Eastern States

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

• 50K Completion: All participants must complete at least one advertised 50K trail race within the official cut-off time prior to registering.
• Timing: The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2024, and the date of registration.
• Organization: The race must be an officially organized trail event with publicly available results.

🚫 Non-Qualifying Events

• Exclusions: The following do not meet the qualification requirement:
• Timed Events: Such as 12-hour or 24-hour races.
• FKTs: Fastest Known Times do not qualify.
• Obstacles: Obstacle Course Races or Biathlon/Triathlon events (unless the run portion is a qualifying 50K).

📝 Completion Requirement

• Registration: The qualifying 50K must be completed prior to registration.
• Management Policy: Race management is absolute regarding the 50K requirement.
• Flexibility: Limited flexibility may be granted in extenuating life circumstances.

📚 Rationale

The 50K requirement is a necessary entry standard. Since its inception in 2014, Eastern States 100 has an overall finish rate of 49%, which can drop during hotter years. The course features relentless climbs and rugged trails.

📊 Participant Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each participant to research the course, review maps, read race reports, and seek advice from past finishers before entering. Race management will not provide individualized assessments of readiness.

🔗 More Information

For more details about the race, visit the official page: Eastern States 100.