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 Views: Experience some of the most scenic and challenging trails in Pennsylvania.
• Notable Trails: Includes the Mid State Trail, Black Forest Trail, West Rim Trail, and others.
• Wildlife: Encounter deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes along the route.

Course Highlights

• Ramsey: A collection of houses and seasonal residences where runners will cross Pine Creek.
• Blackwell: A tiny village with the historic Blackwell Hotel restaurant/bar.
• Unique Bridge: Cross a one-lane steel grate bridge that bends in the middle.
• Endless Views: Traverse miles of hills, rocky hollows, diverse forest, and stunning vistas.

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 Requirements

• 50K Requirement: All participants must finish at least one advertised 50K trail race or longer.
• Race Date: The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2025, and the date of registration.
• Official Results: The race must be an organized trail event with publicly available results.
• Non-Qualifying Events: See below for events that do not meet the requirements.

Non-Qualifying Events

• Timed Events: Such as 12-hour, 24-hour races.
• Fastest Known Times: FKTs, peak bagging, or Long-Distance runs/hikes.
• Obstacle Course Races: OCRs are not qualifying events.
• Biathlon/Triathlon: Events unless the run portion is a 50K trail race with official results.

Completion Requirement

• Submission Timing: The qualifying 50K minimum must be completed before registration.
• Minor Flexibility: Limited flexibility may be granted in extenuating life circumstances.

Rationale for Requirements

• Finish Rate: Eastern States 100 has averaged just a 49% finish rate since it began.
• Experience Necessary: Ensures participants have the necessary trail race experience.
• Course Difficulty: The course features relentless climbs and rugged terrain.
• Consistency: No subjective criteria—just a clear 50K Trail event requirement.

Participant Responsibility

• Research: Each participant is responsible for researching the course and preparation.
• No Individual Assessments: Race management will not offer individualized readiness assessments.

Classification of Runners

• Supported: Crew assistance is allowed at designated aid stations, and pacers are permitted.
• Unsupported: No crew or pacers allowed during the race.

Common Questions

• Spectators: As an Unsupported Runner, friends or family may spectate at designated sections.
• Reclassification: If needing crew during the race, reclassify to Supported without disqualification.
• Aid Stations: All runners, regardless of category, have full access to official aid stations.
• Recognition: Unsupported runners receive recognition but are not listed in official results.

Additional Information

For more details about the race, visit Eastern States 100 Registration.