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

Only the hardiest of runners will complete this circumnavigation of Pine Creek. A Pennsylvania Scenic River. The largest creek in the United States. The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The river route that supplied the lumber that built America. The Iroquois called it Tiadaghton – the River of Pines. Or is it the Lost or Bewildered River? After 100 miles of multiple 900 – 1200 foot climbs and equally punishing descents, the second definition will seem appropriate.

• Scenic Trails: Runners will experience portions of some of the most scenic and most challenging trails in Pennsylvania, including the Mid State Trail, Black Forest Trail, West Rim Trail, and more.
• Unique Crossings: Cross Pine Creek on a former railroad trestle and navigate a one lane steel grate bridge that bends in the middle.
• Rich Environment: Traverse through local trails like Wolf Path, Cougar Run, and enjoy sightings of deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes.
• Aid Stations: Apart from well-stocked aid stations, participants will pass through Ramsey, Blackwell, Hyner Run State Park, and Slate Run.

✅ 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 Requirement: All participants must finish at least one advertised 50K trail race within the official cut-off time prior to registering/picked from the waitlist for Eastern States 100.
• Race Window: The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2024, and the date of registration/picked from the waitlist.
• Official Event: 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 and 24-hour races are excluded.
• Fastest Known Times: FKTs, peak bagging, or long-distance runs/hikes do not qualify.
• Obstacle Course Races: This category is not accepted.
• Biathlon/Triathlon: These events are only allowed if the run portion qualifies as a 50K trail race with official results.

🏁 Completion Requirements

• Strict Enforcement: The qualifying 50K must be completed prior to registration. Registrants who do not meet this requirement will not be accepted.
• Flexibility: Limited flexibility on the January 1, 2024, date may be granted only in extenuating life circumstances.

📝 Rationale

• Historical Data: Since the race began in 2014, Eastern States 100 has averaged a 49% finish rate, which increases strain on medical and logistics teams.
• Ensuring Preparedness: The 50K requirement helps to ensure that participants are ready for the challenges ahead.
• Course Challenges: Our unforgiving course with relentless climbs and rugged terrain demands proper preparation and experience.
• No Ambiguity: We simplify requirements by only accepting finished trail events without subjective debates.

🛠️ Participant Responsibility

• Self-Research: Each participant must research the course, review maps, and seek advice from past finishers before entering.
• No Individual Assessments: Race management will not provide personalized readiness assessments.

⚖️ Supported vs. Unsupported Classes

At Eastern States 100, runners are classified into two categories:

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

This classification maintains fairness, consistency, and clarity for all participants.

❓ Common Questions

• Q: Can Unsupported Runners have spectators?
  A: Yes, spectators are welcome at crew-designated aid stations.
• Q: What if I need crew or a pacer during the race?
  A: You will not be disqualified: you'll simply be reclassified as a Supported Runner.
• Q: Can I use aid stations as an Unsupported Runner?
  A: Absolutely. All runners have access to official aid stations.
• Q: What recognition do I receive as an Unsupported Runner?
  A: Unsupported finishers receive a small memento for their accomplishment.

📅 Race Information

The Eastern States 100 will take place on 2026-08-08 at 4205 Little Pine Creek Road, Waterville, PA. For more details visit Eastern States 100 Race Page.