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 Details

Registration opens October 1st at 6pm EST.

🏞️ Course Experience

• Terrain: Runners will experience portions of some of the most scenic and most challenging trails in Pennsylvania.
• Trails: Includes the Mid State Trail, Black Forest Trail, West Rim Trail, various other trails, and shorter connector paths.
• Landmarks: Cross Pine Creek and other unique features while traversing diverse landscapes.
• Wildlife: Encounter deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes along the route.

🎽 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

• Race 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.
• Timeframe: 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

• Timed Events: Does not include 12-hour, 24-hour races.
• FKTs: Fastest Known Times, peak bagging or long-distance runs/hikes.
• Obstacle Course Races: Excluded from qualification.
• Biathlons/Triathlons: Not applicable unless specified as a qualifying 50K trail race.

🎖️ Completion Requirement

• 50K Completion: The qualifying 50K must be completed prior to registration: failure to meet this requirement will result in rejection.
• Flexibility: Limited flexibility on the January 1, 2024, date may be granted only in extenuating life circumstances.

📊 Rationale

• Finish Rate: Since 2014, Eastern States 100 has averaged just a 49% finish rate.
• Experience Assurance: The 50K requirement ensures that the participant has experience in a racing environment.
• Couse Challenges: Our course is unforgiving with relentless climbs and rugged terrain.
• Clarity: Simple and consistent requirement with no subjective calls.

📚 Participant Responsibility

• Research: It is the responsibility of each participant to research the course and seek advice from past finishers.
• Self-Assessment: Race management will not provide individualized assessments of readiness.

⚖️ Supported vs. Unsupported Classes

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

❓ Common Questions

• Q: Can Unsupported Runners have spectators? A: Yes, but only at crew-designated aid stations.
• Q: What if I need a crew or pacer? A: You will be reclassified as a Supported Runner.
• Q: Can Unsupported Runners use aid stations? A: Yes, all runners can access official aid stations.
• Q: What recognition do Unsupported Runners receive? A: They primarily earn bragging rights and a small memento.

📈 Race Overview and Expectations

For more details and to register, visit Eastern States 100.