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.

🌄 Race Details

• Challenge: Only the hardiest of runners will complete this circumnavigation of Pine Creek, a Pennsylvania Scenic River.
• History: The Iroquois called it Tiadaghton – the River of Pines. After 100 miles of climbs, the second definition will seem appropriate.
• Scenery: Runners will experience portions of the Mid State Trail, Black Forest Trail, and West Rim Trail, among others.
• Aid Stations: Other than well-stocked aid stations, the only civilization centers are Ramsey, Blackwell, Hyner Run State Park, and Slate Run.

⛰️ Course Overview

• Terrain: The course includes rocky hollows, diverse forest, and endless views, with a mix of single track and old logging roads.
• Wildlife: Runners may encounter deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes.
• Unique Landmarks: Crossing Pine Creek on a former railroad trestle and climbing Gillespie Point - The Matterhorn of the Alleghenies.
• Trail Variety: Participants will traverse several notable local trails including Wolf Path, Cougar Run, and Jerry Run Falls.

📅 Qualifying for Eastern States

• Experience Required: The Eastern States 100 is not an entry-level ultramarathon, requiring significant prior trail running experience.
• Minimum Qualification: Participants must finish at least one advertised 50K trail race within the official cut-off time prior to registering.
• Eligible Races: The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2024, and the registration date.
• Official Events: The race must be an officially organized trail event with publicly available results.

🚫 Non-Qualifying Events

• Timed Events: Examples include 12-hour and 24-hour races.
• FKTs: Fastest Known Times or peak bagging do not qualify.
• OCRs: Obstacle Course Races are excluded.
• Triathlons: Only allowed if the run portion is a 50K trail race.

✅ Completion Requirement

• Strict Policy: The qualifying 50K must be completed prior to registration, with no exceptions without justification.
• Extenuating Circumstances: Limited flexibility may be granted in cases like military service or pregnancy.

💡 Rationale for Requirements

• Finish Rate: Eastern States 100 has a 49% average finish rate, increasing strain on medical and support staff.
• Experience Assurance: The 50K requirement ensures participants have prior race experience.
• Course Challenge: The unforgiving course demands a high level of preparation and trail experience.
• Clear Standards: Keeps it straightforward with no subjective calls on event eligibility.

🚶 Participant Responsibility

• Research Required: Participants must research the course and consult past finishers before entering.
• No Individual Assessments: Race management offers no personalized readiness evaluations.

🔄 Supported vs. Unsupported Classes

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

• Supported: Crew assistance is allowed at designated aid stations: pacers may join at approved points.
• Unsupported: No crew or pacers allowed at any point during the race.

❓ Common Questions

Q: As an Unsupported Runner, can I have friends or family spectate?

A: Yes, spectators are welcome at crew-designated aid stations but cannot provide assistance.

Q: What if I need crew or a pacer during the race?

A: You will not be disqualified but will be reclassified as a Supported Runner.

Q: Can I use aid stations as an Unsupported Runner?

A: Yes, all runners have access to official aid stations during the race.

Q: What recognition do I receive as an Unsupported Runner?

A: Unsupported runners earn bragging rights and a small memento for their achievement.

Q: Why distinguish between Supported and Unsupported?

A: Recognition for Unsupported participants and to manage resource impact from support crews.

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