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 Information

Registration opens October 1st at 6pm EST.

Course Description

• Challenging Terrain: Only the hardiest of runners will complete this circumnavigation of Pine Creek.
• Scenic Trails: Runners will experience portions of some of the most scenic and most challenging trails in Pennsylvania.
• Notable Trails: Includes the Mid State Trail, Black Forest Trail, and West Rim Trail, among others.
• Wildlife: Deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes may be seen throughout the course.

Course Highlights

• Scenic Views: Climb to panoramic vistas and traverse diverse forest with endless views.
• Unique Crossings: Cross Pine Creek on a former railroad trestle and a one-lane steel grate bridge.
• Historical Sites: Pass through the historic Blackwell Hotel and other local landmarks.
• Connection to Nature: Experience the beauty and challenge of the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.

Qualification Requirements

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 Finish: All participants must have finished 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.
• Official Event: The race must be an officially organized trail event with publicly available results.

Non-Qualifying Events

• Timed Events: 12-hour or 24-hour races do not qualify.
• FKTs: Fastest Known Times and peak bagging do not meet requirement.
• OCR: Obstacle Course Races are not considered qualifying events.
• Biathlon/Triathlon: Only if the run portion is a 50K trail race with official results.

Completion Requirement

• Absolute Requirement: The qualifying 50K must be completed prior to registration: failure to meet may result in denial of entry.
• Flexibility: Limited flexibility may be granted for extenuating life circumstances.

Participant Responsibility

• Research: It is each participant’s responsibility to research the course and prepare adequately.
• Self-Assessment: Race management will not provide individualized assessments of readiness.

Supported vs. Unsupported Classes

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

Common Questions

• Spectators: Yes, spectators are welcome at crew-designated aid stations.
• Reclassification: If you need crew or a pacer, you will be reclassified as a Supported Runner.
• Access to Aid Stations: All runners have full access to official aid stations regardless of classification.
• Recognition: Unsupported finishers receive a small memento and respect from the community.

Event Details

Date: August 8, 2026

Location: 4205 Little Pine Creek Road, Waterville, PA

Visit the Race Page for More Information