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

• Date: 2027-08-14
• Location: 4205 Little Pine Creek Road, Waterville, PA
• Opening: Registration opens October 1st at 6pm EST.
• Link: Eastern States 100 Registration

Race 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.

Trail Experience

• Mid State Trail: Pennsylvania’s wildest footpath.
• Black Forest Trail: The crown jewel of Pennsylvania’s long distance hiking trails.
• West Rim Trail: A backpacker’s favorite for experiencing the Pine Creek Gorge.
• Additions: The Donut Hole Trail, the T-Squared Trail, the Long Branch Trail, the Tiadaghton Trail, and several shorter connector trails will round out the 100 mile loop.

Course Details

Ramsey at the south end is nothing more than a collection of houses and seasonal residences. You will cross Pine Creek on a former railroad trestle before climbing to the panoramic Ramsey Bend Vista. The north end is Blackwell, a tiny village with the historic Blackwell Hotel restaurant/bar and a small convenience and gift store. You will cross a unique one lane steel grate bridge that bends in the middle prior to climbing Gillespie Point - The Matterhorn of the Alleghenies - the only true peak in Pennsylvania.

Wildlife and Terrain

• Environment: Miles of hills, rocky hollows, diverse forest and endless views.
• Trails: Wolf Path, Cougar Run, Hemlock Mountain, Jerry Run Falls, Panther Run, and Algerine Wild Area.
• Course Type: Full of single track, old logging roads, and abandoned stone quarries.
• Wildlife: Deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes may be seen.

Infrastructure

Other than the well-stocked aid stations we will provide, the only civilization centers you will pass through are 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 Qualification Requirement

• Eligible Races: All participants must finish at least one advertised 50K trail race or longer within the official cut-off time prior to registering/picked from the waitlist.
• Eligibility Period: The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2025, and the date of registration/picked from the waitlist.
• Official Events: The race must be an officially organized trail event with publicly available results.

Non-Qualifying Events

• Timed Events: e.g., 12-hour, 24-hour races.
• Fastest Known Times: FKTs, peak bagging or Long-Distance runs/hikes.
• Obstacle Course Races: OCR.
• Biathlons/Triathlons: events unless the run portion is a 50K trail race with official results.

Completion Requirement

• Compliance: The qualifying 50K minimum must be completed prior to registration: non-compliance will result in disqualification.
• Flexibility: Limited flexibility on the January 1, 2025, date may be granted in extenuating life circumstances.

Rationale

• Finish Rates: Since the race began in 2014, Eastern States 100 has averaged just a 49% finish rate.
• Experience Assurance: The minimum 50K requirement ensures that participants have experience in a race environment.
• Course Challenges: Our course is unforgiving: relentless climbs, rugged terrain, and frequent severe weather.
• Simple Standards: Keeping it simple and consistent (50K Trail event) without subjective calls.

Participant Responsibility

• Preparation: It is the responsibility of each participant to research the course, review maps, 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 crew-accessible aid stations, and pacers are permitted.
• Unsupported: No crew and no pacers are 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 only.
• Q: What happens if I’m registered as Unsupported but need crew or a pacer during the race?
  A: You 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.
• Q: What recognition do I receive as an Unsupported Runner?
  A: Unsupported runners earn bragging rights and a small memento for their accomplishment.

Reason for Distinction

1. Recognition: Unsupported participants deserve acknowledgment for tackling the course on their own.
2. Permitting: Creating an Unsupported category helps manage participant impact and allows for increased participation.