Race Begins
Eastern States 100
Eastern States is a 103-mile single-loop trail race (98% single/double-track) in the Wilds region of the Allegheny Plateau in north-central PA. The race circumnavigates the stunning Pine Creek watershed that includes some of our longest climbs and most technical and remote terrain. It visits storied trails like the Mid State Trail and the Black Forest Trail, and accumulates 20,000+ feet of climbing in the process. You’ll pay a high price for these miles, but you’ll reap a reward beyond measure.
Qualification Standards
Qualifying for Eastern States
We no longer require a qualifying race to enter Eastern States. We've found that success at other races and shorter distances has little bearing on your ability to succeed here, so we leave it up to you to decide if you are capable and ready for our mountains. But please believe us when we say that our climbs are relentless, our trails are rough, our weather can be hot, storms are frequent and sometimes severe... if you are inexperienced or underprepared, you are likely to fail here. (Consider that the overall finish rate at ES100 since our start in 2014 is 50.3%, and has been in the 30%s in the hot years.)
Check the maps, read race reports, ask other runners on social media — do your homework before you decide to enter. But this decision is on you, and we will ignore any emails asking us if we think you are ready for this race (if you have to ask, the answer is probably "no").
Solo Division (NO CREW/NO PACERS)
No Crew/No Pacers is our recognition of the runner who does not use a crew or pacer. This division is to alleviate some of the congestion at crewed aid stations and to give the participant extra bragging rights.
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