Eastern States 100

  • Date Sat 8th August 2026 - Sun 9th August 2026
  • Time 5:00AM EDT
  • Location Waterville, Pennsylvania
  • Price Free - $313.70
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances Ultra

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Eastern States 100, taking place from Saturday, August 8th to Sunday, August 9th, 2026, in the stunning landscapes of Waterville, Lycoming, Pennsylvania. This ultramarathon spans an exhilarating 103 rocky miles with a staggering elevation gain of over 20,000 feet, making it a true test of endurance for even the most seasoned trail runners.

Participants will embark on a challenging journey that encircles the breathtaking Pine Creek, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. Runners will experience the beauty of some of the state's most scenic and rugged trails, including the famous Mid State Trail and the Black Forest Trail, each offering unique vistas and diverse terrains. The course is not for the faint of heart, with multiple climbs and descents that will push your limits. With a finish rate of approximately 49%, only the toughest will conquer this epic race. Whether you're aiming for a supported or unsupported experience, the Eastern States 100 promises a weekend filled with camaraderie, breathtaking nature, and the thrill of the challenge. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event!

Organiser's Description

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. _

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.

Runners will experience portions of some of the most scenic and most challenging trails in Pennsylvania. The Mid State Trail Pennsylvanias wildest footpath. The Black Forest Trail the crown jewel of Pennsylvanias long distance hiking trails featuring hills, rocks, and on average, a vista for every mile of trail. The West Rim Trail a backpackers favorite for experiencing the Pine Creek Gorge. 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.

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.

In between are miles of hills, rocky hollows, diverse forest and endless views. Wolf Path, Cougar Run, Hemlock Mountain, Jerry Run Falls, Panther Run, and the Algerine Wild Area are just some of the local trails you'll traverse. The course is full of single track, old logging roads and abandoned stone quarries. Deer, bear, bald eagles, and rattlesnakes may be seen. 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

*
All participants must finished at least one advertised 50K trail race within the official cut-off time prior to registering/picked from the waitlist for Eastern States 100.

*
The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2024, and the date of registration/picked from the waitlist.

*
The race must be an officially organized trail event with publicly available results (e.g., posted on Ultrasignup or a race/timing website).



NON-QUALIFYING EVENTS

The following do not meet the qualification requirement:

*
Timed events (e.g., 12-hour, 24-hour races)

*
Fastest Known Times (FKTs), peak bagging or Long-Distance runs/hikes

*
Obstacle Course Races (OCR)

*
Biathlon/Triathlon events (unless the run portion is a 50K trail race with official results)



COMPLETION REQUIREMENT

*
The qualifying 50K must be completed prior to registration. Registrants who do not meet this requirement will not be accepted. Race management is absolute regarding the 50K requirement.

*
Limited flexibility on the January 1, 2024, date may be granted only in extenuating life circumstances (e.g., military service, pregnancy).



RATIONALE

*
Since the race began in 2014, Eastern States 100 has averaged just a 49% finish rate, dropping into the 30% range in hot years. High drop rates put extra strain on medical staff, logistics, and emergency crewsultimately endangering both participants and volunteers.

*
The 50K requirement ensures that the participant has experience in a race environment. The intent is to ensure both participants and the race itself meet a level of knowledge and expectations.

*
Our course is unforgiving: relentless climbs, rugged terrain, and frequent severe weather. Without proper preparation and prior trail experience, runners are highly likely to fail.

*
Were keeping it simple and consistent (50K Trail event). No subjective calls. No debates about whether a certain course, run, or effort you completed is hard enough.



PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY

*
It is the responsibility of each participant to research the course, review maps, read race reports, and seek advice from past finishers before entering.

*
Race management will not provide individualized assessments of readiness. If you need to ask whether you are prepared, the answer is likely no.

--------------------------

SUPPORTED VS. UNSUPPORTED CLASSES

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

*
SUPPORTED Crew assistance is allowed at designated crew-accessible aid stations, and pacers are permitted starting at approved points along the course.

*
UNSUPPORTED No crew and no pacers are allowed at any point during the race.

This classification helps maintain fairness, consistency, and clarity for all participants.

COMMOM QUESTIONS

Q: AS AN UNSUPPORTED RUNNER, CAN I HAVE FRIENDS OR FAMILY SPECTATE?
A: Yes. Unlike some races that prohibit spectators for unsupported runners (on the theory that emotional support counts as aid), we are not that strict. Spectators are welcome at crew-designated aid stations only. They may not provide food, hydration, or equipment, nor may they spectate at non-crew aid stations or elsewhere along the course.

Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF IM REGISTERED AS UNSUPPORTED BUT END UP NEEDING CREW OR A PACER DURING THE RACE?
A: You will not be disqualified. Instead, you will simply be reclassified as a Supported Runner. The same logic applies in reverse: if you begin as a Supported Runner but complete the race without crew or pacers, you will be listed as Unsupported.

Q: AS AN UNSUPPORTED RUNNER, CAN I USE AID STATIONS?
A: Absolutely. All runners, regardless of category, have full access to official aid stations. That includes food, hydration, medical care, and any services provided by race staff and volunteers.

Q: WHAT RECOGNITION DO I RECEIVE AS AN UNSUPPORTED RUNNER?
A: Unsupported runners primarily earn bragging rights and respect from the community. Unsupported finishes are not published in the official results and there is no overall award for the category. However, Unsupported finishers will receive a small memento in recognition of their accomplishmentfor example, in past years we have awarded custom-designed glassware.

Q: WHY MAKE A DISTINCTION BETWEEN SUPPORTED AND UNSUPPORTED?
A: There are two main reasons:

*
Recognition We believe Unsupported participants deserve acknowledgment for tackling the course entirely on their own.

*
Permitting Our race permits from the Commonwealth are based on total human impact (participants, crew, volunteers, and vehicles), not just the number of runners. By creating an Unsupported category, crewed aid stations are less crowded, and we can responsibly increase our overall participant cap, giving more runners the opportunity to take part in Eastern States 100.

Races

  • Eastern States 100 - Supported Class (Crew/Pacers Allowed)

    Incl. $18.70 Fee & Participant Apparel

    Sat 8th August 2026 (5:00AM EDT)

    $313.70

    Only the hardiest of runners will complete this circumnavigation of Pine Creek, a Pennsylvania scenic river carving its way through the rugged heart of the Appalachians. The largest creek in the United States, it supplied the lumber that built America. The Iroquois called it Tiadaughton the River of Pines. Or is it the Lost and Bewildered River? After traveling some of the most scenic and challenging trails in Pennsylvania and climbing more than 20,000 feet, you may find the second name more appropriate.
  • Eastern States 100 - Unsupported Classes (NO CREW/NO PACERS)

    Incl. $18.70 Fee & Participant Apparel

    Sat 8th August 2026 (5:00AM EDT)

    $313.70

    The Solo Division: No Crew/No Pacers is our recognition of the runner who does not use a crew or pacer. All finishers in the division will receive a token of their achievements. Entrants in this division will have no crews and no pacers and will not use the crews or pacers of other entrants. Entrants will need to rely only on the official aid stations and their own drop bags for all support. This division is to alleviate some of the congestion at crewed aid stations and to give the participant extra bragging rights.
  • Pacer

    Sat 8th August 2026 (5:00AM EDT)

    Free

    Pacer Rules Runners may use pacers, according to the following rules: NEW: Pacers must register Pacers must register, provide emergency contact information, sign a waiver, and must wear a pacer bib while on the course. They can register ahead of time on RunSignUp. Pacers can get their bibs at check in on Friday evening or Saturday morning, or at the aid station. Pacer starts Pacers may enter the course at AS7 Hyner Run, AS10 Tomb Flats, AS12 Blackwell, and AS14 Barrens. One pacer at a time Standard practice, one pacer per runner at a time. End of story. No muling Pacers are there for safety and moral encouragement not to help carry your stuff (or you). They can help you at aid stations just as your crew would, but they arent allowed to carry water, food, or other supplies for you or physically assist you in any way out on the trail. They may run beside you or behind you, but not in front of you this is your race, not theirs. Accountability Pacers must check in and out with the aid station communication crews at each station just as the runners do. Were just as concerned about their safety and accountability, so we need to know who is out on the course at any time. Pacers may use aid stations Pacers are free to use the aid stations they visit with their runner.

Reviews

Done this event?

First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.

Add a review

Location

4205 Little Pine Creek Road, Waterville, 17776, PA, United States

Who's In

See who else is doing this event

Be the first

No-one has marked this event as 'Doing' or 'Maybe' yet. Will you be the first?

More from findarace.com

You might like

Aug 8, 2026

Free - $313.70