Conquer the Circumnavigation of the Lost and Bewildered River in the Wilds of Pennsylvania
EASTERN STATES: BLACKOUT
WHY BE AFRAID OF THE DARK?
Eastern States: BLACKOUT is a focused, immersive running camp designed to remove the mystery — and fear — of the night sections of the Eastern States 100. The PA Wilds take on an entirely different character after dark, and this camp exists for one reason: to help runners experience those miles intentionally, repeatedly, and with confidence before race day ever arrives.
Over three days and nights, participants will run three distinct sections of the ES100 course entirely under the cover of darkness. These are not novelty runs — they are purposeful previews of the course’s most demanding nighttime terrain, where navigation, pacing, fueling, and mental resilience matter as much as physical fitness. Headlamp management, trail awareness, and decision-making in limited visibility are all sharpened through real experience, not theory.
The routes are designed to mirror the conditions runners will face during the race itself: long stretches between aid, sustained climbs, technical descents, and the quiet isolation that defines Eastern States after sunset. By confronting these sections in a controlled, supportive camp environment, runners gain familiarity with the terrain and the confidence that comes from knowing what the dark truly holds.
Between night runs, participants will base out of rustic lodging that encourages recovery and connection. Hearty breakfasts and dinners are provided, offering both nourishment and a chance to debrief, swap notes, and learn from fellow runners who share the same goal — finishing Eastern States stronger and smarter. While BLACKOUT is highly intentional in its structure, it remains grounded in the camaraderie that defines trail running culture.
Daylight hours are left open by design. Runners can choose to rest, stretch, and reset, or take advantage of optional activities such as biking, kayaking, golf, informal workshops, or simply sitting around a campfire letting fatigue fade. Recovery is treated as part of the training, not an afterthought.
Eastern States: BLACKOUT is not about bravado or pushing limits for their own sake. It is about preparation. It is about turning unknown miles into familiar ones, replacing anxiety with understanding, and stepping onto the start line knowing you have already faced some of the course’s darkest hours.
Why be afraid of the dark?
Eastern States: BLACKOUT — Where the Wilds get even wilder.
A FULL WEEKEND EXPERIENCE
The Eastern States Blackout weekend home base is where you’ll share meals, recovery time, and late-night stories with other runners training toward the same goal: finishing Eastern States smarter and stronger.
Set on 235 peaceful acres in the heart of the PA Wilds, the lodge offers a true mountain retreat with the comforts of home. The lodge features nine bedrooms, five bathrooms, a commercial-size kitchen, a fireplace, loft space, ping pong and foosball tables, and an outdoor patio built for unwinding after long nights on your feet.
The surrounding property offers room to breathe and explore—soccer, volleyball, fishing, swimming, paddle boats, ATV, BMX and hiking trails, 9-hole golf course and quiet corners to simply rest. It’s the kind of place that lets your nervous system downshift.
Daytimes are intentionally unstructured. Want to spin out your legs on the Pine Creek Rail Trail? Paddle a kayak? Sneak in a nap? Sit in on a casual clinic about gear, fueling, or night strategy? Or do nothing at all? A local guide will be available for those who want to explore the region—but everything is optional. You do what your body needs.
Registration includes:
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Three nights lodging (single-person bed)
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Transportation to and from all night run segments
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Pre-run light meals each evening
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Hearty breakfasts each morning
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Optional daytime activities and informal clinics
Come for the miles. Stay for the quiet confidence that comes from being prepared.
Eastern States Blackout is brought to you by the Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance, an organization dedicated to promoting trail running and the responsible use of public lands.
As a not-for-profit, grassroots organization, Eastern States Blackout is intentionally priced well below cost. This weekend is not designed to generate revenue. It is offered as a service to the trail community—a chance to give back by helping runners prepare wisely, sustainably, and with respect for the places we run.
PRESENTED BY:
The Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance promotes trailrunning and the responsible use of public lands, through events such as the Eastern States 100, Ironstone 100K and Eagleton Trail Challenge, three footraces we manage as a stewardship for trailrunners and the community.