EASTERN STATES IOO

Crews and Spectators are permitted at AS3 Lower Pine Bottom; AS7 Hyner Run; AS10 Tomb Flats; AS12 Blackwell; AS14 Barrens. Crews and Spectators are not allowed at any other aid stations and along the course or risk automatic disqualification of their runner from the race.

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CREW and SPECTATOR RULES

A crew can be an important part of your race effort, and they are welcome for runners, according to the following rules:

• Be Respectful to Volunteers – Yes, the weather might stink, or you might missed your runner, or feel frustrated about a mistake. But don’t take it out on the volunteers. They give their time and energy to help every runner—not just you. If they remind you about a rule (e.g., cutoff times are final), don’t argue. They didn’t make the rules; the rules exist for safety, logistics, permitting, and fairness. (Respect works both ways: If a volunteer acts out of line, let race management know. We’ve removed volunteers before and will do so again if needed.)

• Crew support and spectators only at designated aid stations – This is not a race for those who need constant cheering or the comfort of company (other than your fellow participants) on the trail. No crews, no spectators, and no outside support of any kind are permitted at uncrewed aid stations or anywhere along the course. If the thought of spending the day and night alone in the deep, dark woods unnerves you—or if you prefer to run with a roving cheer squad—this event is not the right fit.
  We place particular emphasis on enforcing the no crews, no spectators rule at non-crewable aid stations and along the course. This is not an arbitrary restriction created to make the race more difficult. Rather, it is a requirement of our permits with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and is vital for several reasons:

  • Parking limitations: Many aid stations have extremely limited parking, and every available space must remain open for race staff and emergency services.

  • Access and safety concerns: Much of the course crosses unimproved forestry roads and varied surface conditions. These routes cannot safely accommodate additional vehicles or increased foot traffic. Unauthorized spectators can block or delay race staff and emergency services from reaching critical points on the course. Additionally, a few aid stations are alongside busy highways, again causing safety concerns.

  • Preservation of fairness: Allowing crews or outside support in prohibited areas undermines the competitive integrity of the event, giving some runners an unfair advantage over others.

Because of these factors, we will enforce this rule rigorously. If there is any indication that someone is attempting to crew or spectate for a participant in a restricted location, the runner will be disqualified on the spot and pulled from the race. Further, violations may result in a ban from participating in future editions of the Eastern States and/or other related events.

We cannot overstate how important it is for every participant to respect these restrictions. Adherence to this rule ensures not only fairness and safety but also the continued ability to hold this race in the Pennsylvania Wilds rugged and beautiful landscapes.

• One crew vehicle per runner – Parking is limited at many of the remote aid stations, and some of the access roads are narrow and dusty. It will be nicer – and safer – for everyone if there are fewer vehicles moving about. 

• Pets – Pets are welcome as part of your crew, and at the start/finish area, but they must be under control and they must be on a leash while within the state park/state forest. If your pet is disruptive, we may ask that you remove them from the area.

• Do not litter – We are operating under permits from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and litter could threaten future permits. Anyone caught intentionally littering, your runner will be disqualified.

• Aid Station flow – Aid stations can be busy places, and it’s important that runners have a clear route in and out, with easy and quick access to the station. Please find an out-of-the-way place near the aid station for your crew activities so you don’t add to the congestion, and please obey the instructions of the Aid Station Captain – the station is their space and their responsibility.

• Do Not Disturb the Communications Team when they are busy – The Communications Team is there to ensure the safety and whereabouts of each runner. There will be an assigned volunteer at each crewed aid station that can answer any questions you may have if time and circumstances permit it.

• Crews may volunteer – We’re really one big trail family when it comes down to it. Crews are free to help other runners if they want to, or to help out the aid station crew (if it’s alright with the aid station captain.) However, if you volunteer, don’t assist for 10-minutes and then take off after your runner comes in. Don’t be a jerk. 

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