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 complete at least one advertised 50K trail race within the official cut-off time prior to registering for Eastern States 100.

• The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2024, and the date of registration.

• 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)

• 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

The 50K requirement is a necessary entry standard. Since its inception in 2014, Eastern States 100 has an overall finish rate of 49%, with finish rates dropping into the 30% range during hot years. The course features relentless climbs, rugged trails, and frequent severe weathe

r. Runners without adequate preparation and trail experience are highly likely to fail.

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.”