Conquer the Circumnavigation of the Lost and Bewildered River in the Wilds of Pennsylvania
EASTERN STATES
INFORMATION
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 Pennsylvania. The race circumnavigates a portion of 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 over 20,000 feet of climbing in the process — all in the glorious heat and humidity of August. This is graduate-level trail running that will both test and fulfill you in so many ways.
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RACE DATA and DETAILS
Event Date
Saturday, August 8th through Sunday, August 9th, 2026.
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Start time and location
Saturday, 5:00am at Little Pine State Park, Day-Use Area. Check in is at the pavilion overlooking at the lake with the start line in the parking lot entrance.
Cutoff time and location
Sunday, 5:00pm at at Little Pine State Park, Day-Use Area. (36 hours)
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Past Results
In 2025, 258 started the event with 133 finishers. 51.5% finish rate.
2023, 225 began and 131 finished with a 58% finish rate.
2022, 202 started. 121 finishers. 60% finish rate.
2021, 162 individuals began with 83 who finished. 51% finish rate.​
2019, 225 began the race. 133 finished. 59% finish rate.
2017, 232 started the event and 121 finished with a 52% finish rate.
2016, 194 at the start. 66 finishers. 34% finish rate.
2015, 154 started. 57 finished. 37% finish rate.
2014, 157 starters. 72 finishers. 46% finish rate.
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Since 2014, the average finish rate over nine races is 49.8%
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In the nine years of this event, only 1 participant have finished under 20-hours.
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​Weather
Average for the second weekend of August is a high of 82F and a low of 63F. On average, there is a 36% chance that more than 0.04 inches of total precipitation will fall throughout the day, mostly from an afternoon thunderstorm. The chance of muggy, oppressive, or miserable conditions mid-July varies over the course of the day, with an average daily chance of 29%. The cloudiest time of day is around 6:30 AM, at which time the chance of overcast or mostly cloudy conditions is 45%. The clearest time of day is around 2:30 PM, at which time the chance of clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy conditions is 63%.
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In 2025 weather conditions were slightly warmer during the day with a high of 85F and cooler at night with a low of 56F with dew points in the 50's all day. Sky conditions were clear with some valley fog in the morning.
Aid Stations
The aid stations are well stocked with fluids and a variety of foods. The fluids that are generally available are: water, hydration/energy drink (Tailwind), ginger ale and cola. The late stage aid stations will also generally have soup and hot coffee. We give our aid station captains freedom to develop their own menus, which they publish on the Facebook group page a week before the event. If you do not have social media, we will repost menus on our website, when available. The foods that are generally available are: salt replacement foods such as saltines, pretzels, chips; fruits such as oranges, bananas, and melons; potatoes, cookies, candies, sandwiches, etc. Aid stations also try to have their own unique foods available throughout the course. Generally vegetarian options are available but we cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate all dietary choices and restrictions.
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​​​Drop Bags
Use drop bags if you have things you need but don’t want to carry the whole way – warm/dry clothing, a special snack, headlamp, etc. We’ll transport your bags to designated aid stations and have them waiting for you. "The drop off location will be the pavilion at the opposite end of the parking lot from the registration pavilion. Drop bags will be accepted Saturday morning ONLY. We’ll take drop bags to the following 5 aids stations (use as many or as few as you’d like):
AS3 Lower Pine Bottom | AS7 Hyner Run | AS10 Tomb Flats | AS12 Blackwell | AS14 Barrens​
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Crews and Spectators​
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. See Crews and Spectators page for information like driving directions, maps, rules and more.
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Pacers
Pacers are permitted to assist runners starting at AS7 Hyner Run. Then, pacers can join or conclude their assistance at AS10 Tomb Flats, AS12 Blackwell and/or AS14 Barrens to the finish. See Pacer Rules on the Race Rules page and our Pacer Registration requirement.
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No Crew/No Pacers Class
This class is our recognition of the runner who does not use a crew or pacer(s). This group is to alleviate some of the congestion at crewed aid stations and to give the participant extra bragging rights.​
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2026 Registration Start Date: October 1st, 2025 (12 PM). Registration is first come, first served and there is a qualifying standard. (see below)
Capacity: 300 runners
Cost: $295
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Race Management: Eastern States 100 is a Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance event (Eastern States 100, Ironstone 100K Eagleton Trail Challenge). Benjamin Mazur, Race Director. Jade Oakes, Co-Race Director.
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Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance is a 501c3 not-for-profit, all-volunteer organization. Proceeds are donated to organizations like the Waterville Volunteer Fire Company, Lycoming County Emergency Management and/other first responders and community organizations in the Pine Creek region. Thank you for supporting local, grassroots, all-volunteer trail racing in Pennsylvania.
Supported vs. Unsupported Classes
At Eastern States 100, runners are classified into two categories:
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Supported – Crew assistance is allowed at designated crew-accessible aid stations, and pacers are permitted starting at approved points along the course.
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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.
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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 I’m 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.
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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 indicated as such 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 accomplishment—for 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:
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Recognition – We believe Unsupported participants deserve bragging rights for tackling the course entirely on their own.
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Permitting – Our race permits from the Commonwealth are based on total human impact (participants, crew, volunteers, vehicles, etc.), not just the number of runners. By creating an Unsupported class, 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.
QUALIFICATION
STANDARD
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
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All participants must have finished at least one advertised 50K trail race or longer within the official cut-off time prior to registering/picked from the waitlist for Eastern States 100.
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The qualifying race must take place between January 1, 2024, and the date of registration/picked from the waitlist.
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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:
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Timed events (e.g., 12-hour, 24-hour races)
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Fastest Known Times (FKTs), Peak bagging, Long-Distance runs/hikes, etc.
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Obstacle Course Races (OCR)
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Biathlon/Triathlon events (unless the run portion is a 50K trail race with official results)
Completion Requirement
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The qualifying trail 50K event minimum must be completed prior to registration. Registrants who do not meet this requirement will not be accepted.
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Race management is absolute regarding the 50K requirement.
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Limited flexibility on the January 1, 2024, date may be granted only in extenuating life circumstances (e.g., military service, pregnancy).
Rationale
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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 crews—ultimately endangering both participants and volunteers.
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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.
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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.
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We’re keeping it simple and consistent (at least a 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.”
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.