Is crew access allowed on the 100 Mile course?

Yes, crew access is allowed on the 100 Mile course. Crews are welcome but not crucial. Crew members may not use bicycles to accompany or crew runners on the course at any time (results in disqualification). Most crew members spend their time in the Camp Lapihio area (near start/finish, at the runner's car in Lots A/C, or in a canopy along the course). Crew are asked not to get food from the aid stations (unless pacing) and to keep the race course clear for runners; they may get food/drink from the HQ Dining Hall kitchen. Crew can also reach AS#2 by a 7-mile drive around the park or a 5.6-mile walk/bike along the course.

Are drop bags allowed on the 100 Mile course?

Yes, drop bags are allowed on the 100 Mile course. Drop bags are allowed only at the Start/Finish and AS#2 (small/medium bags only at AS#2, no coolers). Bags for AS#2 must be delivered to Race Headquarters by 6:10 am race day and are trucked out before the race starts; they are returned to HQ throughout the race and all remaining AS#2 bags are pulled at 11:00 am Sunday, arriving back at HQ around 11:30 am. Runners/crew may also drive to AS#2 to retrieve bags. Label all bags with the runner's race number.

Are pacers allowed on the 100 Mile course?

Yes, pacers are allowed on the 100 Mile course. A pacer may join starting at mile 50. Personal pacers do not have to register and can join their runner anywhere on the course, but only after 50 miles or 6:30 pm Saturday, whichever comes first. While the park is open (8am to 8pm) only one pacer at a time is allowed; no pacing on bicycles at any time. The race also runs a volunteer pacer program, available from 6:30 pm Saturday through Sunday morning, assigned first-come as a runner enters the Headquarters Aid Station; most volunteer pacers are good for 1-2 laps. The race has historically met over 90% of pacer requests but does not guarantee one.

What is the cutoff time for the 100 Mile course?

The overall time limit for the 100 Mile course is 30 hours from the start. There is a soft cutoff time of 26 hours (8:30 am, Sunday) at the 87.5-mile point (the start of the last lap). Any runner who continues after that time/point is not guaranteed support, depending on their pace. Runners electing to continue after the soft cutoff will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that on-course support may not be present when they reach the water point and remote aid station. The overall time limit is 30 hours (race starts 6:30 am Saturday, ends 12:30 pm Sunday).

Ultras · US · NC

Umstead 100

On the calendar

The date is set. Entry has not opened. The 2027 course (traditional vs. temporary alternate) is not yet confirmed; see courses[0].difficulty_notes.

Race dateApril 3-4, 2027

Duration2 days

Start6:30am

Whenin 224 days

First held1995

Official website Entry Lottery Results Aid stations Crew directions

Free, and always will be. NavRun makes money from race-day planning for runners who want it, never from this. Ultras change constantly, sometimes the morning of. Always confirm with the race director and the official website before you rely on anything here.

Distance 100M

Climb not checked yet

Descent not checked yet

High point not checked yet

Time limit 30:00:00

Aid stations 41

Started not checked yet

Finished not checked yet

Finish rate not checked yet

The course

Where it goes multi-loop · 41 aid stations · rust marks a stop your crew can reach

No official GPX on file yet. These are the aid station coordinates, not the trail. Have the GPX? Send us the link.

Both courses are essentially a 12.5 mile lap in Umstead Park, that you repeat eight times to reach 100 miles. All junctions are marked with signs to help guide you. In addition to the fully-stocked aid stations at Headquarters and the second turnaround (AS#2), the Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point operates twice per lap, so runners are never farther than about 4 miles from hydration, calories, and a bathroom.

COURSE UNCERTAIN FOR 2027. Because of a bridge closure in early 2024, the race has run on a temporary, alternate course for 2024, 2025 and 2026; the traditional course may return for 2027 but this was not confirmed as of this fill (umstead100.org/course.html: "There is a good chance that we be able to use our traditional course in 2027, but at this time, nothing is certain... prior to registering for the 2027 race, please be prepared to run on either course"). Both variants are USATF-certified eight-lap, 12.5-mile-per-lap 100 milers starting and finishing at Camp Lapihio, with AS#2 in the same general area either way, so this file records ONE course. TRADITIONAL COURSE (cert. NC19018BDS, last run before 2024): one out-and-back (the Airport Spur) at the start of each lap plus a 7-mile loop in the middle; ~8,000 ft of gain for 100 miles; turn-by-turn per lap -- 0.0mi exit HQ, 0.55mi turn right onto Reedy Creek MUT, 1.25mi Airport Spur timing-mat turnaround, stay on Reedy Creek MUT to near Trenton Road gate, 5.2mi turn left on S. Turkey Creek MUT, 6.9-7.1mi cross Crabtree Creek and Turkey Creek bridges (AS#2 area, trail becomes N. Turkey Creek MUT), 9.4mi left onto Graylyn MUT, 10.65mi right onto Reedy Creek MUT, 11.95mi turn right toward HQ, 12.5mi finish. It includes the North Turkey Creek section, the steepest trail in the park, which the alternate course omits. ALTERNATE COURSE (cert. NC24007DF, used 2024-2026, current default): two out-and-back segments; ~7,250 ft of gain for 100 miles; turn-by-turn per lap -- 0.0mi exit HQ, 0.7mi turn right onto Reedy Creek MUT, 1.6mi Airport Spur timing-mat turnaround, stay on Reedy Creek MUT to near Trenton Road gate, 5.7mi turn left on S. Turkey Creek MUT, 7.15mi Aid Station 2 timing-mat turnaround, 8.55mi right-turn merge onto Reedy Creek MUT, 11.8mi turn right toward HQ, 12.5mi finish. This file's aid_stations[] mileage reflects the alternate course (the operational reality of the last three editions). SURFACE: no single-track; 93% of the course is multi-use trail (8-15 ft wide, well compacted, some ruts/loose gravel); the roughest section is the ~0.4-mile (each way) vehicle access road into/out of Camp Lapihio HQ, on larger crushed gravel. All creek crossings are on permanent bridges. Rolling hills, runnable, well marked (glow sticks at night).

The race

What this one is

The Umstead 100 Mile Endurance Run is designed to help new ultra runners make the leap from 50 mile runs to the more demanding 100 mile runs. It enables runners who have difficulty finishing 100 miles in 24 hours, or just finishing 100 miles at all, the opportunity to do so when severe topography, heat, and getting lost are removed as major obstacles.

Founded by Blake Norwood, who served as Race Director for 20 years until his death on Oct. 29, 2014. The race's own "Race History" chart on umstead100.org is titled "Race History -- 1995 to 2026", indicating the race began in 1995. The race is now owned and managed by the North Carolina Ultra Running Association (NCURA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Getting in

Getting in Entry, lottery and what the race asks of you before race day.

Lottery: Yes

Lottery opens: Sept. 19, 2026 umstead100.org

Lottery draw: not checked yet

Field cap: 275 umstead100.org

Registration: not checked yet

Qualifying: For acceptance into the Umstead 100, you must have completed at least a 50-mile race within the time limit allowed for that race, or run 50 miles or more in a 12 hour race, subsequent to April 1, 2024. In certain instances, the race may accept proof of adequate training and a suitable running history in lieu of the 50 mile qualifying race. The 40 Mile Uwharrie Mountain Run and the 40 Mile Mount Mitchell Challenge are also accepted as qualifiers. All qualifying races must be completed at least one month prior to the Umstead 100. The 50-mile option does not require a qualifying race. umstead100.org

Minimum age: 18 umstead100.org

Transfers: No umstead100.org

Deferrals: No umstead100.org

Crew, pacers and drop bags

The rules that shape your day Anything marked "not checked yet" is a gap in what we hold, never a no from the race.

Crew allowed: Yes umstead100.org

Vehicles per runner: not checked yet

Pacers: Yes, from mile 50.00 umstead100.org

Muling: Allowed umstead100.org

Drop bags: Yes umstead100.org

Cupless: not checked yet

Course marking: Fully Marked umstead100.org

Night running: Yes umstead100.org

Dogs: Not allowed umstead100.org

Headphones: not checked yet

Crew rules: Crews are welcome but not crucial. Crew members may not use bicycles to accompany or crew runners on the course at any time (results in disqualification). Most crew members spend their time in the Camp Lapihio area (near start/finish, at the runner's car in Lots A/C, or in a canopy along the course). Crew are asked not to get food from the aid stations (unless pacing) and to keep the race course clear for runners; they may get food/drink from the HQ Dining Hall kitchen. Crew can also reach AS#2 by a 7-mile drive around the park or a 5.6-mile walk/bike along the course. umstead100.org

Pacer rules: Personal pacers do not have to register and can join their runner anywhere on the course, but only after 50 miles or 6:30 pm Saturday, whichever comes first. While the park is open (8am to 8pm) only one pacer at a time is allowed; no pacing on bicycles at any time. The race also runs a volunteer pacer program, available from 6:30 pm Saturday through Sunday morning, assigned first-come as a runner enters the Headquarters Aid Station; most volunteer pacers are good for 1-2 laps. The race has historically met over 90% of pacer requests but does not guarantee one. umstead100.org

Drop bag rules: Drop bags are allowed only at the Start/Finish and AS#2 (small/medium bags only at AS#2, no coolers). Bags for AS#2 must be delivered to Race Headquarters by 6:10 am race day and are trucked out before the race starts; they are returned to HQ throughout the race and all remaining AS#2 bags are pulled at 11:00 am Sunday, arriving back at HQ around 11:30 am. Runners/crew may also drive to AS#2 to retrieve bags. Label all bags with the runner's race number. umstead100.org

Cutoff philosophy: There is a soft cutoff time of 26 hours (8:30 am, Sunday) at the 87.5-mile point (the start of the last lap). Any runner who continues after that time/point is not guaranteed support, depending on their pace. Runners electing to continue after the soft cutoff will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that on-course support may not be present when they reach the water point and remote aid station. The overall time limit is 30 hours (race starts 6:30 am Saturday, ends 12:30 pm Sunday). umstead100.org

Aid stations

Every stop, and what you get there ● yes · no ? nobody has checked

Mile	Station	Cutoff	Crew	Bag	Pacer	Med	To next
0.00	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	?	●	●	·	●	1.60
1.60	Airport Spur Turnaround	?	·	·	?	?	2.20
3.80	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (outbound)	?	·	·	?	?	3.35
7.15	Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern)	?	●	●	?	●	3.35
10.50	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (return)	?	·	·	?	?	2.00
12.50	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	?	●	●	·	●	1.60
14.10	Airport Spur Turnaround	?	·	·	?	?	2.20
16.30	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (outbound)	?	·	·	?	?	3.35
19.65	Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern)	?	●	●	?	●	3.35
23.00	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (return)	?	·	·	?	?	2.00
25.00	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	?	●	●	·	●	1.60
26.60	Airport Spur Turnaround	?	·	·	?	?	2.20
28.80	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (outbound)	?	·	·	?	?	3.35
32.15	Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern)	?	●	●	?	●	3.35
35.50	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (return)	?	·	·	?	?	2.00
37.50	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	?	●	●	·	●	1.60
39.10	Airport Spur Turnaround	?	·	·	?	?	2.20
41.30	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (outbound)	?	·	·	?	?	3.35
44.65	Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern)	?	●	●	?	●	3.35
48.00	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (return)	?	·	·	?	?	2.00
50.00	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	?	●	●	●	●	1.60
51.60	Airport Spur Turnaround	?	·	·	?	?	2.20
53.80	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (outbound)	?	·	·	?	?	3.35
57.15	Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern)	?	●	●	?	●	3.35
60.50	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (return)	?	·	·	?	?	2.00
62.50	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	?	●	●	●	●	1.60
64.10	Airport Spur Turnaround	?	·	·	?	?	2.20
66.30	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (outbound)	?	·	·	?	?	3.35
69.65	Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern)	?	●	●	?	●	3.35
73.00	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (return)	?	·	·	?	?	2.00
75.00	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	?	●	●	●	●	1.60
76.60	Airport Spur Turnaround	?	·	·	?	?	2.20
78.80	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (outbound)	?	·	·	?	?	3.35
82.15	Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern)	?	●	●	?	●	3.35
85.50	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (return)	?	·	·	?	?	2.00
87.50	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	8:30am	●	●	●	●	1.60
89.10	Airport Spur Turnaround	?	·	·	?	?	2.20
91.30	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (outbound)	?	·	·	?	?	3.35
94.65	Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern)	?	●	●	?	●	3.35
98.00	Reedy Creek & Graylyn Water Point (return)	?	·	·	?	?	2.00
100.00	Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio)	12:30pm	●	●	●	●	?

Driving your crew

Getting your people there 17 stops with directions the race published.

Headquarters / Aid Station #1 (Camp Lapihio) mile 0.00

Enter William B. Umstead State Park via the Glenwood Avenue / US 70 entrance (the only access point for all race activity except AS#2) and follow the yellow Umstead 100 signs to Camp Lapihio group camp. The US 70/Glenwood gate is locked overnight (8:00 pm-4:45 am Sat->Sun, then hourly on the hour) except an emergency lane; allow about 20 minutes to drive the 3.3 miles from HQ back to the gate at night.

Parking. Runner parking is one assigned spot per runner across four satellite cabin-group lots at Camp Lapihio, assigned by race number/cabin. Non-runner (crew/spectator) vehicles park at Power Line Parking (Camp Lapihio) or at Camp Crabtree; a shuttle van runs continuously between Camp Crabtree and HQ from Saturday morning through Sunday noon.

umstead100.org

Aid Station #2 (The Ptomaine Tavern) mile 7.15

Leave the park via Glenwood Avenue and drive around to the east side of the park (about a 7-mile drive). Park at the City of Raleigh public lot, 4924 Ebenezer Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27612 -- do not park at the church or near the park gate on Ebenezer Church Road (NO PARKING signs enforced). After parking, follow the greenway underneath Ebenezer Church Road and head uphill to the aid station.