East Fork - Bethel

Event overview

East Fork in Bethel, Ohio, offers four trail races around William H. Harsha Lake in East Fork State Park: a 100 mile, a 100K, a 50K and a 15 mile race. The course is a loop of about 33 miles; runners complete three loops for the 100 mile, two loops for the 100K, and one loop for the 50K. The 15 mile course is an out-and-back to the first manned aid station.

• 100 Miler: ~101.1 mi
• 100K: ~67.4 mi
• 50K: ~33.7 mi
• 15 Miler: 15 mi (out-and-back)

Course and aid stations

The route runs counterclockwise on trails that include mountain bike single track, hiking trails, some park road shoulder, and sections of the Steve Newman Worldwalker Perimeter trail. Course features include lake views, wooded single track, a waterfall in a pine forest, open meadow sections, and several creek crossings. The organizer notes the mapped course runs a little long.

There are multiple aid stations with varied services: a main start/finish aid station where crews are allowed for 100K and 100 mile runners; manned stations at Reisinger Boat Ramp (turnaround for the 15 mi), Twin Bridges, East Fork Nature Center Shelter (drop bags and bathrooms nearby), and Little Miami River (new location, small drop bags allowed). Two unmanned water-only stations are on the route.

Rules, gear and cutoffs

The event is cupless; runners must carry their own bottles, a reusable cup, and a container for at least 1 liter of liquid. Required gear includes a headlamp or waist light with spare power, a cell phone, and an emergency poncho or rain jacket. Recommended items include extra calories, salt, basic first aid and blister care, spare socks, and an ice hat or bandana.

Cutoffs include a 40 hour limit for the 100 mile, 100K and 50K events and a 12 hour limit for the 15 mile. Additional hard cutoffs apply at the Nature Center aid station. Pacers are allowed for 100K and 100 mile runners starting on the second loop; one pacer at a time and a waiver is required. Packet pickup is at the start/finish area on the two days before and the day of the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.