East Fork Challenge

East Fork 100 mi / 100K / 50K / 15 mi

The event takes place at William H. Harsha Lake in East Fork State Park near Bethel, OH. It uses a counterclockwise looped course of roughly 33 miles with varied trail surfaces, a small amount of park road, and portions of the Steve Newman Worldwalker Perimeter trail.

Distances offered:

• 100 miles, three loops of about 33 miles
• 100K, two loops of about 33 miles
• 50K, one loop of about 33 miles
• 15 miles, out-and-back to the first manned aid station

Course features include single-track and mountain bike trails, lake views, a waterfall in a pine forest area, open meadows, and multiple creek crossings. The organizer notes the course tends to run a little long; published approximate distances are 50K ≈ 33.7 miles, 100K ≈ 67.4 miles, and 100 miles ≈ 101.1 miles.

Time limits are enforced: 40 hour cutoffs apply for the 100 mile, 100K, and 50K events, and a 12 hour cutoff applies for the 15 mile. There is a hard cutoff at the Nature Center aid station at 35 hours for runners on the longer courses.

The race is cupless; participants must carry their own bottles or hydration bladder and a reusable cup for aid station drinks. Mandatory gear includes a headlamp or waist light with spare batteries, a cell phone, a container for at least 1 liter of liquid, and an emergency poncho or rain jacket. Pacers are allowed for 100 mile and 100K runners starting with the second loop; one pacer at a time and a signed waiver are required. The event offers multiple manned aid stations, some crew and drop bag access points, and portalets at several locations.

The organizer states an inclusion policy and offers Athletes With Disability divisions. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.