Hellbender 100

Hellbender 100 - 2026

The Hellbender 100 is a 100-mile trail race held in Old Fort, North Carolina, presented by Run828 Foundation. The course passes through the Black Mountains, into the valleys below, and to the summit of Mt. Mitchell, with an elevation change of roughly 48,000+ feet. The 2026 route may use an alternative course that combines the 2025 route with the original course; organizers will publish a course map as conditions allow.

The event functions as a qualifier for Hardrock 100 and Western States 100. Runners must have completed either a 100k with 10,000 feet of vertical gain or any 100 miler between May 1, 2024 and May 1, 2026, or the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50. These can be non-competitive efforts; proof may be requested. There is a 39 hour overall cutoff and additional cutoffs at aid stations as listed in the runners guide.

Runners and pacers must carry required safety gear at all times. Required items include a headlamp with backup and batteries, a flashing red light for nighttime road sections, a seam-sealed weatherproof jacket, an emergency bivy, insulating long sleeve base layer, warm hat and gloves, an emergency whistle, sufficient calories, a hydration carrier of 40 oz or more, water filtration or purification, a cell phone or satellite communicator, and a race GPS unit. Mandatory gear checks will be conducted before and during the race. The race is cupless; entrants receive a reusable cup in the swag bag.

Registration procedures include a waitlist process that charges entrants only if they accept an invitation. Refund and credit policies vary by date and circumstance, and a set amount of volunteer hours is required to qualify for certain benefits. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.