Hellbender 100
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Hellbender 100 - May 7, 2027
The Hellbender 100 is a 100 mile mountain trail race held in Old Fort, North Carolina, organized by the RUN828 Foundation. The course travels through the Black Mountains, into the valleys below, and to the summit of Mount Mitchell, with an overall elevation change of roughly 48,000 feet. The event is a qualifier for Hardrock 100 and Western States 100.
Runners have a 39 hour overall cutoff and must meet qualification standards set by the race: completion of a 100k with 10,000 feet of vertical gain, any 100 mile event, or the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 mile within the window of May 1, 2025 to May 1, 2027. Qualifying efforts may include non-competitive routes or FKTs if proof such as an activity link is provided. Registration opens October 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET; if the field fills, entrants are placed on a waitlist and are only charged if offered a spot.
The race enforces strict mandatory gear requirements for runners and pacers because of variable mountain weather. Required items include a headlamp plus backup light 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, emergency whistle, adequate calories and hydration (40 oz plus), water filtration or purification, a cell phone or satellite device, and the race GPS unit. The event is cupless and provides a reusable cup in the swag bag. Volunteer contribution of eight hours between May 11, 2026 and May 1, 2027 is required. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
