Hellbender 100

Hellbender 100 : May 7, 2027, Old Fort NC

The Hellbender 100 is a 100 mile mountain trail race held in Old Fort, North Carolina and organized by the RUN828 Foundation. The course runs through the Black Mountains, into the valleys below and to the summit of Mt Mitchell, with an overall elevation change of about 48,000+ ft. Pacers are permitted.

Registration opens on October 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET. The event is a qualifying race for Hardrock 100 and for Western States 100. Entrants must have completed a 100k with 10,000 ft of vertical gain or any 100 mile event between May 1, 2025 and May 1, 2027, or the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 mile. Nonformal efforts may be accepted with proof.

Runners have 39 hours to complete the course. Mandatory gear checks will be conducted before the start and at multiple points during the race; required items include a headlamp with backup, flashing red light for nighttime road sections, weatherproof jacket, emergency bivy, insulating layer, warm hat and gloves, whistle, sufficient calories and hydration (40 oz or more), water purification, cell phone or satellite communicator, and the race GPS unit. The race is cupless; a reusable cup is included in race swag.

Swag includes a swag bag with t shirt, a finishers buckle, a sub 24 hour award, a pre race meal, stocked aid stations and finish line food, and a reusable cup. Volunteer participants must complete 8 hours of trail or running related work between May 11, 2026 and May 1, 2027.

Refund and deferral policies vary by date; partial refunds and full credit options are available for certain circumstances and specified deadlines. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.