Hellbender 100
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Hellbender 100 - 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 and valleys and reaches the summit of Mt. Mitchell. The route features approximately 48,000+ ft of elevation change and a 39 hour overall cutoff, with additional cutoffs enforced at multiple aid stations. A runners guide provides full course and cutoff details.
The event serves as a qualifier for both Hardrock 100 and Western States 100. Pacers are allowed. Organizers state an intention to return to the original course in 2027.
Entry requires a qualifying performance completed between May 1, 2025 and May 1, 2027: either a 100k with 10,000 ft of vertical gain, any 100 mile event, or the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 mile. Qualifying efforts may be non-competitive routes or FKTs, but proof may be requested. Registration opens October 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET and a waitlist will be used if the race fills; waitlist entries are not charged until an invitation is accepted.
Runners and pacers must carry strict mandatory gear at all times, including a headlamp, backup light and batteries, flashing red light for night road sections, seam-sealed weather proof jacket, emergency bivy, insulating base layer, warm hat and gloves, emergency whistle, sufficient calories, a 40oz+ hydration carrier, water filter or purification, a cell phone or Garmin inReach, and the race GPS unit. The race is cupless; a reusable cup is provided in the swag bag. Swag items include a t-shirt, finishers buckle, sub 24 hour award, pre race meal, stocked aid stations, and finish line food. Volunteers must complete eight hours of trail or race related work between May 11, 2026 and May 1, 2027. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
