Hellbender 100

Event details

Hellbender 100 takes place on May 8, 2026 in Old Fort, North Carolina, with the start area at Camp Grier. The event is a 100-mile trail race that includes pacers. The course runs through the Black Mountains and reaches the summit of Mt. Mitchell. The route has approximately 48,000+ ft of elevation change. Organizers note the 2026 course may be an alternate route combining the 2025 layout and the original course; a final course map will be published when conditions are clear. The race is presented by Run828, a nonprofit, and a portion of proceeds will go to other nonprofits. Finishers receive a buckle; other included items are a swag bag with t-shirt, a reusable cup, a pre-race meal, stocked aid stations, and finish line food.

Entry, qualification and race rules

Registration closes May 1, 2026; a waitlist is used if entry fills and entrants are charged only when invited from the waitlist. Qualification requires a completed 100k with at least 10,000 ft of vertical gain or any 100-mile finish between May 1, 2024 and May 1, 2026, or the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50. The race enforces a 40-hour overall cutoff and will use multiple aid station cutoffs. Runners and pacers must carry mandatory safety gear at all times, including lights and spare batteries, a weatherproof jacket, emergency bivy (an emergency blanket does not qualify), insulating layer, hat and gloves, whistle, calories, hydration carrier (40 oz+), a communication device, and the race GPS unit. The event is cupless; a reusable cup is provided. Volunteer credit of 8 hours is required between May 11, 2025 and May 1, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.