Jigger Johnson Ultras

Event overview

The Jigger Johnson Ultras is a trail running event in the White Mountain National Forest based at Waterville Valley, NH. The weekend includes multiple race distances and organized support such as aid stations, drop-bag handling, and campground options at Osceola Vista Campground for paid campers. The event is cupless; participants must bring their own hydration system. Shuttle buses transport runners from Waterville Valley to the South Moat trailhead for the longer courses. Remote sections of the courses mean some long stretches occur without aid.

Courses, rules and logistics

Distances offered:

• 100 Mile (out-and-back to South Moat; listed as 108 miles)
• 50 Mile (listed as 58 miles; starts at South Moat)
• 20 Mile (listed as 20.1 miles)

Key course figures include large elevation gains: the 100 mile shows about 29,000 feet, the 50 mile about 16,000 feet, and the 20 mile about 5,900 feet. The courses use rugged, technical mountain trails with sections on public and private land and short road connectors where a reflective vest is required. Mandatory gear is checked at packet pickup and includes items such as at least 2 liters of water, a water filter, minimum calories, emergency blanket, GPX file on a device, extra battery pack, headlamp, rain jacket, warm hat and gloves, neon reflective vest, and a basic first aid kit. Qualification requirements differ by distance: the 100 mile requires a 50 mile or similar mountain effort within the past year; the 50 mile requires a 50 km or similar mountain effort within the past year; the 20 mile has no formal qualification. No crew access is allowed at remote aid stations; pacers are allowed at specified aid stations with gear checks. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.