Jigger Johnson Ultras

Event overview

The Jigger Johnson Ultras is a multi-distance trail race held in the White Mountain National Forest with a start/finish area in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. The event dates are August 14-16, 2026. The courses traverse mountainous, technical terrain and include long sections without aid; runners must use provided GPX files and maps for navigation.

Distances

• 100 Mile - 108 miles, 29,000 feet total elevation gain, 54-hour time limit.
• 50 Mile - 58 miles, 16,000 feet total elevation gain, 30-hour time limit.
• 20 Mile - 20.1 miles, 5,900 feet total elevation gain, 24-hour time limit.

Course and logistics

The 100-mile is an out-and-back between Waterville Valley and the South Moat turnaround. The 50-mile follows a separate mountainous route from South Moat into Bartlett and over several ridgelines back to Waterville Valley. The 20-mile is a mountain loop including Mount Osceola and Mount Tecumseh. Aid stations are provided on the 100- and 50-mile courses and all aid stations allow drop bags; the 20-mile has a single aid station and no course drop bags (one bag may be left at the start/finish). Shuttle buses transport 50-mile runners to the South Moat trailhead.

Rules, support and qualifications

Mandatory gear is checked at bib pickup; required items include a minimum of 2 liters of fluids, a water filter, at least 1000 calories (100/50) or 400 calories (20), GPX file uploaded, emergency blanket, headlamp, extra battery pack, phone, rain jacket, warm hat, gloves, neon reflective vest, and a basic first aid kit. The 100-mile requires completion of a 50-mile mountain effort within the past year; the 50-mile requires a 50 km or similar mountain effort within the past year. Crew access is restricted at remote aid stations; pacers are permitted under specific rules and must carry mandatory gear. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.