Looking Glass 100K

Looking Glass 100k - Pisgah Forest, NC

The Looking Glass 100k is a single large loop trail race around Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah Forest that visits multiple area highlights including the high balds of Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain above 6,000 ft. The route passes through varied ecosystems, from cove hardwood forest to boreal balsam woods and high-elevation balds, and runs by waterfalls and moss-covered streams with some crossings.

The course surface includes smooth singletrack, technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel and a short section of pavement. The start and finish are at the field across from Davidson River Campground off FS 5069 near the Pisgah Ranger Station. Distance is approximately ~62 miles with about 10,600 ft of elevation gain and loss and a 20 hour time limit.

Nine aid stations are placed roughly every 4.5 to 9 miles. Aid breakdown includes four full-service stations, three additional full-service stations with crew access at Full Aid 1, 3 and 5, and two fluid only stations. There are three drop bag locations at Full Aid 1, 3 and 5. Pacers may join at Aid 5 (mile 41.8).

Race operations include mandatory gear checks and strict required gear for runners and pacers including headlamp, backup batteries, weatherproof jacket, emergency bivy, insulating layer, warm hat and gloves, whistle, hydration carrier 32oz or larger, and a GPS tracker provided by the race. Packet pickup is required on Friday between 4 and 8 pm and a pre race meeting is scheduled for Friday at 7 pm. Crews are allowed only at Full Aids 1, 3 and 5 and must service runners within a 50 yard radius and follow parking rules.

Weather can change rapidly on the course. If severe weather forces cancellation the race may seek to reschedule or offer a virtual option; no refunds will be given if a registrant cannot attend a rescheduled date or if rescheduling is not possible. If the parkway is closed an alternate course that avoids the parkway will be used. The published refund schedule provides tiered refunds through July 15 and September 15 with no refunds after September 16; deferrals are allowed only for military deployment, pregnancy, or a death in the family within two weeks of the event.

Volunteer service can be exchanged for race entry discounts based on hours volunteered. Lodging partner Pilot Cove Cabins offers a 20 percent discount for those mentioning the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.