Looking Glass 100K

Looking Glass 100k, Pisgah Forest NC

The Looking Glass 100k is a single large loop trail race in Pisgah Forest that circles the area around Looking Glass Rock and passes high balds including Black Balsam Knob and Tennet Mountain. The course covers approximately 62 miles with about 10,600 ft of elevation gain and the same amount of elevation loss, and has a 20 hour time limit.

The route includes smooth and technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel, and a short section of pavement. It passes multiple ecosystems from cove hardwood forest to high-elevation balsam woods and mountain balds, and goes by waterfalls and moss-covered streams that may require crossings. The start and finish are at the field across from Davidson River Campground off FS 5069 near the Pisgah Ranger Station.

There are nine aid stations spaced roughly every 4.5 to 9 miles. Aid station provisions include water and Skratch Labs electrolyte drink, plus minimum foods such as bananas, orange slices, potato chips, pretzels, PB&J, pickles, Snickers, and M&Ms. Four aid stations are full service, three are full service with crew access at full aid 1, 3, and 5, and two are self serve fluid only. There are three drop bag locations at full aid 1, 3, and 5.

Runners and pacers must carry mandatory safety gear at all times, including a headlamp with backup batteries, a seam sealed weatherproof jacket, an emergency bivy, an insulating base layer, warm hat and gloves, an emergency whistle, a 32 oz or larger hydration carrier, and a GPS tracker provided on race morning. Mandatory gear checks will occur before the race and at multiple times during the race; race staff may remove participants not carrying required gear. Pacers may join at aid 5 (mile 41.8). Crews are allowed only at full aids 1, 3, and 5 and must service runners within a 50 yard radius of the aid station.

Packet pickup is required on the Friday before the event and runners must pick up their own packet. A pre race meeting is scheduled on the Friday evening before race day. Weather can change drastically on the mountain; if extreme weather forces cancellation the race may be rescheduled or run virtually and refunds will not be given if a runner cannot attend a rescheduled date.

Race perks include a long sleeve hoodie shirt, a custom finisher award, live tracking, post race food and craft beer, and well stocked aid stations. A lodging partner offers a 20 percent discount for stays near the start when Looking Glass 100k is mentioned.

The event offers a waitlist. Waitlist invitations are most likely for those near the top of the list; some invitations may be issued up to two days before the event. The organizer publishes a refund schedule with percentage refunds varying by date and allows deferrals only for military deployment, pregnancy, or a death in the family within two weeks of the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.