Looking Glass 100K

Looking Glass 100K Event

The Looking Glass 100K is a running event that takes place near Pisgah Forest, North Carolina. It covers a distance of approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles). The course is a single large loop that starts and finishes at a field across from the Davidson River Campground.

Course and Terrain

The route tours the area around Looking Glass Rock, passing through multiple ecosystems. These include hardwood forests, boreal balsam woods, and high-elevation mountain balds above 6,000 feet, such as Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain. The terrain includes smooth singletrack, technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel, and a short section of pavement. The course passes by multiple waterfalls and moss-covered streams, some requiring crossing. It has an elevation gain and loss of approximately 10,600 feet.

Aid Stations and Gear

The course has nine aid stations spaced approximately every 4.5 to 9 miles. These include four full-service stations, three full-service stations with crew access, and two self-serve fluid-only stations. Aid stations provide, at a minimum, water, electrolyte drink, bananas, orange slices, potato chips, pretzels, PB&J, pickles, Snickers, and M&Ms. Many will have additional hot and cold foods. Drop bags are allowed at three locations.

All runners and pacers are required to carry specific safety gear at all times, including a headlamp, backup light, weatherproof jacket, emergency bivy, insulating base layer, warm hat and gloves, emergency whistle, a hydration carrier (32oz+), and a GPS tracker provided by the race. Mandatory gear checks will be conducted.

Key Details

The event has a time limit of 20 hours. Packet pickup is required on the Friday before the event between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM; there is no race morning pickup. A pre-race meeting is held on Friday at 7:00 PM. Crew access is only permitted at three specified full aid stations. Pacers can join runners at aid station 5 (mile 41.8).

In case of extreme weather, the race may be rescheduled or held virtually; no refunds are given if a runner cannot attend a rescheduled date. An alternate course is available if the parkway is closed. Participants receive a long-sleeve hoodie shirt, a custom finisher award, live tracking, post-race food, socializing, and craft beer. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.