Eastern States: Blackout
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Run Overview
Eastern States: Blackout is a three-night training camp held in Lock Haven, PA, specifically designed to familiarize runners with the night-running conditions of the Eastern States 100 course. Participants experience the rugged and remote sections of the PA Wilds under the cover of darkness. The event is based at the Ponderosa Lodge and involves point-to-point runs on technical trails including steep climbs, rocky singletrack, and dense forest.
Course Details
The camp features three distinct night runs on the official course:
- Night 1: Hyner to Big Trail (13.4 miles) - Features 3,246 feet of elevation gain and narrow bench-cut trails through Bald Eagle State Forest.
- Night 2: Tomb Flats to Blackwell (17.6 miles) - Includes extended climbs on the Black Forest Trail and a sharp descent to Blackwell with 2,943 feet of gain.
- Night 3: Big Trail to Tomb Flats (6.3 miles) - A final segment focusing on a significant descent of 2,765 feet over technical terrain.
Logistics and Support
This is a supported training environment rather than a fully aided race. Transportation is provided to and from the trailheads. Support on the course is limited, with only one staffed aid station available on the first two nights and no aid on the third night. Participants must be self-sufficient between trailheads, carrying their own fluids, nutrition, and lighting.
Registration includes three nights of lodging in a single-person bed, pre-run light meals, and daily breakfasts. Daytime periods are unstructured, allowing for recovery or optional activities such as gear clinics. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
