Hellbender 100
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About the race
The Hellbender 100 is a 100 mile mountain trail race held May 7, 2027 in Old Fort, North Carolina and organized by the RUN828 Foundation. The course runs through the Black Mountains, into the valleys below and to the summit of Mt Mitchell, with an overall elevation change of approximately 48,000+ feet. Pacers are allowed and the same mandatory gear applies to both runners and pacers. Entry information includes a published entry price of USD 424.17 and an official registration close date of May 1, 2027 at 11:59 PM ET; the event offer record shows availability as sold out.
If registration fills, entrants are added to a waitlist without charge and are charged only if they accept an invitation; when pulling from the waitlist the race alternates evenly between women and men. Qualification requires completion of either a 100k with 10,000 feet of vertical gain or any 100 miler between May 1, 2025 and May 1, 2027, or the Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker 50 miler; proof may be requested. The event is a qualifying race for Hardrock 100 and Western States 100. The overall time limit is 39 hours with cutoffs enforced at multiple aid stations. Required gear includes a headlamp and backup light and batteries, flashing red light for nighttime road sections, seam-sealed weatherproof jacket, emergency bivy, insulating long sleeve base layer, warm hat and gloves, emergency whistle, calories, 40 oz or larger hydration carrier, water filter or purification, cell phone or Garmin inReach, and a race-provided GPS unit.
The race is cupless and participants receive a reusable cup in the swag bag. RUN828 Foundation states a portion of event proceeds will go to nonprofits that promote outdoor activity in Western North Carolina. Refunds and credits follow published rules by date, with specific provisions for military deployment, death in the family, and certain family or adoption situations. Volunteer work requirement for participants is eight hours performed between May 1, 2026 and May 1, 2027.
Additional participant information and the runners guide are published by the organizer. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
