Superior 100 is a 100 miles ultra marathon in Gooseberry Falls, United States. Distance: 161km. Elevation: 5,600m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 47/100). DNF rate: 30%. Time limit: 38h. Surface: trail. Established 1991.
Superior 100
Gooseberry Falls, Minnesota, United States
"100 miles along Lake Superior's North Shore — boreal forest, river gorges, and one of America's great long-distance trails."
A classic 100-miler on the Superior Hiking Trail along the North Shore of Lake Superior — technical, beautiful, and relentlessly demanding.
The Course
Following the Superior Hiking Trail along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. The course traverses rugged ridgelines, river gorges, dense boreal forests, and rocky outcrops above the largest Great Lake. Technical, rooty terrain with constant undulation.
hilly
point-to-point
13
610m
Runner Experience
Solid aid station network with 13 stops along the course. Standard ultra fare — food, electrolytes, first aid.
Post-race gathering with awards, food, and shared stories. The ultra community spirit is strong at Superior 100.
Race Day Weather
10°C
2° – 18°
70%
35%
September on Lake Superior. Cool, sometimes cold. Lake effect weather can bring sudden rain or fog. Beautiful fall colors starting.
Stats & Records
1991
180
32:00:00
18:12:33
Zach Bitter (2022)
22:35:45
Gina Slaby (2023)
Entry
$225
December
instant
Lore & Trivia
Superior 100 follows the Superior Hiking Trail along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota — the largest freshwater lake in the world. The 100-mile course runs through birch and spruce forest along the volcanic ridgeline above the lake, crossing rivers, climbing to exposed rock outcrops, and descending to cobblestone beaches where Lake Superior's icy waters lap the shore. The race is held in September when the leaves are turning — the entire course glows with fall colour. Superior 100 is the Midwest's great ultra, attracting runners from the Great Lakes states who find Western mountain races too far and too dry. Lake Superior's weather is the wild card: the lake generates its own climate, and fog, rain, and sudden temperature drops are part of the deal.
- ▸ 100 miles along the North Shore of Lake Superior — the world's largest freshwater lake.
- ▸ The Superior Hiking Trail follows a volcanic ridgeline above the lake.
- ▸ September timing means spectacular fall colours.
- ▸ Total elevation gain exceeds 6,000m despite modest peak heights.
- ▸ Lake Superior generates its own weather — fog and sudden storms are common.
- ▸ One of the premier 100-milers in the American Midwest.
- ▸ Rocky, technical trail with significant root exposure.
- ▸ Wolf howls have been reported by night runners in the northern sections.
Lake Superior is the fifth character in this race. She decides the weather, the temperature, and your mood.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Superior 100? +
Superior 100 is a 100 miles (161km) ultra marathon with 5,600m of elevation gain. The course is point-to-point on trail terrain.
How hard is Superior 100? +
Superior 100 is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 47/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 30%. Runners have 38 hours to finish.
How do I enter Superior 100? +
Entry is by lottery. Entry costs $225. with a maximum of 300 starters.
What is the weather like at Superior 100? +
Average temperature is 10°C (range 2°C to 18°C) with 70% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. September on Lake Superior. Cool, sometimes cold. Lake effect weather can bring sudden rain or fog. Beautiful fall colors starting.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Superior 100? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 80km.
What is the course record for Superior 100? +
The men's course record is 18:12:33 set by Zach Bitter in 2022. The women's course record is 22:35:45 set by Gina Slaby in 2023.
What is the average finish time for Superior 100? +
The average finish time is 32:00:00. About 180 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 30%.
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