Umstead 100 is a 100 miles ultra marathon in Raleigh, United States. Distance: 161km. Elevation: 2,100m D+. Difficulty: moderate (Challenge Rating 34/100). DNF rate: 15%. Surface: trail. Established 2004.
Umstead 100
Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
"The perfect first 100 miler. 8 gentle forest loops with crew access every 20km."
America's most popular first-time 100 miler — gentle forest trails, frequent aid, and an incredibly supportive community.
The Course
Eight loops of a 12.5-mile trail through William B. Umstead State Park. A gentle, well-maintained trail through hardwood forest. The loops are forgiving and the repeated format provides frequent access to crew and aid. Widely considered one of the best first 100-mile races.
rolling
multi-loop
2
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Warm, inclusive finish line with a strong community feel. Runners celebrate together regardless of finish time.
Race Day Weather
16°C
8° – 22°
60%
25%
Spring in North Carolina — pleasant daytime temperatures, cool nights in the forest.
Stats & Records
2004
250
25:00:00
Entry
$225
August
days
Lore & Trivia
The Umstead 100 loops through Umstead State Park in Raleigh, North Carolina — an 8-mile loop repeated 12.5 times. The format is deliberately minimal: no mountain views, no dramatic river crossings, no terrain variation worth mentioning. Just a forest loop in a city park, repeated until you've covered 100 miles. The simplicity is the point. Umstead strips ultrarunning down to its essence: can you keep moving for 100 miles when there's nothing to distract you from the monotony? Many first-time 100-milers choose Umstead precisely because it eliminates every excuse except the fundamental one — whether your body and mind will cooperate for 30 hours.
- ▸ 100 miles on an 8-mile loop in Raleigh, North Carolina.
- ▸ 12.5 laps through a city state park.
- ▸ Deliberately minimal — no dramatic terrain or views.
- ▸ Popular first 100-miler due to the flat, non-technical course.
- ▸ The loop format means you pass your crew every 8 miles.
- ▸ Night running through familiar forest creates a meditative quality.
- ▸ One of the most accessible 100-milers in the eastern US.
Umstead teaches you that the real obstacle in a 100-miler was never the terrain. It was always you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Umstead 100? +
Umstead 100 is a 100 miles (161km) ultra marathon with 2,100m of elevation gain. The course is multi-loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Umstead 100? +
Umstead 100 is rated moderate with a Challenge Rating of 34/100 (Moderate). The DNF rate is 15%.
What is the weather like at Umstead 100? +
Average temperature is 16°C (range 8°C to 22°C) with 60% humidity and a 25% chance of rain. Spring in North Carolina — pleasant daytime temperatures, cool nights in the forest.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Umstead 100? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 80km.
What is the average finish time for Umstead 100? +
The average finish time is 25:00:00. About 250 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 15%.
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