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."
Score Breakdown
Based on distance, vertical gain per km, terrain difficulty, weather extremes, historical DNF rate, and race format.
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.
Experience ratings are based on runner reports, race reviews, community feedback, and editorial assessment. Scenery reflects the visual quality of the course. Organization covers aid stations, logistics, and communication. Community measures the atmosphere, inclusivity, and camaraderie among runners.
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
28%
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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