Lisa DeNardo PHOTOGRAPHY-ES100course-2025-809.jpg

RACE RULES

RUNNER RULES

Runners in this event must abide by the following rules:

Be Respectful to Volunteers – Yes, the weather might stink, or you might miss a cutoff, or feel frustrated about a mistake. But don’t take it out on the volunteers. They give their time and energy to help everyone—not just you. If they remind you about a rule (e.g., cutoff times are final), don’t argue. They didn’t make the rules; the rules exist for safety, logistics, permitting, and fairness. (Respect works both ways: If a volunteer acts out of line, let race management know. We’ve removed volunteers before and will do so again if needed.)
No unofficial runners – No bandits (or unregistered pacers) allowed.
Bib Placement – Your bib must be worn on the front—no exceptions. If we can’t see your number, you may be stopped to fix it or even disqualified. And no, running backward into an aid station won’t cut it. Also, bibs must be turned in when a runner drops or misses a cutoff. This isn’t a punishment—it’s for safety, so we can account for all runners on the course.
No course cutting – Follow the course at all times – it will be clearly marked with orange blazes ribbon, and directional arrows. Most of the course will follow the Mid State Trail and Standing Stone Trail – blazed orange. All aid stations are mandatory, please check-in. If you depart the course, you must return to the point of departure before continuing. Cutting the switchbacks is cheating, and leaving the beaten path to avoid mud or water is just bad trail karma – please don’t.
Drop Bags – Keep your drop bag reasonable. No duffel bags, suitcases, 5-gallon buckets or coolers. And please, don’t bring a huge container just to hold a couple of gels and socks.
Mandatory gear – A headlamp or similar lighting is mandatory when running before daybreak and after dark. Make sure you’re carrying a light or have it in a drop bag or with your crew before you think you’ll need it – because you’ll need it before you think you do. Emergency blanket is also mandatory. We also highly recommend downloading a GPX file of the course.
Optional race aids – Hiking poles, GPS devices, sport watches, heart rate monitors, and similar gear are permitted—as long as they’re used safely and responsibly. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid endangering yourself or others.
Not Recommended: Headphones or any audio device that blocks your ability to hear. Race staff, volunteers, and course marshals may need to communicate with you, and our courses use public trails shared with hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, and wildlife. Many animals, like rattlesnakes or bears, give auditory warnings—you need to hear them. Our insurance provider also strongly discourages headphone use (as in, ALL CAPS in the policy). Please don’t risk it for everyone.
Prohibited: Any external speaker or device playing music loud enough for others to hear. It’s disruptive, inconsiderate, and grounds for immediate disqualification. Also, the use of/assistance from personal robotic exoskeletons is prohibited.
No unauthorized crew or spectator support or aid drops – You may not meet your runner at any uncrewed aid station or along the course except where crew is allowed. Also, no one is allowed to drop or store supplies along the race route, and runners are not allowed aid between checkpoints unless it is an emergency.
Pets – We love trail dogs, but not during a race. Please no pets on the course. Pets are welcome as part of your crew, and at the start/finish area, but they must be under control and they must be on a leash while within the state park. If your pet is disruptive, we may ask that you remove them from the area.
Do not litter – We are a "Leave No Trace" race. You can either carry your trash or dispose of it at the aid stations. We are operating under permits from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and litter could threaten future permits. Anyone caught intentionally littering along the trail will be disqualified.
Passing other trail users – The course uses many popular hiking trails and bridle (horse) trails, so please be respectful of all trail users and yield as needed. Be careful, courteous, patient, and safe while passing competitors or other trail users. Communicate your intentions clearly (“Passing on your left”), and remember that it’s a long run.
Accountability – We’ll be tracking your progress around the course – it’s your responsibility to make sure your race bib is visible, and to check yourself (and your pacer) IN and OUT of each aid station (even if you are just passing through without stopping). The communications team at the aid station will record your arrival and departure, and relay your progress to race headquarters. You must check in at every aid station.
Cut-off times – Aid station captains will strictly enforce the cut-off times that are posted for designated aid stations (see aid station chart). Cut-off times are departure times, NOT arrival times. If you’re not out of the station by the cut-off, your race is over. Aid station captains also have the authority to pull you from the course if it is clear that you are physically unable to continue in a safe manner. Their decisions are final, and if you refuse to vacate the course when directed, you’ll be disqualified.
Dropping out of the race – If you can’t complete the race, you must notify an aid station captain and surrender your race bib, which will officially withdraw you from the race. We ask you to drop at a crew-accessible aid station, if possible. If you leave the race and don’t show up at the next aid station within a reasonable time, we’ll assume you’re lost and will notify authorities. This could threaten the race’s future permits. Leaving a race without informing an aid station captain means automatic disqualification and possible restriction from entry into future races. If you drop from the race, you can crew for another runner—but you must then follow the Crew Member Rules. That means only meeting your runner at designated crewed aid stations, and not turning race staff into your personal Uber driver.
If you get injured – Stay on the trail and wait to inform another runner that you are injured and ask that they notify race officials at the next aid station. Cell phone service is very limited on the course, but there will be a communications team at each aid station that can talk to race headquarters and to a centrally-located ambulance/EMT crew. If you need help, that aid station communication team is your fastest and most reliable answer – go to the nearest aid station (forward or back) or relay the message to them.
You are a pedestrian – You must obey all laws pertaining to road pedestrian crossings; vehicles have the right-of-way at all times. Before you cross any road, remember what your mother told you and look both ways.

PACER, CREW & SPECTATOR RULES

PACER RULES

Runners may use pacers, according to the following rules:

Pacers must register online – Complete an emergency contact and waiver form online on our website/Runsignup.com. Select the aid station you are going to pick up your runner. On race day, pacer bibs will be at the aid station and wear the pacer bib while you are on the course.
Pacer starts – Pacers may enter the course at AS7 Hyner Run, AS10 Tomb Flats, AS12 Blackwell, and AS14 Barrens.
One pacer at a time – Standard practice, one pacer per runner at a time. End of story.
No “muling” – Pacers are there for safety and moral encouragement – not to help carry your stuff (or you). They can help you at aid stations just as your crew would, but they aren’t allowed to carry water, food, or other supplies for you or physically assist you in any way out on the trail. They may run beside you or behind you, but not in front of you – this is your race, not theirs.
Accountability – Pacers must check in and out with the aid station communication crews at each station just as the runners do. We’re just as concerned about their safety and accountability, so we need to know who is out on the course at any time.
Pacers may use aid stations – Pacers are free to use the aid stations they visit with their runner.

CREW and SPECTATOR RULES
A crew can be an important part of your race effort, and they are welcome for runners, according to the following rules:

Be Respectful to Volunteers – Yes, the weather might stink, or you might missed your runner, or feel frustrated about a mistake. But don’t take it out on the volunteers. They give their time and energy to help every runner—not just you. If they remind you about a rule (e.g., cutoff times are final), don’t argue. They didn’t make the rules; the rules exist for safety, logistics, permitting, and fairness. (Respect works both ways: If a volunteer acts out of line, let race management know. We’ve removed volunteers before and will do so again if needed.)
Crew support and spectators only at designated aid stations – This is not a race for those who need constant cheering or the comfort of company (other than your fellow participants) on the trail. No crews, no spectators, and no outside support of any kind are permitted at uncrewed aid stations or anywhere along the course. If the thought of spending the day and night alone in the deep, dark woods unnerves you—or if you prefer to run with a roving cheer squad—this event is not the right fit.
We place particular emphasis on enforcing the no crews, no spectators rule at non-crewable aid stations and along the course. This is not an arbitrary restriction created to make the race more difficult. Rather, it is a requirement of our permits with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and is vital for several reasons:
- Parking limitations: Many aid stations have extremely limited parking, and every available space must remain open for race staff and emergency services.
- Access and safety concerns: Much of the course crosses unimproved forestry roads and varied surface conditions. These routes cannot safely accommodate additional vehicles or increased foot traffic. Unauthorized spectators can block or delay race staff and emergency services from reaching critical points on the course. Additionally, a few aid stations are alongside busy highways, again causing safety concerns.
- Preservation of fairness: Allowing crews or outside support in prohibited areas undermines the competitive integrity of the event, giving some runners an unfair advantage over others.

Because of these factors, we will enforce this rule rigorously. If there is any indication that someone is attempting to crew or spectate for a participant in a restricted location, the runner will be disqualified on the spot and pulled from the race. Further, violations may result in a ban from participating in future editions of the Eastern States and/or other related events.

We cannot overstate how important it is for every participant to respect these restrictions. Adherence to this rule ensures not only fairness and safety but also the continued ability to hold this race in the Pennsylvania Wilds rugged and beautiful landscapes.

One crew vehicle per runner – Parking is limited at many of the remote aid stations, and some of the access roads are narrow and dusty. It will be nicer – and safer – for everyone if there are fewer vehicles moving about.
Pets – Pets are welcome as part of your crew, and at the start/finish area, but they must be under control and they must be on a leash while within the state park/state forest. If your pet is disruptive, we may ask that you remove them from the area.
Do not litter – We are operating under permits from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and litter could threaten future permits. Anyone caught intentionally littering, your runner will be disqualified.
Aid Station flow – Aid stations can be busy places, and it’s important that runners have a clear route in and out, with easy and quick access to the station. Please find an out-of-the-way place near the aid station for your crew activities so you don’t add to the congestion, and please obey the instructions of the Aid Station Captain – the station is their space and their responsibility.
Do Not Disturb the Communications Team when they are busy – The Communications Team is there to ensure the safety and whereabouts of each runner. There will be an assigned volunteer at each crewed aid station that can answer any questions you may have if time and circumstances permit it.
Crews may volunteer – We’re really one big trail family when it comes down to it. Crews are free to help other runners if they want to, or to help out the aid station crew (if it’s alright with the aid station captain.) However, if you volunteer, don’t assist for 10-minutes and then take off after your runner comes in. Don’t be a jerk.

RAD! Sign me up!