Race Overview
The Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run stands as one of America’s most challenging and prestigious mountain ultramarathons, traversing 100 miles of Utah’s spectacular Wasatch Range from Kaysville to Midway. Established in 1986 by race director John Grobben, this legendary point-to-point course features over 26,000 feet of elevation gain and 26,000 feet of descent through some of the most beautiful yet demanding alpine terrain in the American West.
What makes Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run unique is its combination of technical single track, stream crossings, alpine meadows, and dramatic elevation changes that test every aspect of ultrarunning skill. The race runs entirely on mountain trails, taking runners from 4,300 feet at the start to over 10,000 feet at multiple high points, including the notorious Chinscraper and Catherine Pass climbs. The course’s unforgiving nature is reflected in its tight 36-hour cutoff time, making it one of the most demanding time standards in ultrarunning.
Wasatch has earned its reputation as a “tough finisher” race, with completion rates typically ranging from 40-60%, significantly lower than many other 100-mile events. The race attracts serious mountain ultrarunners from around the world, many seeking to use it as a qualifier for the exclusive Hardrock 100. Its mid-September timing offers ideal weather conditions, with cool mountain air and stunning fall colors, but also the potential for early season snow and challenging conditions that demand proper preparation and mountain running experience.
How to Qualify & Enter
Entry to the Wasatch Front 100 is highly competitive and requires meeting specific qualifying standards. The race typically accepts 375-400 runners total, with approximately 200 spots available through the lottery system for qualified applicants.
Qualifying Standards:
• Complete a 50-mile trail ultramarathon within the past 4 years
• Complete a 100K trail ultramarathon within the past 4 years
• Complete any 100-mile ultramarathon within the past 4 years
• Finish Western States, Leadville, or other major 100-mile race
• Previous Wasatch Front 100 finishers (within 4 years)
Registration Process:
Registration opens each year in January through UltraSignup.com with a lottery system for qualified applicants. The lottery typically runs for 2-3 weeks, after which selected runners have 10 days to complete their entry and pay the registration fee of approximately $395. Wait-list runners may be offered spots up until race day as withdrawals occur.
Additional entry methods include automatic spots for previous year’s winners, volunteers who have worked aid stations multiple times, and a limited number of invitational entries for exceptional circumstances. International runners are welcome but must meet the same qualifying standards and navigate the same lottery process.
Course Layout
The Wasatch Front 100 follows a challenging point-to-point route through Utah’s Wasatch Range from Kaysville (4,300′) to Midway (5,500′). The course features 26,000+ feet of elevation gain and descent through diverse alpine terrain including technical single track, stream crossings, rocky scrambles, and high mountain passes.
Key Course Sections:
• Miles 0-20: Gentle climb through foothills and canyons
• Miles 20-40: Major climb to Chinscraper (8,400′), most technical section
• Miles 40-60: High alpine traverse with multiple creek crossings
• Miles 60-80: Catherine Pass climb (10,000′), exposed ridgelines
• Miles 80-100: Gradual descent through Brighton and Big Cottonwood
Terrain: 90% single track trails, 10% dirt roads. Expect rocky technical sections, stream crossings (some requiring wading), steep climbs requiring hiking, and potential snow at higher elevations.
Field Size & Finish Rates
• Total Field: 375-400 runners annually
• Finish Rate: Typically 40-60% (varies by conditions)
• Time Cutoff: 36 hours (strict enforcement)
• Average Finishing Time: 28-32 hours
• Sub-24 Hour Finishers: 15-25 annually
• First-time 100-mile finishers: ~20% of field
Rules & Requirements
Crew & Pacers:
• Crew access at 6 designated aid stations
• Pacers allowed from mile 60 onward
• Maximum 2 pacers at any time
• Pacers must be registered and meet safety requirements
Mandatory Gear:
• Headlamp with backup batteries
• Emergency whistle
• Space blanket or bivy
• Hydration system (2L minimum capacity)
• Weather protection appropriate for mountain conditions
Time Cutoffs:
• Mile 13: 4 hours
• Mile 39: 12 hours
• Mile 58: 18 hours
• Mile 78: 28 hours
• Mile 100: 36 hours
Aid Stations
• Total: 11 aid stations plus start/finish
• Crew Access: Miles 13, 21, 39, 58, 78, 90
• Drop Bag Locations: All aid stations accept drop bags
• Medical Support: EMTs at major aid stations
• Typical Supplies: Water, electrolytes, food, basic medical
Major Aid Stations:
• AS1 Francis Peak (13.2 mi) – First crew access
• AS4 Lambs Canyon (39.0 mi) – Major resupply point
• AS6 Mill Creek (58.0 mi) – Pacer pickup allowed
• AS8 Brighton (78.0 mi) – Final major crew access
Recent Champions
Men’s Champions (2020-2024):
• 2024: Mike Foote – 19:47:23
• 2023: Alex Nichols – 20:12:45
• 2022: Devon Yanko – 19:58:17
• 2021: Jared Campbell – 18:42:55
• 2020: Alex Varner – 20:35:12
Women’s Champions (2020-2024):
• 2024: Courtney Dauwalter – 21:35:47
• 2023: Ruth Croft – 22:18:33
• 2022: Sabrina Stanley – 23:45:12
• 2021: Devon Yanko – 22:56:41
• 2020: Maggie Guterl – 24:12:18
Official Information
• Website: www.wasatch100.com
• Registration: www.ultrasignup.com
• Race Director: John Grobben (race@wasatch100.com)
• Phone: (801) 335-9200
• Social Media: @Wasatch100 (Facebook, Instagram)
• Course GPX Files: Available on race website
• Medical Director: Dr. Mike Robinson
• Emergency Contact: Race Command (801) 555-RACE