Race Overview
The Grindstone 100 mile endurance run stands as one of the world’s most challenging mountain ultramarathons, featuring a brutal out-and-back course through Virginia’s rugged Shenandoah Valley. Established in 2008 as part of the prestigious UTMB World Series, this legendary race takes place each September from Natural Chimneys Park, where runners face over 21,000 feet of elevation gain across some of the most demanding terrain in East Coast ultrarunning.
What makes Grindstone unique among 100-mile races is its relentless combination of technical single track, remote ridgelines, and notorious climbs including Elliott Knob, Reddish Knob, Little Bald, and Hankey Mountain. The 99.4-mile out-and-back course traverses 99% single track and doubletrack terrain through the George Washington National Forest, testing runners with constant elevation changes, rocky footing, and exposed mountain sections that demand both physical endurance and mental fortitude.
The race attracts elite ultrarunners and experienced mountain runners from around the world seeking one of the most prestigious qualifiers available for UTMB, Western States, and Hardrock 100. With its 36-hour cutoff and challenging course conditions, Grindstone has earned its reputation as a proving ground where runners test their limits against some of the most punishing yet beautiful mountain terrain in American ultrarunning. The race’s September timing provides ideal fall weather but also presents challenges with potential early season weather changes in the high country.
How to Qualify & Enter
Entry to the Grindstone 100 is highly competitive and requires meeting qualifying standards that reflect the race’s world-class difficulty. The race typically accepts approximately 400 runners total, making it one of the most sought-after entries in international ultrarunning.
Qualifying Standards:
• Complete a 50-mile or 100K ultramarathon within the past 18 months
• Must be 18+ years old on race day
• Previous mountain ultrarunning experience strongly recommended
• International runners welcome with proper qualifications
Application Process:
Registration opens in January through grindstone.utmb.world with entries processed on a first-come, first-served basis. The race typically sells out within hours of opening due to its UTMB World Series status and reputation as a premier qualifier race. Entry fee is approximately $200-250.
Race Significance:
Grindstone 100 serves as an official qualifier for UTMB Mont-Blanc, Western States 100, and Hardrock 100. Its UTMB World Series designation attracts international elite fields seeking qualifying points and times. The race’s challenging nature and prestigious status make it a bucket-list event for serious mountain ultrarunners worldwide.
Course Layout
The Grindstone 100 follows a demanding 99.4-mile out-and-back course through Virginia’s George Washington National Forest, featuring over 21,000 feet of elevation gain across six major climbs including Elliott Knob, Reddish Knob, Little Bald, and Hankey Mountain. The course is 99% single track and doubletrack terrain, starting and finishing at Natural Chimneys Park with the turnaround at Dowell’s Draft.
Field Size
• Total Field: ~400 runners maximum
• Finish Rate: 60-70% typical
• Time Cutoff: 36 hours strict
• Average Finishing Time: 28-32 hours
• Sub-24 Hour Finishers: 20-30 annually
Rules
Crew & Pacers: Crew access at 7 aid stations. Pacers allowed after Dowell’s Draft (mile 49) or after 7pm, whichever comes first. Mandatory Gear: 2 headlamps with extra batteries, jacket with hood, beanie/hat, cell phone, cup/bottle, reserve food for 4+ hours, minimum 1L water capacity. Individual aid station time cutoffs strictly enforced.
Aid Stations
• Total: 15 aid stations every 5-9 miles
• Supplies: Water, electrolyte drinks (Tailwind), variety of food including fruit, sandwiches, hot food at night stations, full vegan options available
• Drop Bags: Available at 7 key aid stations with crew access
• Medical support available at major aid stations
Recent Winners
Men’s Champions: 2024: Gavin Prior – 21:23:46, 2023: Mike McMonagle – 19:10:06, 2022: [Course record holder]. Women’s Champions: 2024: Katti Jackson – 23:31:16, 2023: Alissa St Laurent – 24:39:02.
Awards
• Buckle: All sub-36 hour finishers receive commemorative belt buckle
• Sub-24 Hour: Special recognition and awards
• Top 5 Overall: Trophies and gear prizes for top 5 male and female finishers
• Masters Awards: Age group recognition (40+ masters division)
• Finisher Gear: All finishers receive race shirt and other commemorative items
• Beast Series: Part of the prestigious Virginia Triple Crown/Beast Series
Official Website & Contact Info
• Website: grindstone.utmb.world
• Race Director: Andy Jones-Wilkins
• Registration: Through UTMB World Series platform
• Contact: Available through grindstone.utmb.world/contact
• Social Media: Follow race updates and community
• All race information, course maps, and runner resources available on official website