Hood Hundred Race Guide
Hood Hundred Race Guide is about the Hood Hundred – a 100-mile mountain trail ultramarathon staged at Mt. Hood Meadows in Oregon. This Western States qualifier takes runners on a demanding yet scenic journey through high-country forests and ridgelines beneath Oregon’s most iconic volcano. The race is organized by Daybreak Racing, known for its top-notch aid stations and volunteer support. Completion earns a custom metal belt buckle and a sense of achievement beneath Mt. Hood’s summit.
When it is run
Hood Hundred Race Guide shows that the Hood Hundred takes place in mid-summer, traditionally held over one weekend in late July. For 2025, the race started at 5 AM on Saturday, July 26 and concluded Sunday afternoon. Early August dates have also been used in subsequent years, but late July remains the hallmark timeframe to take advantage of long daylight hours and stable summer weather. Temperatures can range from warm daytime highs to chilly nights, so runners must be prepared for rapid drops in temperature after sunset.
How to qualify or register
Registration for Hood Hundred opens December 1 and runs through July 19 or until the 300-runner cap is reached. Online registration is handled via RunSignup, with early-bird and standard fee periods that include custom hoodies, chip timing, professional medical support, and post-race refreshments. Runners are required to complete eight hours of sanctioned service—such as trail maintenance or event volunteering—between July 1 of the previous year and June 30 of race year. As a Western States qualifier, athletes must also meet the series’ broader qualification standards to secure an entry.
Particular challenges
Runners face more than 17,300 feet of cumulative ascent and the same amount of descent over varied terrain. The opening 20-mile outbound stem races along ridgelines with few flat sections, followed by a 60-mile figure-eight loop that combines runnable trails with rocky, technical segments. The back half of the course proves deceptively tough as fatigue sets in and the singletrack narrows. Nighttime temperatures can drop sharply above 5,000 feet, making adequate layers and reliable lighting essential. Aid stations are spaced between 4 and 10 miles apart, so runners must manage nutrition and hydration carefully to avoid bonking on remote sections.
Course format
Hood Hundred follows a lollipop-loop design. Runners depart Mt. Hood Meadows for a 20-mile stem that leads to a dynamic 60-mile figure-eight loop, then retrace the stem in reverse for the final 20 miles back to the ski area. This configuration offers crew access at multiple points along the outbound and inbound stems. The figure-eight section takes runners up to Bennett Pass before descending into a high desert backcountry, then back over the pass for the more demanding southern loop.
Elevation profile
The total elevation gain is approximately 17,300 feet, matched by an equal descent. The course’s high point reaches above 7,500 feet at Bennett Pass, while the low point sits near 4,700 feet at Mt. Hood Meadows. Major climbs include the initial ridgeline push off the ski area, the steep ascent to Bennett Pass at mile 25, and the return climb near mile 80. The relentless up-and-down nature tests both legs and lungs, demanding strong hill training and strategic pacing to conserve energy for the final miles.
Terrain breakdown
Singletrack constitutes roughly 82 miles of the route, featuring mostly smooth dirt interspersed with rocky and technical segments. Approximately 8 miles run on doubletrack trails composed of native dirt and rock surfaces. Runners next tackle about 7 miles on gravel forest roads that allow faster running when legs hold up. The remaining 3 miles are on paved ski area roads at the start and finish, giving runners a brief recovery before digging deep for the next trail section.
Time limit & cutoffs
The overall time limit for Hood Hundred is 34 hours, with the finish line closing at 3 PM on Sunday. Aid station cutoffs are enforced to ensure safety and maintain the race schedule. Crews and runners should note that headlamps become mandatory between 8 PM Saturday and 6 AM Sunday, and missing any cutoff results in disqualification or being swept from the course. Detailed cutoff times for each aid station are published on the Daybreak Racing website and must be reviewed during pre-race planning. Runners who reach the halfway aid station before the race’s midpoint cutoff will be on pace to complete the course within the limit, while slower runners must push hard to avoid elimination in the later, tougher climbs.
Aid Stations
The Hood Hundred has nine official aid stations spaced throughout the course, offering runners essential support during their journey. Aid stations are strategically located along well-maintained roads, and all major crew-accessible points can be reached in anywhere from five to thirty minutes from Mt. Hood Meadows. These stations are equipped with food, drink, medical assistance, and supplies exclusive to runners unless there is an emergency. Runners have access to drop bags at six aid stations distributed across four distinct physical locations. Some stations, like Bennett Pass and Surveyors, are encountered twice, so the same drop bag is used at those spots. Crew can assist by retrieving drop bags after runners pass through, but the bags will not be returned to the staging area until the aid station closes. Bags should be clearly labeled and sized not to exceed a 20-liter day bag, and runners are encouraged not to store valuables inside as lost items will not be reimbursed. Most aid stations lack cell service, so plans for communications and navigation should be made in advance. Comprehensive directions, crew parking rules, and aid station details are available through the official crew guide, which every team should review before race day.
Mandatory Gear
Mandatory gear checks are conducted intermittently and every runner must maintain their required equipment throughout the race. Essentials include a waterproof jacket with an integrated hood, headlamp with spare batteries, space/emergency blanket, hydration pack with a minimum of 32 ounces of fluids, nutrition for the trail, whistle, hat, gloves suitable for cold weather, pants, and water-resistant shoes. A reliable GPS device or navigation tool loaded with the race’s gpx track is also required. Additional warm layers may be mandated depending on weather forecasts, and all clothing should be suitable for rapid temperature changes. Pacers must carry the same mandatory gear as the runners and demonstrate preparedness during gear checks or when joining their athlete at designated points on the course.
Crew & Pacing
Crew and pacer support is a core feature at Hood Hundred, but both groups must follow strict guidelines to ensure safety and fairness. Crews may access their runners only at designated aid stations and must remain within a 100-meter radius of those points. Vehicle access is limited to single standard vehicles with no RVs, trailers, or large vans allowed except at the Mt. Hood Meadows start/finish. Parking and driving must adhere to all legal and race guidelines, and crews must pack out their own garbage as aid station trash bins are reserved for runners. Pacers are permitted after certain points in the race and must sign a waiver, wear an official pacer bib, and meet their athlete only at select aid stations. Pacers may take aid station supplies to support their runner and must observe cutoffs and gear checks. Directions to all crew-accessible aid stations are detailed in the crew guide, which lists times, distances, and parking info for each stop.
Navigation
Navigation along the Hood Hundred route is facilitated with comprehensive course markings. The race uses a system of pink flags, ribbons, signage, and trail marshals to guide runners along the correct path. Despite this, runners are required to carry a loaded GPS device with the course track for independent verification, as mountainous terrain and forest cover can obscure visual markings and interfere with GPS signals. The dynamic marking and digital navigation requirements help ensure safety while reducing the risk of wrong turns in remote sections of the course. Crews should familiarize themselves with both the course map and the GPS track so they can support their runner’s progress or assist with navigation if needed during crew stops.
Finish Rates
Hood Hundred is recognized for being challenging but fair, with finish rates hovering between 60 and 70 percent in recent years. The overall completion percentage depends on yearly weather, trail conditions, and participant experience. High mountain summer weather can be unpredictable, but the well-organized support and intermediate cutoffs help maximize finish potential for determined runners. Cutoff times are strictly enforced to maintain safety and overall finish rates tend to reflect similar numbers found in other new Pacific Northwest mountain 100-milers.
Special Features
Unique amenities and rituals abound in the Hood Hundred. All finishers receive a custom metal belt buckle designed to commemorate their achievement, and podium finishers receive handcrafted awards at a post-race ceremony. A sponsor swag raffle adds an element of excitement for runners and volunteers while they wait for results. The race emphasizes mountain community and stewardship, with a portion of proceeds donated to regional trail maintenance organizations. The event’s lollipop-loop format, ample crew access, and panoramic views from the course make it popular among competitive and recreational mountain runners. Past racers note the camaraderie among volunteers, aid station captains, and athletes, making the experience memorable regardless of finishing time.
Previous Winners
The Hood Hundred attracts strong ultrarunning talent each year, and previous winners are recognized on official result lists and sometimes highlighted at the awards ceremony. The course records progress separately for male and female athletes, and the fastest times are regularly updated on the race website and popular ultrarunning databases. Official results, including top finishers and split times, are published after each running on UltraRunning Magazine and Daybreak Racing’s website.
Official Contact Information
For registration, official race rules, and updates, Hood Hundred is hosted by Daybreak Racing, and all details are available at www.daybreakracing.com/hood-hundred. Direct registration can be completed at UltraSignup at ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?dtid=58611. Prospective runners and crew can contact race directors or download race resources through the Daybreak Racing website for all questions, service requirements, or additional info about the event.