Pinhoti 100 Race Guide
Race Overview
The Pinhoti 100 is an Eastern U.S. premier 100-mile ultramarathon held each November on Alabama’s rugged Pinhoti Trail. Runners traverse a point-to-point route from Pine Glen Campground near Heflin to Sylaward Trail Head at Lake Howard in Sylacauga. This event tests endurance with steep climbs, rocky descents, creek crossings, and forested ridge lines, all against the backdrop of the Talladega National Forest.
When It Is Run
Each year on the first weekend of November, the race begins at 6 AM Central Standard Time. In 2025, the start is scheduled for November 1, with buses departing the finish area at 3:45 AM CST to shuttle runners to the Pine Glen start. Temperatures can range from chilly dawn lows in the low 30s to daytime highs in the 50s–60s, with humid conditions that may leave runners feeling damp and cold as the sun sets.
How to Qualify or Register
Entry is managed through UltraSignup, with a field capped at 300 participants and an entry fee that varies by registration window (approximately $300–$340). No qualifying time is required, but the event is a Western States 100 qualifier. Registration opens in spring and typically fills quickly due to strong local and national demand. Once registered, runners must agree to carry mandatory gear and follow crew-access rules as outlined in the official Runner’s Handbook on pinhotitrailseries.com.
Particular Challenges
The Pinhoti 100 is known for continuous ups and downs rather than long flats. Steep, rocky climbs such as Cool Springs Overlook’s “Switchbacks from Hell” test leg strength, while loose rocks and wet leaves conceal roots and holes, demanding constant attention to footing. Creeks can swell after rain, adding wet crossings that chill fatigued participants. Night running extends for up to 20 hours, requiring reliable lighting and careful pacing to stay ahead of cutoffs. Many finishers cite the mental battle of nighttime solitude and changing weather as their greatest challenge.
Course Format
This is a pure point-to-point trail run. Runners start at Pine Glen Campground (elevation 545 ft) and finish at Sylaward Trail Head (roughly 545 ft), traveling eastward through the Talladega National Forest. No loops or repeats are involved; once you depart the start, every mile brings new terrain and elevation.
Elevation Profile
Participants climb a total of approximately 16,180 ft and descend around 16,586 ft, with the highest point reaching 2,407 ft on Cheaha Mountain—the summit of Alabama. The course dips to its lowest near creek crossings around 545 ft. Major climbs occur early on the ascent to Cheaha and again in the mid-race approaches to Bald Rock and Cool Springs Overlook, each demanding sustained uphill effort.
Terrain Breakdown
Roughly 83 mi of single-track trail make up the bulk of the race, winding over roots, rocks, and pine-needle–covered forest floors. Around 17 mi of jeep road offer runnable relief, while 2 mi of pavement lead into the final stretch on the track at Sylacauga High School’s football stadium. Overall, about 95% of the course is unpaved trail, with less than 5% paved surface.
Time Limit & Cutoffs
Runners must complete the entire 100 mi within 31 hours, with the race clock running continuously from the 6 AM start until 1 PM the following day (CST). Aid stations are spaced roughly every 6–8 miles, each enforcing cutoff times designed to keep runners on pace for the overall limit. While exact intermediate cutoffs vary by station, participants generally must average under 18 min/mile, translating to mandatory passage through mid-race checkpoints such as Cheaha (mile 30) by around 8 hours and mile 50 by about 16 hours to remain in the race’s time envelope.
Completion of the Pinhoti 100 offers an unforgettable journey through some of the Southeast’s most beautiful and demanding wilderness, rewarding those who persevere with a prized buckle and the title of Pinhoti finisher.
Aid Stations
The Pinhoti 100 features seventeen staffed aid stations spaced roughly every five to seven miles along the course. Each station provides water, electrolyte drinks, simple food, basic first aid, and restroom facilities; some also offer hot soup when conditions are cold. Crew access alternates between odd-numbered stations (where runners with odd bib numbers may meet their crews) and even-numbered stations (reserved for even-numbered bibs), helping to distribute support traffic evenly on narrow forest roads. Drop bags may be delivered at Aid 5 (Morgan Lake), Aid 7 (Lake Cheaha), Aid 10 (Adams Gap), Aid 13 (Porter’s Gap), and Aid 16 (Bulls Gap), allowing runners to replenish specialized gear or nutrition at critical junctures. Exact cutoff times for each station are published in the official Runner’s Handbook, but runners generally must pass Aid 7 by the mid-point of the overall time limit to remain in contention.
Mandatory Gear
All participants must carry essential safety and survival items throughout the race. A headlamp with spare batteries is required for night running, and a reflective vest or jacket must be donned whenever visibility is low. Runners must carry sufficient fluid capacity—either a handheld bottle, hydration vest, or pack—to minimize unplanned stops in remote sections. Trail‐ready footwear with ankle support is strongly recommended given the rocky, root-strewn terrain. Runners should also carry a whistle for emergencies, basic first-aid supplies (bandages, tape, blister care), and emergency thermal protection such as a space blanket or lightweight jacket.
Crew & Pacing
Crew support is a crucial asset on this point-to-point course, but is managed to preserve trail integrity and minimize congestion. Crews may access runners only at designated stations matching their runner’s bib parity or at public road crossings; off-course support is prohibited. Pacing is allowed after Aid 9 (Hubbard Creek), where pacers may join runners for overnight companionship and navigation assistance. Support vehicles must follow race‐designated parking areas at start, finish, and aid station access points; roadway closures and private property restrictions are strictly enforced.
Navigation
The Pinhoti 100 course is marked with blue and white signs at key junctions and reflective markers in low-light sections. Runners are expected to study the GPX file provided by race organizers and upload it to a GPS device or smartphone app as backup. Trails can intersect with non-race paths, so paying attention to signage and maintaining situational awareness is essential. Maps and detailed descriptions are available on the Pinhoti Trail Series website and must be reviewed during pre-race planning.
Finish Rates
Historically, roughly sixty percent of starters reach the finish line within the 31-hour time limit. Varied weather, rugged terrain, and the cumulative elevation gain contribute to a significant attrition rate, especially during the second half of the race. Those who manage nutrition, pacing, and gear transitions at drop-bag stations tend to have higher success rates. Many runners cite the mid-race stretch between mile 40 and 60 as the toughest barrier, where cutoffs tighten and fatigue peaks.
Special Features
The Pinhoti 100 awards a custom finisher’s buckle to every runner who conquers the full distance within the time limit. Top three male and female finishers receive overall awards, while masters and grand masters earn separate recognition. Completing the Pinhoti 100 also earns a coveted Western States qualifier status for runners aiming at the famed 100-mile championship. Participants who complete all four races in the Pinhoti Trail Series (three 50K events plus the 100-mile) receive a special series jacket in addition to their buckles.
Previous Winners
The men’s title in recent years has often been decided by narrow margins, with winning times typically between 17 and 19 hours, while the fastest women finish within 19 to 21 hours. Past champions include national and international ultrarunners who have leveraged the Pinhoti’s challenging climbs to prepare for higher-profile spring and summer races. Records on the course are fiercely contested and can stand for many years before being bested.
Official Contact Info
For complete race details, registration links, runner manuals, and live updates, visit the Pinhoti Trail Series website at pinhotitrailseries.com. Questions about aid stations, mandatory gear, crew access, and packet pick-up can be directed to the race director via email at jamiehruns@gmail.com. General inquiries may also be submitted through the UltraSignup event page under the “Contact” tab. Support staff monitor inquiries year-round to assist both first-time and veteran Pinhoti athletes.