Based on data from station USW00093812 (21 mi away)
Embark on an unforgettable trail running adventure at the East Fork 100M/100K, offering distances of 100 miles, 100 kilometers, 50 kilometers, and 15 miles on September 12, 2026, in Bethel, Ohio. This premier ultra-running event, now in its fifth year, takes you through the picturesque East Fork State Park, circling the stunning William H. Harsha Lake on a course that is approximately 90% unpaved trails. Runners will navigate a rolling course filled with continuous, taxing smaller ascents and descents, providing a significant challenge without major sustained climbs. Typical race day conditions in mid-September feature highs around 82°F and lows near 58°F, with an 11% chance of precipitation, ensuring a dynamic race experience.
The East Fork course is renowned for its diverse and captivating scenery, treating participants to glorious single-track trails, serene lake views, a beautiful waterfall nestled within a pine forest, and open meadows. Prepare for refreshing creek crossings, some of which could be waist-deep with ropes provided, adding a unique element to the journey. The longer distances are run on a 33-mile loop: the 100M covers three loops (totaling 101.1 miles), the 100K two loops (67.4 miles), and the 50K a single loop (33.7 miles), while the 15M is an out-and-back on equally beautiful trails. A well-supported experience awaits with a main aid station at the start/finish, allowing crew access for 100M and 100K runners, complemented by multiple fully manned and unmanned water stations along the route.
As the sole 100-mile and 100-kilometer race in Southwest Ohio, the East Fork 100M/100K stands out as a must-do event for those seeking an epic challenge. With a generous 40-hour cutoff for the ultra distances, the race is designed to help runners succeed as long as they maintain forward momentum, making it an ideal setting for pushing personal limits. Finishers are awarded high-quality, Ohio-made awards, with 100M finishers earning impressive belt buckles, a testament to their incredible accomplishment.