Prepare for an extraordinary journey through New Mexico's Gila National Forest at the Gila 100, scheduled for October 17, 2026, in Silver City, NM. This exceptional event, marking its third annual running, offers challenging 100-mile and 50-mile distances, drawing runners into the heart of the world's first designated wilderness area. The course begins at Historic Fort Bayard Bataan Park with a fast, paved start before quickly transitioning to diverse trails, including dirt roads, double track, and breathtaking singletrack sections of the Continental Divide Trail. Runners will traverse rugged yet runnable terrain, navigating rolling high desert hills and ascending to ponderosa pine peaks that reach elevations of 9,000 feet. Expect impressive views and the unique experience of remote, high-country running.

The Gila 100 prides itself on offering a true backcountry ultra experience, distinguished as New Mexico's only 100-mile trail race. It boasts a grassroots and personal atmosphere, with strong volunteer support that creates a welcoming, small-town finish-line vibe. Aid stations are strategically placed and well-stocked with a variety of hydration, nutrition, and snacks to support runners through remote sections, some of which require high-clearance vehicles for crew access. Typical race day conditions in mid-October feature comfortable highs around 79°F and cool lows near 41°F, with minimal chance of precipitation, though runners should be prepared for significant temperature swings between day and night, ranging from the high 80s to the low 30s.

Beyond the challenging climbs and runnable stretches, the Gila 100 offers an immersive wilderness experience, including spectacular night skies courtesy of the nearby Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary. This is a race for those seeking adventure over a production-line event, where the wild landscape, sense of community, and the sheer grit of ultrarunning converge.