The Hellbender 100, set for May 8, 2026, in Old Fort, NC, stands as one of the most scenic and challenging 100-mile races on the East Coast. This premier, graduate-level ultra plunges runners into a grueling tour of the massive Black Mountains, guiding them through deep valleys and ascending to the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The course boasts an impressive elevation change of approximately 48,000+ feet, with over 20,000 feet of elevation gain, featuring multiple climbs exceeding 3,000 feet. Runners will navigate a classic Appalachian terrain, a demanding mix of soft dirt and extremely technical rocks and roots, across roughly 71-75 miles of trail, with additional sections of gravel and pavement.

While the 2026 course will feature an alternative route, combining elements of the 2025 race and the original course due to the impact of Hurricane Helene, organizers assure participants that it will retain its signature climbing, descending, and the breathtaking beauty of Western North Carolina's mountains. Typical race day conditions in early May present highs around 73°F and lows around 51°F, with a 22% chance of precipitation, adding to the unpredictable mountain challenge. Starting and finishing at the picturesque Camp Grier, the race offers well-stocked aid stations—11 full aid stations and 4 self-serve water stations—and a supportive community of enthusiastic volunteers often praised by past participants.

The Hellbender 100 has earned its reputation since its inception in 2018 as one of the "hardest and highest 100 milers on the East Coast". As a qualifying race for both the Hardrock 100 and Western States 100, it attracts seasoned ultrarunners seeking a formidable test of endurance. Beyond the physical demands, the race is celebrated for its stunning vistas, thundering creeks, and ancient forests, often surprising runners with diverse flora and fauna, including potential sightings of black bears. Finishers are rewarded with a custom Hellbender belt buckle and, for sub-24-hour finishers, a unique hand-carved wooden Hellbender salamander, a nod to the rare amphibian native to the region.