Prepare for an extraordinary challenge at the Jigger Johnson Ultras, an event renowned as one of the most grueling trail races in the world. Taking place from August 14-16, 2026, in the stunning Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, this race plunges runners deep into the legendary White Mountain National Forest. Participants can choose from distances of 100 miles (100M), 50 miles (50M), or a demanding 20-mile (20M) loop. Typical race day conditions in mid-August feature pleasant highs around 77°F and lows near 53°F, with a modest 16% chance of precipitation, offering a beautiful but still challenging backdrop for this epic journey.

The Jigger Johnson Ultras courses are celebrated for their mountainous, technical terrain, often described as a "pile of rocks" with long, remote sections requiring significant self-sufficiency and reliance on GPX files and maps for navigation. The 100M odyssey spans approximately 108 miles with a staggering 29,000 to 32,000 feet of elevation gain, an out-and-back route from Waterville Valley to the South Moat trailhead that includes summits like Mount Tecumseh, Mount Osceola, and Mount Tremont. The 50M race covers about 58 miles and over 16,000 feet of climbing, traversing multiple ridgelines and summiting three of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot peaks, beginning with an intense climb up South Moat. Even the 20M offers a formidable mountain loop over Mount Osceola and Mount Tecumseh, boasting 5,900 feet of elevation gain. Runners consistently report a challenging, often unrunnable course that pushes physical and mental limits.

Aid stations are strategically placed along the 100M and 50M courses, with drop bag access, while the 20M features a single aid station at mile 11.3 (Osceola Aid). Due to the remote nature of the event, mandatory gear is strictly enforced and includes essential items like a minimum of 2 liters of fluids, a water filter, adequate calories, a headlamp, emergency blanket, and a rain jacket. The race is also cupless, requiring participants to bring their own hydration systems. Described by many as "the hardest race in the country," the Jigger Johnson Ultras delivers an unforgettable, raw essence of trail running, rewarding finishers with profound accomplishment amidst the stunning, rugged beauty of the White Mountains.