Embark on an unforgettable journey through the rugged heart of Eastern Kentucky at the Warbird 100, set to challenge runners on March 13, 2026, in Hyden, KY. This mountain ultra, presented by the passionate Trail Sick crew, offers distances for every ambitious runner: the formidable 100-mile endurance run, alongside a challenging 1/2 Marathon. The course is an out-and-back/loop adventure beginning and ending at the Leslie County RV Park, weaving through the scenic Daniel Boone National Forest across Leslie and Clay counties. Prepare for a diverse terrain featuring long ridge runs, multiple sustained climbs and steep descents, exhilarating creek crossings, technical singletrack sections, and even short paved and gravel road segments. You'll tackle significant elevation, with the highest point reaching 2,062 feet, navigating some sections with rocks, roots, and ruts. Typical race day conditions in mid-March bring highs around 58F and lows near 34F, with an 18% chance of precipitation, so runners should be prepared for varied weather.

What truly sets the Warbird 100 apart is its immersive backcountry experience and the renowned hospitality of its organizers, John Maggard and Merle Hacker, who ensure every participant feels like family. The course provides spectacular exposed views, including unique perspectives of old strip-mine roads that contrast with the dense forest, making it one of Kentucky's premier big backcountry loop 100-milers. Aid stations are strategically positioned throughout the course, with several accessible for crews, and drop bags are available at multiple locations such as Saw Dust Pile and Bowens Creek. Pacers are also welcome at designated aid stations for the 100-mile event to help runners through the 35-hour cutoff.

The Warbird 100 is designed to test even the most hardcore ultra-runners, promising magnificent vistas and an epic route that dips and dives through the beautiful hollers of Eastern Kentucky. Mandatory gear includes the ability to carry at least 1 liter of water, an emergency space blanket, and a headlamp, vital for navigating the course's remote sections, especially at night. Whether you're aiming for the ultimate 100-mile challenge or a swift 1/2 Marathon, the Warbird 100 provides an unparalleled opportunity to push your limits amidst breathtaking Appalachian scenery.