A wild, remote Hardrock qualifier through the heart of Washington's Dark Divide
Other trail races within 77 miles
The Dark Divide 100 Mile Endurance Run is one of the most technically demanding 100-mile races in the Pacific Northwest. Winding through the 70,000-acre Dark Divide Roadless Area in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this Hardrock 100 qualifier winds through serrated sub-alpine ridgelines, old-growth temperate rainforest, and remote river valleys with up to 16 miles between aid stations. With over 26,500 feet of gain and more than 75% singletrack—much of it raw and rugged—it demands wilderness navigation skills as much as fitness. A mandatory race briefing covers minimal course markings and extended self-sufficiency requirements. Cash prizes are offered for sub-24 hour women's and sub-20 hour men's finishes, and for first runners to complete five consecutive editions.
Recommended for seasoned ultrarunners
Randle, WA, United StatesSeptember 04, 2026
Must meet custom qualifier requirements within the qualification window
Qualifying window: September 04, 2021 – September 04, 2026
Must meet one of: (1) completion of a 100M+ trail race with ≥15,000 ft gain within the last 5 years; (2) completion of a 100K trail race with ≥10,000 ft gain within the last 3 years; (3) completion of two 50M+ trail races each with ≥7,000 ft gain within the last 3 years. Results must be verifiable (UltraSignup or race website). Alternatively, a GPX file + letter demonstrating equivalent wilderness travel capability may be submitted for discretionary review.
8 hours of (1) habitat restoration (plantings, invasive removal, watershed/cleanup), (2) trail building, repair, or restoration, or (3) volunteer activities enabling inclusivity and access to outdoor recreation for underrepresented groups or children. Documentation must be submitted by race check-in.
Qualifying period: Through September 04, 2026
Submission deadline: September 03, 2026
Challenging terrain with rocks, roots, and steep grades
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Cispus Learning Center Start | 0.0 | 1,299 ft |
Juniper Ridge AS #1 Aid Station | 11.8 | 3,642 ft |
Sunrise Peak AS #1 Aid Station | 19.7 | 4,521 ft |
Dark Creek AS Aid Station | 25.6 | 2,497 ft |
Snagtooth AS Aid Station | 41.8 | 4,190 ft |
Wright Meadow AS Aid Station | 51.8 | 3,724 ft |
Lewis River AS Aid Station | 57.2 | 2,014 ft |
Quartz Butte AS Aid Station | 66.0 | 3,320 ft |
Summit Prairie AS Aid Station | 72.2 | 4,573 ft |
Sunrise Peak AS #2 Aid Station | 83.6 | 4,521 ft |
Juniper Ridge AS #2 Aid Station | 91.4 | 3,642 ft |
Cispus Learning Center Finish | 100.2 | 1,299 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Bunkhouse beds at Cispus Learning Center available for $43 via Ultrasignup at registration. Car, tent, and RV camping also available nearby. Camping opens Thursday at noon for 100-mile runners, Saturday for 50K and Fun Run participants.
September in the Washington Cascades can bring rain, wind, and rapid temperature drops, especially at ridge elevations
Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly on exposed ridgelines; mandatory lighting required from start through sunrise each morning
No required gear specified
No recommended gear specified
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