Race planning

Plan Grindstone 100M

Use the listed edition as your starting point. Each tool keeps imported race facts separate from the targets and assumptions you choose.

This is a past edition. These details are for reference; confirm a future edition before making a plan.

Listed edition

Sep 18, 2026 – Sep 20, 2026

Format

Fixed-Distance

Distance

104 mi

Local start time

6:00 PM Friday

Duration / cutoff

36 hours

Crew and pacers

Crews may meet 100-mile runners only at North River Gap (miles 32.4 and 91.8), Dowells Draft (45.6 and 71.9), Camp Todd (82.1) and the finish, and must get there on their own. From Natural Chimneys, North River Gap is 5.6 miles away (about 15 minutes), Camp Todd 13.1 miles (35 minutes) and Dowells Draft 18.1 miles (30 minutes). Crewing or spectating anywhere else, or ignoring parking rules, can get the runner disqualified, and dogs are not allowed at crew locations. Pacers are allowed in the 100-mile only, one at a time, and must sign their own waiver and collect a pacer bib at the expo, since there is no pacer check-in at aid stations. They may join at Dowells Draft 1 (mile 45.6), Dowells Draft 2 (71.9), Camp Todd (82.1) or North River Gap 2 (91.8).

Drop bags

100-mile drop bags go to North River Gap (miles 32.4 and 91.8), Dowells Draft (45.6 and 71.9), Camp Todd (82.1) and the finish. Runners leave them near the start by 4 PM Friday, two hours before the gun, labeled with name, bib number and aid station. Bags return to Natural Chimneys Park and must be collected by noon Sunday, after which they are donated. A separate start/finish bag can be left at the start but is not moved on course. Trekking poles cannot travel in drop bags: runners who use poles must carry them from the start.

Recorded facts reviewed Oct 25, 2026. Check the organizer’s latest rules. Calendar downloads use all-day dates and do not set a starting alarm.