See the 2026 event

Eagleton Trail Challenge: Conquer the Trails of Rocksylvania!

Experience the untamed beauty of Pennsylvania's Wilds at the Eagleton Trail Challenge—an unforgettable spring race that takes runners from the Susquehanna River to the Allegheny Plateau on scenic single-track trails, blending history, adventure, and personal triumph

Eagleton 86 | 47K | 25K Run or Ruck | 10K Run or Ruck

Presented by the Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance

The Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance promotes trailrunning and the responsible use of public lands, through events such as the Eastern States 100, Ironstone 100K and Eagleton Trail Challenge, footraces we manage as a stewardship for trailrunners and the community.

A 2026 Rocksylvania Trail Series qualifying event

Eagleton 2026 Parking + Camping Update

The Sons of Italy campground is the heart of Eagleton. And this year we’re protecting that.

In past years, a big chunk of the main field got eaten up by parking. Not anymore. We want that space to be a real gathering spot all weekend. Think chairs in the grass, crews posted up, finish-line hugs, and that “everybody’s here” vibe.

**Parking for participants + spectators will be at PEDDIE PARK** (about 5 miles from Sons Camp). We’ll run **shuttles** back and forth to the campground.

**PARKING AT SONS CAMPGROUND IS RESTRICTED TO RACE STAFF, EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.**

More shuttle details and timing coming soon

Eagleton 86

This is a graduate-level early season ultra meant to test runners on varying technical terrain, long steep climbs and descents, extended distance and time between aid stations, in both day and night conditions.

This is a gut-check assessment of a runner’s aptitude and fortitude to persevere and succeed.

86 miles. 28 hours.

There are plenty of spring ultras, but not many this long, this remote, or this punishing. Eagleton 86 is one of the only early-season races on the East Coast that delivers true technical trail, big climbs, long stretches without aid, and cutoffs that force you to stay sharp.

It’s steep, rugged, and built to test serious runners. Not with altitude, but with relentless terrain, hard-earned miles, and no easy outs.

Spanning nearly 86 miles through Eagleton Fields and the Chuck Keiper Trail, the Eagleton 86 course delivers a nonstop gauntlet of roots, rocks, narrow tread, steep hollows, and elevation changes that never let you settle. The trail feels alive underfoot, constantly shifting and demanding full attention.

More than just long, Eagleton 86 is brutally honest. The elevation profile stacks with dozens of climbs and descents, repeatedly climbing above 2,000 feet before diving into rocky drainages and technical switchbacks. You'll feel every footfall, and by the end, you'll know you earned every mile.

Forget flowing singletrack or cruise control — this is sharp-edged, old-school Pennsylvania terrain, the kind that doesn’t care about your watch or your ego. It's the estranged cousin to Ironstone 100K, Black Forest Ultra, and Eastern States 100 — same family of remoteness and ruggedness, but with its own no-frills attitude.

This course is raw, remote, and unapologetic, and that’s exactly the point.

Eagleton 86 Course

Eagleton 86 - Aid Stations

Ealgeton 86 Qualification Standards

Qualification Standards This is not an entry-level ultramarathon. Eagleton 86 shares the terrain profile and attitude of events like Eastern States 100. The technical trails, elevation gain, and aid station spacing require real trail experience and a proven ability to move through challenging terrain over long periods.

Minimum Qualification Requirement

• All entrants must complete at least one officially organized 50K trail race between January 1, 2024 and their date of registration.
• The race must be completed within the official cutoff time.
• Results must be publicly available (e.g., posted on UltraSignup or a timing/results site).

Non-Qualifying Events

• Timed events (e.g., 12-hour, 24-hour)
• Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
• Obstacle Course Races (OCR)
• Biathlons or Triathlons (unless the run portion is an organized 50K trail race with results)

Completion Requirement

• The 50K must be completed prior to registration.
• Registrants who do not meet this requirement will not be accepted.
• Exceptions for the date range may be considered only for extenuating life circumstances (e.g., military service, pregnancy).

Rationale The 50K requirement exists to ensure that all entrants have baseline experience on technical trail. This course will expose underprepared runners. If you're not sure whether you're ready, you probably aren’t — and that’s okay. Come back next year.

Participant Responsibility

• Research the course and cutoff expectations, review maps, read trail reports
• Make an honest assessment of your own readiness

Race management will not provide individualized feedback or exceptions beyond the criteria above.

Eagleton 47K

A 2026 Rocksylvania Trail Series race - Dolomite Division

The Eagleton 47K follows a scenic loop through the Eagleton trail system, combining runnable forest trails with a handful of technical sections. From the start, runners head alongside Route 120 before climbing the S.A.W. Trail toward the first aid station at the Eastern Trailhead of the Eagleton Mine Camp Trail. The course continues through multiple interconnected trails, reaching the Western Trailhead before looping back toward the Eastern Trailhead once more. The final miles travel through the Eagleton Demonstration Forest Trail before returning to the finish. The first and last 5 kilometers are the most technical, while the middle portion of the course is largely smooth and runnable.

Approximate elevation gain: ~4,000 feet (estimate based on course profile)

Practical Details:

• Distance: 47K / 29.7 miles
• Surface: Trail / dirt
• Total elevation gain: ~4,000 ft
• Aid stations: 6 total
• Technical terrain: Primarily in the first and last 5 km
• Course style: Mostly runnable with moderate climbs
• Time limit: 10 hours

View Course Map on HelloDrifter

Eagleton 25K Run or Ruck

A 2026 Rocksylvania Trail Series swag qualifier race

Perfect for runners and hikers looking for a shorter-distance challenge that still delivers real trail character. Expect some technical footing early and late, balanced by long stretches of smooth, runnable trail in the middle.

Course Overview: The Eagleton 25K Run and Ruck share the same scenic course through the Eagleton trail system. From the start, participants head alongside Route 120 before climbing the S.A.W. Trail to the first aid station at the Eastern Trailhead of the Eagleton Mine Camp Trail. The route then works its way back through the Eastern Trailhead before turning onto the return trail toward the Eagleton Demonstration Forest Trail and finishing back at the start area. The first and last 5 kilometers are the most challenging sections, while the middle miles offer fast, very runnable terrain.

Approximate elevation gain: ~2,200 feet (estimate)

Practical Details (Run & Ruck):

• Distance: 25K / ~14.6 miles
• Surface: Trail / dirt
• Total elevation gain: ~2,200 ft
• Aid stations: 3 total

Ruck-Specific Equipment Rules:

• Ruck definition: Walking or hiking with a weighted rucksack (backpack)
• Weight standards: 20 lbs dry weight for participants at or over 150 lbs body weight; 10 lbs dry weight for participants under 150 lbs
• Allowed weight: Steel plates, bricks, sandbags, or similar items; all food and water must be removed before weigh-in
• Equipment restriction: Rucksacks only; weighted vests are not permitted

View Course Map on HelloDrifter

Eagleton 10K Run or Ruck

A 2026 Rocksylvania Trail Series swag qualifier race

A great choice for runners looking for a short but demanding trail challenge. This course is often described as a “mountain 10K,” making it ideal for those who enjoy climbing, technical footing, and a big effort in a compact distance

Course Overview: The Eagleton 10K starts from the main staging area and heads alongside Route 120 before climbing the S.A.W. Trail toward the Eastern Trailhead of the Eagleton Mine Camp Trail, where the lone aid station is located. From there, runners turn onto the return trail and head back toward the finish. Despite the shorter distance, the course packs in significant elevation and varied terrain, delivering a tough but rewarding experience.

Approximate elevation gain: ~1,200 feet (estimate)

Practical Details:

• Distance: 10K / ~5.6 miles
• Surface: Trail / dirt
• Total elevation gain: ~1,200 ft
• Aid stations: 1 total
• Course difficulty: Moderate to challenging due to elevation gain and footing
• Time limit: 7 hours

View Course Map on HelloDrifter

Post-Race Feast: A Culinary Adventure!

After conquering the trails, prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic experience like no other!

if Michelin awarded stars for trail race food, our post-race spread would be the first-ever 1-star trail race meal!

Gone are the days of settle for lukewarm hot dogs and stale chips. At the Eagleton Trail Challenge, we believe your stomach deserves as much of a reward as your legs!

What's on the menu? Let's just say our chef traded his trail running shoes for a chef's hat, and the results are nothing short of miraculous. Think gourmet trail mix (yes, that's a thing) and energy gels that could pass for haute cuisine.

Remember, you're not hallucinating from exhaustion when you think you see a sommelier pairing the perfect sports drink with your recovery bar. That's just how we roll at Eagleton!

So come for the trails, stay for the feast, and leave with a full belly and a story your running buddies won't believe. After all, where else can you earn a finisher's medal and a potential Michelin star in the same day?

About the Organizers

The Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance promotes trail running and responsible use of public lands. We manage events like the Eastern States 100 and Ironstone 100K as a stewardship for trail runners and the community.

Questions?
Contact the Race Team using the "Ask A Question" button

Join us for an unforgettable adventure in the PA Wilds. Whether you're a seasoned ultra-runner or taking your first steps on the trails, the Eagleton Trail Challenge awaits!

Protect Your Entry with Refund Guarantee

Life happens. Training injuries, family emergencies, work conflicts - things come up. Refund Guarantee from SPOT gives you a way out if you can't make it to the Eagleton Trail Challenge.

Here's how it works: You add coverage at checkout for a small fee. If something covered happens and you can't race, you file a claim directly with SPOT and get your entry fee back. The race keeps your registration either way, and SPOT handles the refund. No back and forth with the race director.

Important:Refund Guarantee doesn't cover event cancellations or postponements. As stated in the waiver, entry fees are non-refundable if the event is cancelled. Refund Guarantee only covers you personally not being able to participate.

Questions about coverage? Check SPOT's terms or contact their support team.

Event's current local time: 12:27 AM ET