Eastern States: Blackout 2026

Why be afraid of the dark?

Eastern States: BLACKOUT is a three-night deep dive into what makes the Eastern States 100 such a beast — the night.

This camp isn’t about chasing miles or stacking vert for Instagram. It’s about showing up prepared. You’ll run the same rugged, remote sections you’ll face on race weekend, but under the safety net of a camp designed to help you learn, adapt, and grow more confident with every mile.

There’s nothing simulated here. Just you, the PA Wilds, and a headlamp.

Night Runs

Each night features a different stretch of the Eastern States 100 course — real trails, real distance, real darkness. Routes are subject to change, but will likely include 10–20 mile point-to-point segments on the ES100 course.

All runs begin at 8:00 PM. These aren’t loops or short training laps — they’re long, rugged stretches with minimal support, designed to replicate race-night conditions.

Expect what Eastern States is known for: steep climbs, rocky singletrack, dense forest, creek beds, and long descents that challenge your footing and focus. This is your chance to build confidence with your gear, pacing, and mindset when it matters most — after dark.

Support & Logistics

This is a supported camp — not a fully aided event.

We’ll provide transportation to and from each run segment, a light meal before you head out, and hearty breakfasts back at the lodge after each night’s effort.

But between trailheads, you’re on your own. Carry what you need — water, nutrition, lighting, layers — and treat every mile like it’s race night. These long gaps between support are part of the training.

Back at basecamp, we focus on recovery. Whether you’re swapping stories by the fire or catching up on sleep, this camp is designed to work the body hard — and let it reset fully before the next night.

Camp Experience

BLACKOUT is about learning by doing — but you're not doing it alone. Between runs, you’ll return to the rustic Ponderosa Lodge, where you’ll share meals, recovery time, and stories with other runners preparing for the same goal: to finish Eastern States smarter and stronger.

Daytimes are left open by design. Want to ride the Pine Creek Rail Trail? Paddle a kayak? Catch a quick nap or join a casual clinic on gear or fueling? All optional. You do what your body needs.

Registration includes three nights at the lodge (single-person bed), transportation to and from each run segment, pre-run light meals, breakfast each morning, and full access to optional daytime activities.

Included:

• Three nights lodging at Ponderosa Lodge (single-person bed)
• Transportation to and from all night run segments
• Pre-run light meals each evening
• Hearty breakfasts each morning
• Optional daytime activities and informal clinics

Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance (ESTEA)

The Eastern States Trail-Endurance Alliance exists to promote trail running and the responsible use of public lands. Through the stewardship of the Eastern States 100, Ironstone 100K, and Eagleton Trail Challenge, we manage our races as a public trust—held for the benefit of trail runners, the communities that host us, and the landscapes that make these experiences possible.

Event's current local time: 2:27 PM ET