Advancing Women in Ultrarunning

The Eastern States 100 has earned its place as one of the most demanding and respected ultramarathons in the country. Yet like much of ultrarunning nationwide, women remain significantly underrepresented on its starting line.

We believe this can—and must—change.

SHEastern States exists to open the door wider. Each year, women come together on the legendary Eastern States course to learn, explore, struggle, laugh, and grow—supported by mentors, peers, and a community that believes they belong here. Whether new to trail running or deeply seasoned, participants share rugged miles, hard climbs, muddy shoes, and the knowledge that no one is moving alone.

To ensure access goes beyond encouragement, we created the SHEastern States Women’s Pathways Fund—a nomination-based program supporting women who face documented financial or household barriers to participation. Through partnerships with trusted advocates and female-focused running organizations, support is distributed thoughtfully, equitably, and based on real need. Opportunity should not be limited by circumstance.

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Rooted in Grassroots Trail Racing

ESTEA—home of the Eastern States 100, SHEastern States, Ironstone 100K, and the Eagleton Trail Challenge—is a local, all-volunteer, nonprofit organization. Stewardship is at the center of everything we do: stewardship of trails, of people, and of the communities that host us.

We believe unity matters. Trailrunners, hikers, hunters, anglers, mountain bikers, volunteers, land managers, and local residents all share these forests and ridgelines. Our races exist because of cooperation—with first responders, conservation groups, trail maintainers, state and local agencies, and community leaders who hold these places together long before race day arrives.

We work to keep our events accessible. Costs are kept low by design—the only barriers we want runners to face are the terrain and the mountains themselves, not finances. As an all-volunteer organization, proceeds from our events are reinvested directly back into our communities, returning tens of thousands of dollars each year to local partners, trail work, and regional support. This model keeps ESTEA mission-driven, community-grateful, and fiercely independent.

 

Racing as a Tool for Community and Economic Vitality

ESTEA operates at the intersection of outdoor recreation, economic development, and community impact.

Through nationally recognized events like the Eastern States 100 and Ironstone 100K, we are helping redefine Pennsylvania as a premier destination for world-class trail running—expanding the Commonwealth’s presence in an outdoor recreation landscape long dominated by the American West.

These races do more than test athletes. They bring thousands of visitors to rural and historically under-resourced communities across Central and Northern Pennsylvania—generating meaningful economic activity in lodging, dining, retail, and tourism. In places where few other economic drivers exist, trail running becomes a catalyst: for visibility, for investment, and for long-term opportunity.

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Built to Last

Everything we do is guided by a long view.
We build carefully. We steward intentionally.
So that these races—and these wild places—endure.

For our community today.
And for those who will follow.

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