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Burning River 100
Race Details:
- Location: Cuyahoga Falls, OH, United States
- Race Date: 07/25/2026
- Race Distances: 100 Mile, 50 Mile, Full Marathon, Ultra Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: No
World Marathon Majors: No
Western States 100: Yes
UTMB Index: No
Burning River 100 Description
Burning River 100 is run each July out of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, following an out-and-back course through the Cuyahoga Valley on singletrack, bridle trail, and the crushed-limestone Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath. Now in its third decade, the race offers a 100-mile, 50-mile option, and marathon option, with the 100-mile distance serving as a Western States 100 qualifier. Rolling hills through the national park and steady tree cover make for a scenic, runnable course by ultra standards, and a strong relay and volunteer community gives the race a well-supported, homegrown feel.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Burning River 100 Additional Details:
Because the 100 mile course runs out and back through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, runners pass many of the same aid stations twice, which makes crew logistics simpler than a point-to-point race and gives friends and family multiple chances to cheer at the same spots. The 50 mile and marathon course are point to point along many of the same trails as the 100 mile race. July weather in the valley brings warm, humid afternoons that cool noticeably overnight, so runners often shift their pacing and hydration plans as the race carries into a second day. The mix of singletrack, bridle trail, and the flat towpath section offers a change of rhythm throughout the course, breaking up the technical stretches with easier, faster miles. With two decades of history behind it, Burning River has a loyal following of repeat finishers and volunteers who return year after year to keep the event running.
Course Information
Profile: Hilly
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Mixed Surfaces
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 32 hr (100M), 15 hr (50M), 14 hr (Marathon)
# of Finishers
Marathon: 300 finishers (2026)
50 Mile: 250 finishers (2026)
100 Mile: 163 finishers (2026)
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 8,000 ft (100M), 4,000 ft (50M), 2,000 ft (Marathon)
Elevation Loss: 8,000 ft (100M), 4,000 ft (50M), 2,000 ft (Marathon)
Average Temperature
- Low: 64°F
- High: 84°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Ultramarathon Training Plans
Explore structured plans across every ultra distance, from your first 50K to 100 miles and beyond.
Full Marathon Training Plan
Structured plans for every experience level, from your first 26.2 to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, United States
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
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Hotels & Lodging Near the Burning River 100
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