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Grindstone by UTMB
Race Details:
- Location: Mount Solon, VA, USA
- Race Date: 09/19/2026
- Race Distances: 100 Kilometer, 100 Mile, 50 Kilometer, Half Marathon, Ultra Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Western States 100: Yes
UTMB Index: Yes
Grindstone by UTMB Description
Grindstone Running Festival by UTMB takes runners deep into the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest west of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, with a punishing 100-mile route climbing more than 20,000 feet over Reddish Knob, Elliott’s Knob, and the iconic Wild Oak National Recreation Trail. All four distances — 100 Mile, 100K, 50K, and Half Marathon — start and finish beneath the towering limestone spires of Natural Chimneys. As a rare triple qualifier for the UTMB World Series Finals, Western States, and Hardrock, Grindstone draws the sport’s most competitive fields to one of the toughest courses on the East Coast.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Grindstone by UTMB Additional Details:
All 100-Mile entrants must log at least 8 hours of trail work in the calendar year of the race, with the trail-work form due by September 1. Aid stations along the course mix crew-accessible checkpoints with remote, unsupported ones, so runners should study the aid station chart closely when planning drop bags and crew logistics. Race weekend falls during peak Shenandoah Valley fall foliage, and finish-line festivities unfold in front of the historic Natural Chimneys for every distance. Through the Her Plus Grindstone Mentorship Program, one woman or nonbinary runner receives personalized coaching, course planning support, and on-site crewing to help make the jump to 100 miles feel more approachable. Runners can also purchase a UTMB Community Bib at registration, with half the proceeds benefiting a local charity chosen by the race team.
Course Information
Profile: Very Hilly
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Trails
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 36 hr (100M), 18 hr (100K), 9 hr (50K), 6 hr (Half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 135 finishers - 21K distance (2025)
50K: 239 finishers (2025)
100K: 263 finishers (2025)
100 Mile: 109 finishers (2025)
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 20,997 ft (100M), 10,990 ft (100K), 5,085 ft (50K), 1,640 ft (Half)
Elevation Loss: 20,997 ft (100M), 10,990 ft (100K), 5,085 ft (50K), 1,640 ft (Half)
Average Temperature
- Low: 53°F
- High: 76°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.
Half Marathon Training Plan
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you strong and confident at 13.1.
Ultramarathon Training Plans
Explore structured plans across every ultra distance, from your first 50K to 100 miles and beyond.
Things to Do in Mount Solon, VA, USA
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 Grindstone by UTMB
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