Wasatch Front 100 2026

Wasatch Front 100 2026

Presented by Grand Slam of Ultra-Running
Trail Running
Kaysville, Utah, UT
Sep 4–5, 2026
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About This Event

The Wasatch Front 100 stands as one of ultrarunning’s most formidable challenges, earning its reputation as “100 miles of heaven and hell.” This point-to-point course through Utah’s central Wasatch Mountains combines staggering elevation changes with technical terrain that has humbled runners since 1980, when only two of five finishers completed the inaugural race.

Starting at East Mountain Wilderness Park in Kaysville and finishing at Soldier Hollow, the course delivers approximately 24,000 feet of elevation gain and 23,300 feet of descent. The opening climb gains 4,200 feet in just 4.4 miles, setting the tone for what lies ahead. Runners navigate past Francis Peak, Farmington Flats, Big Mountain Pass, and Desolation Lake before the grueling descent through Decker Canyon to the finish at Wasatch Mountain State Park.

The terrain varies dramatically from well-defined trails to loose scree, sagebrush, and cobblestones, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 10,480 feet. Weather adds another layer of complexity, with temperatures potentially swinging from 25°F to 90°F, sometimes including unexpected snow or rain that creates dangerous visibility conditions.

As the mandatory final race in the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running series, Wasatch attracts seasoned ultrarunners who understand its reputation. The course’s remote nature and aid station gaps exceeding nine miles demand complete self-sufficiency and advanced preparation. Entry requires demonstrated ultrarunning experience and is determined by lottery, with accepted runners committing to eight hours of trail work.

The event’s enduring appeal lies in its uncompromising difficulty and the tight-knit community that has developed around conquering one of America’s most challenging hundred-milers.

Grand Slam of Ultra-Running

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The Grand Slam of Ultra-Running is a prestigious challenge in the ultrarunning community that involves completing four of the oldest and most difficult 100-mile trail races in the United States within a single summer. This achievement is highly respected in the sport and tests the limits of endurance, mental fortitude, and physical resilience.

Races in the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running:

  1. Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Woodstock, Virginia
    • Description: The Old Dominion 100, first held in 1979, is a classic ultramarathon that traverses the rugged terrain of Virginia’s mountains. The race features a mix of gravel roads, single-track trails, and steep climbs, with 24 aid stations to support runners along the challenging course. Participants have 28 hours to complete the race, with those finishing in under 24 hours earning a sterling silver buckle.
    • Link: Old Dominion 100 Details
  2. Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Olympic Valley to Auburn, California
    • Description: Western States 100 is the world’s oldest 100-mile trail race, starting in 1974. This iconic race takes runners from the high-altitude start in Olympic Valley through the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains, with over 18,000 feet of elevation gain and 23,000 feet of descent. The course is known for its scenic beauty, difficult terrain, and extreme weather conditions.
    • Link: Western States 100 Details
  3. Vermont 100 Endurance Race
    • Location: Killington, Vermont
    • Description: The Vermont 100 is one of the oldest 100-mile races in the U.S. and offers both a 100-mile run and a 100-kilometer option. The course takes participants through Vermont’s picturesque countryside, featuring rolling hills, dirt roads, and forest trails. The race is unique in that it also includes a simultaneous horse race over the same course.
    • Link: Vermont 100 Endurance Race Details
  4. Leadville Trail 100 Run
    • Location: Leadville, Colorado
    • Description: Known as the “Race Across the Sky,” the Leadville Trail 100 is one of the most challenging ultramarathons at high altitudes in the Colorado Rockies. Runners must navigate 100 miles of rugged trails, including steep climbs and rocky terrain, all above 10,000 feet.
    • Link: Leadville Trail 100 Run Details
  5. Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run
    • Location: Kaysville, Utah
    • Description: The Wasatch Front 100 is the final race in the Grand Slam series and is often considered the most challenging. The course winds through the Wasatch Mountains, with technical trails, steep climbs, and breathtaking scenery. The race is known for its difficulty, including extreme weather conditions and the rugged nature of the course.
    • Link: Wasatch Front 100 Details

Completing the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running is a remarkable accomplishment that requires physical endurance, strategic race planning, and mental toughness. Runners who finish the series earn significant respect and recognition in the ultrarunning community.​

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