The Wasatch Front 100 2026, also known as “100 miles of heaven and hell”, is one of the most uniquely challenging ultrarunning events in the world. This prestigious 100-mile endurance run is the culminating event in the Grand Slam of Ultra-Running series. It is held in Utah the first Friday and Saturday after Labor Day each year and is an event the team at Strambecco considers one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Southwest. What sets the event apart in its 40+ years is the mind-boggling difficulty, natural beauty, and camaraderie between runners, organizers, and volunteers hasn’t changed since its inception in 1980 when two of five runners completed the event.

The Wasatch Front 100 stands as a distinctively challenging ultrarunning event globally, marking the pinnacle of the Grand Slam of the Ultra-Running series. Beginning at East Mountain Wilderness Park, Utah, and culminating at Soldier Hollow, Utah, it showcases the breathtaking vistas of the Wasatch Mountains. Runners endure an elevation gain of about 24,000 feet and a descent of around 23,300 feet. This premier race is more than a test of speed—it’s a testament to resilience in the face of contrasts: high peaks vs deep valleys, firm trails vs loose scree, fluctuating temperatures, varying terrains, and the oscillation between day and night.

This point-to-point race winds through the core of the central Wasatch Mountains, a picturesque segment of the Rockies. Starting at East Mountain Wilderness Park in Kaysville, Utah, it surges south, climbing a staggering 4,200 feet in 4.4 miles. The journey progresses past iconic landmarks like Francis Peak, Farmington Flats, Big Mountain Pass, Desolation Lake, and Pole Line Pass, eventually weaving down to Pot Hollow Canyon. Following the Cummings Parkway dirt road, it meanders south to Cascade Springs Road and plunges through Decker Canyon. The trail then embraces the Deer Creek Reservoir Trail, guiding runners to the finish at Soldier Hollow’s Pavilion in Wasatch Mountain State Park.

The track is a mix of footpaths, wildlife trails, and dirt roads with sporadic pavement patches ranging from altitudes of 5,000 to 10,480 feet. Although predominantly on well-defined trails, segments through sagebrush, scree, tall grasses, and cobblestones are frequent. Wildlife encounters have included deer, elk, and even mountain lions.

Aid stations provide water, electrolyte drinks, fruits, salty items, and soda during the day, with hot drinks and additional supplies added at nighttime stations. Specialty stations at locations like Desolation Lake and Rock Springs are hike-in stations with limited supplies due to logistical challenges. Runners can have drop bags transported to seven major aid stations and the finish line.

Past races have seen temperatures from a chilling 25°F to a sweltering 90°F. Whether it’s unexpected snowfall, heatwaves, or low visibility due to rain and clouds, the Wasatch Front 100 has seen it all. Utah’s low humidity can also lead to dehydration if runners aren’t careful.

Only those in top physical condition should consider this grueling event. Knowledge of basic first-aid is essential. Understanding symptoms and treatments for heat exhaustion, hypothermia, frostbite, and altitude sickness is crucial. Some stretches between aid stations exceed nine miles, so self-sufficiency is paramount.

Entry is selective and only granted to those who can demonstrate successful ultrarunning experience or its equivalent. Securing a spot is through a lottery. Applications open on December 1st, closing typically by the first week of January. The lottery draw usually takes place on January’s last Saturday. The Race Committee emphasizes pre-race familiarity with the course, and entrants are also obligated to commit 8 hours of trail work.

The Wasatch Front 100 is the final race of the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning, a series of five races representing the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile races contested in the US. To be eligible for the award, participants must officially complete three of the four first Grand Slam Series races and then complete the Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run, all in the same summer. The Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run is the series’ final race and is mandatory.