Races
Mamba 100
Tennessee Cumberland Plateau. Sixteen thousand feet. Gorge trails. November mud on sandstone.
100 mi+2,226 ft-2,223 ft34 hours586 ft to 746 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race bookCumberland PlateauWSER qualifierNovember
Distance100 mi
Gain+2,226 ft
Loss-2,223 ft
Altitude586 ft to 746 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 75°F
- Start686 ft
- High746 ft
- Low586 ft
- Finish689 ft
Field, 2025 · 3-year samplescraped
Starters174
Finish rate63%
Median27:43
Sub-2428
Geometryderived
Steepest drop118 ft-1.1% over 2.1 mi
Night miles53 misunset near 17:00 local
Course records
Men17:17:47John Griffin
Women18:43:40Erika Ashley
The cruxCumberland Plateau gorge descents in November (near mile 65)
Course DNA
The Course
Mamba 100 runs 100 mi through Tennessee. +2,226 ft gain and -2,223 ft loss. Surfaces skew 80% trail / 20% dirt road. Cumberland Plateau gorge descents in November. High point near 746 ft. Low near 586 ft. November temps run 40°F to 75°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 50.
The Work
Train for 2,226 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 34 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 65.
Kit
November in Tennessee: plan for 40°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 34 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 80% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 50.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 25. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 50. Cumberland Plateau gorge descents in November near mile 65 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 33 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Mamba 100 finish lines.
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Sources (2)
- Field stats (2025): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=121799
- Course record (M): https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=110626