Races

Pinhoti

AlabamaNovember

Sylacauga, Alabama. Pinhoti Trail hundred. Fourteen thousand feet on southern Appalachian tread.

100 mi+21,604 ft-21,312 ft32 hours587 ft to 2,323 fttech 5/106 stationsPinhoti TrailWSER qualifierNovemberWSER qualifier
Distance100 mi
Gain+21,604 ft
Loss-21,312 ft
Altitude587 ft to 2,323 ft
Technicality5/10
Air40°F to 75°F
Gradient profileOfficial race GPX
  • Start778 ft
  • High2,205 ft
  • Low629 ft
  • Finish1,070 ft
Aid stations6 stops verified
  1. Alabama at mile 0.0
  2. Pinhoti mile 20 at mile 20, cutoff 6.4 hours
  3. Pinhoti mile 40 at mile 40, cutoff 12.8 hours
  4. Pinhoti mile 60 at mile 60, cutoff 19.2 hours
  5. Pinhoti mile 80 at mile 80, cutoff 25.6 hours
  6. Finish Alabama at mile 100, cutoff 32 hours

Field, 2025 · 18-year sampleresults

Starters195
Finish rate69%
Median28:44
Sub-2421

Geometrycourse math

Steepest drop853 ft-8.6% over 1.9 mi
Night miles53 misunset near 17:00 local

Course records

Men1:47:23Trey Clark2018 results
Women19:04:46Jacqueline Merritt2016 results

The cruxPinhoti Trail ridge rollers in November cold (near mile 65)

Course DNA

The Course

Pinhoti runs 100 mi through Alabama. +21,604 ft gain and -21,312 ft loss. Surfaces skew 85% trail / 15% dirt road. Pinhoti Trail ridge rollers in November cold. High point near 2,323 ft. Low near 587 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 21,604 feet of climbing across 100 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 32 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 Alabama: plan for 40°F to 75°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 32 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 25. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 85% 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. Pinhoti Trail ridge rollers in November cold 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

Pinhoti finish lines.

Sources (4)

Pinhoti